Epidemiology

Vaginitis is the most common gynaecological diagnosis in the primary care setting.[2] Women presenting with vaginal discharge account for approximately 10 million clinic visits each year. In approximately 90% of affected individuals in the US, this condition develops secondary to bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, or trichomoniasis, of which bacterial vaginosis is the most common.[3]

Trichomoniasis is the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted infection worldwide, affecting an estimated 3.7 million people in the US.[4][5] 

The number of cases of vulvovaginal candidiasis in the US is difficult to determine because there is no national surveillance for this infection, but it is estimated that 75% of women will have at least one episode in their lifetime, with 40% to 45% having two or more episodes.[4] Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis has an estimated global annual prevalence of 3871 per 100,000 women and is highest in the 25- to 34-year age group (9%).[6] Black women report higher incidence of candidiasis infections compared with white women.[7]

Atrophic vaginitis may affect up to 40% of postmenopausal women, but very few seek medical care.[8][9]

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