Safeguarding concerns for younger adults
For patients under the age of 16, it is beneficial to see these patients in our surgeries, rather than directing them to sexual health clinics. Although these patients can be seen in the sexual health clinic, there may be more complex situations happening, especially in their home or social lives that we should be aware of.
This includes patients with safeguarding concerns. These patients we will hope to bring into the surgery sooner rather than later.
You can check for any documented safeguarding concerns via the patient’s alerts on EMIS.
Vaginal discharge
BV (bacterial vaginosis) and thrush (candidiasis) are the two most common causes of abnormal vaginal discharge.
BV
- Often is a watery discharge, with a foul odor (often described as smelling like fish)
Thrush
- Typically presents as a thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge
- Often accompanied by itching and redness of the vulva and vagina
It's important to note that while these are common causes, other conditions such as sexually transmitted infections can also cause abnormal discharge.
Thrush can often be treated by pharmacy first - except for certain conditions.