Benign conditions of the lower genital tract

1. Big picture

The lower female genital tract includes the vulva, vagina, and cervix. Benign conditions here are extremely common and usually present with one of five patterns:

1. Vulvar itching or pain
2. Vaginal discharge or odour
3. Vulvar/vaginal mass or cyst
4. Cervical lesion or postcoital bleeding
5. Childhood/adolescent vulvovaginal bleeding or discharge

The examiner wants you to manage these cases safely:

Lower genital tract symptom
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Exclude pregnancy if relevant
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Look for infection, inflammation, cyst, trauma, dermatological disease, cervical lesion
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Do speculum/pelvic exam when appropriate