Final answer:
Diagnosis of vaginitis involves symptoms reported by the patient and may include microscopic examination or culture of the discharge. Treatment depends on the cause.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diagnosis of vaginitis typically begins with symptoms reported by the patient. This may be followed by a microscopic examination or culture of the vaginal discharge in order to identify the specific cause. The color, consistency, acidity, and other characteristics of the discharge may be predictive of the causative agent. For example, infection with Candida albicans may cause a cottage cheese-like discharge with a low pH, whereas infection with Gardnerella vaginalis may cause a discharge with a fish-like odor and a high pH.
Treatment of vaginitis depends on the cause and is usually an oral or topical anti-fungal or antibiotic medication.