Sometimes, mild urinary symptoms, such as painful urination (dysuria), can be a symptom of an infection that is not related to the bladder or kidney. When mild urinary symptoms are present with discharge from the vagina, a vaginal infection may be the cause.

Discharge from the vagina may also be a symptom of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or sexual abuse. You may feel uneasy if your health professional brings up the issue of sexual abuse. Health professionals have a professional duty and legal obligation to evaluate the possibility of abuse in a child.

If you think a child or family member has been physically abused, you can help them by reporting the abuse. Resources are available for help.