Curdy white discharge during per speculum examination indicates:
A. Trichomoniasis
B. Candidiasis
C. Bacterial Vaginosis
D. Cervicitis
Correct Answer: B. Candidiasis
Explanation
Curdy white discharge seen during per speculum examination indicates:
👉 Vulvovaginal candidiasis (Candida infection)
Explanation:
- Caused most commonly by Candida albicans
- Discharge is thick, white, curd-like (cottage cheese appearance)
- Usually odorless
- Often associated with:
- Intense itching
- Vulvar redness and soreness
- Dysuria or dyspareunia
- Vaginal pH is usually normal (≤ 4.5)
Key point:
Curdy white discharge = Candida albicans infection.
Other Options Details
Here is a clear description of all the given conditions:
A. Trichomoniasis
- A sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by Trichomonas vaginalis (a protozoan).
- Symptoms: Frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge with foul smell, itching, burning, dysuria, and dyspareunia.
- Vaginal pH: > 4.5
- Diagnosis: Wet mount showing motile flagellated organisms.
- Treatment: Metronidazole or Tinidazole (treat sexual partner also).
B. Candidiasis
- A fungal infection caused mainly by Candida albicans.
- Symptoms: Thick, white, curdy (“cottage cheese-like”) vaginal discharge, intense itching, redness, and soreness.
- Vaginal pH: Normal (≤ 4.5)
- Diagnosis: KOH mount showing budding yeast cells and pseudohyphae.
- Treatment: Antifungal agents (e.g., clotrimazole, fluconazole).
C. Bacterial Vaginosis
- Caused by an imbalance of vaginal flora, commonly Gardnerella vaginalis.
- Symptoms: Thin, gray-white discharge with characteristic fishy odor, especially after intercourse.
- Vaginal pH: > 4.5
- Diagnosis: Whiff test positive, clue cells on microscopy.
- Treatment: Metronidazole or clindamycin.
D. Cervicitis
- Inflammation of the cervix, commonly caused by Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
- Symptoms: Mucopurulent cervical discharge, intermenstrual bleeding, post-coital bleeding, pelvic pain.
- Diagnosis: Cervical swab, NAAT testing.
- Treatment: Antibiotics according to the causative organism.
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Writer: Vandita Singh, Lucknow (GS India Nursing Group