Numerous misconceptions surround endogenous infections. For example, many women believe, or are mistakenly told by medical practitioners, that their symptoms result from much more serious sexually transmitted infections. This can occur if the presence of inflammation or discharge caused by endogenous infections is confused with discharge produced by STIs such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. Indeed, many studies show that even experienced clinicians cannot reliably distinguish between vaginal discharge caused by sexually transmitted or endogenous infections. Aggressive syndromic management of vaginal discharge may result in considerable over-use of antibiotics, especially if women are routinely treated for suspected cervical infection
