Causes of Leukorrhea in Fasa, Southern Iran

Introduction: Vaginal Discharge (leukorrhea), is quite common in reproductive ages specially in sexually active women. Most encountered causes include bacteria, fungi and parasites. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of different causes, precipitating factors and symptomatology of leukorrhea Materials and Methods: It is a descriptive cross sectional study performed in 12 months in Fatemia clinic (affiliated to Fasa Medical School, Fasa, Iran). Inclusion criteria was presence of leukorrhea in absence of pregnancy and vaginal bleeding. A questionnaire in addition to history and physical examination was completed for included cases. A direct smear, gram staining and culture was taken from the vaginal discharge. Results: 1252 patients with average age of 31.7 9.7 years (15-53 year old) were studied. 95% were married and 75% were multiparous. 12% were using condom for contraception. Neither had multipartners. Clinical manifestations included pruritus (57%), local irritation (30%), Dysparaunea (24%). Direct smear with normal saline (3% positive for Trichomoniasis), KOH (15% positive for Candida), gram staining (51% positive for gram positive cocci) and culture (82% positive for gram positive cocci) were performed. conclusion: Microbial vaginal discharge in sexually active women is less common in those who use condom for contraception and causes in order of prevalence are gram positive cocci, candida, Trichomoniasis, Gardenella Vaginalis and Gonorrhea.