Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) A Practice Exam

What commonly causes spontaneous complaints of abnormal vaginal discharge?

1. A vaginal infection

2. A hormonal imbalance

3. Pregnancy

4. Use of birth control pills

The correct answer is: A vaginal infection

Abnormal vaginal discharge is often caused by various types of vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, or sexually transmitted infections. These conditions disrupt the normal flora of the vagina and can lead to changes in the discharge's consistency, color, and odor. When someone spontaneously reports abnormal vaginal discharge, it typically indicates an attempt to describe symptoms they are experiencing, which are frequently related to an underlying infection. While hormonal imbalances, pregnancy, and the use of birth control pills can also contribute to changes in vaginal discharge, they are not the most common causes of spontaneous complaints. Hormonal fluctuations can lead to variations in menstrual cycle-related discharge, and while pregnancy can lead to some changes, it does not typically result in an abnormal discharge that is spontaneously reported unless accompanied by other symptoms or complications. The use of birth control pills may alter the menstrual cycle and discharge but is not commonly associated with complaints of abnormal discharge in the same way that infections are.