Differential Diagnosis for Whitish Vaginal Discharge with Burning Micturation
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Vaginal Yeast Infection (Candidiasis): This condition is characterized by a whitish, cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge and is often accompanied by symptoms such as itching, redness, and burning during urination (dysuria) due to the proximity of the urethral opening to the vaginal opening.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): Although BV typically presents with a fishy-smelling, thin discharge, some cases can have a whitish discharge. Burning during urination can occur if the infection irritates the urethra.
- Trichomoniasis: This sexually transmitted infection can cause a frothy, greenish-yellow or whitish vaginal discharge and is often associated with dysuria and vaginal itching.
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): While primarily causing burning during urination, a UTI can sometimes be associated with an increase in vaginal discharge, especially if the discharge is caused by another underlying condition.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Gonorrhea: A sexually transmitted infection that can cause burning during urination and abnormal vaginal discharge. It's crucial to diagnose and treat gonorrhea promptly to prevent complications like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
- Chlamydia: Similar to gonorrhea, chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause dysuria and abnormal vaginal discharge. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent long-term reproductive health issues.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): PID can result from untreated sexually transmitted infections and can cause a range of symptoms including pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal discharge, and dysuria.
Rare Diagnoses
- Vulvar or Vaginal Cancer: Although extremely rare, certain types of cancer can cause abnormal vaginal discharge and dysuria. These conditions are more common in older women or those with specific risk factors.
- Desquamative Inflammatory Vaginitis (DIV): A rare condition characterized by a purulent vaginal discharge and significant inflammation of the vaginal walls, which can cause burning during urination.