[Current possibilities for diagnosis of vulvovaginal infection].

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The objective of the study was to describe current possibilities of proper diagnosis of vulvovaginal infections.

DESIGN

Review article.

SETTINGS

Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Medical Faculty, Charles University and the General Teaching Hospital, Prague, Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Clinical microbiology and antibiotic center, First Medical Faculty, Charles University and General Teaching Hospital in Prague.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Presentation of literature review information and our practical skills in diagnosing vulvovaginal infections.

CONCLUSIONS

Vulvovaginal infections are a common problem which we encounter in daily gynaecological practice. Most women with those conditions need only basic investigation and treatment. However, in order to offer the appropriate care for those women it is necessary to understand the basic pathophysiology of vulvovaginal disorders. A fundamental step is to make the correct diagnosis. All too often our decisions are influenced by clinical dogmas which are even found repeatedly in gynaecological textbooks. Microscopic examination represents the gold standard in the diagnosis of vulvovaginal infections.