How is the diagnosis of nonspecific vulvovaginitis typically made?

The diagnosis of nonspecific vulvovaginitis is typically established by exclusion of other specific conditions that may present with similar symptoms, such as infections (like yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis), sexually transmitted infections, or dermatological conditions. This approach is used because there is often no single test that confirms nonspecific vulvovaginitis; rather, it relies on the history of symptoms, physical examination findings, and the negative results from tests for other conditions.

By ruling out these specific causes, clinicians can arrive at a diagnosis of nonspecific vulvovaginitis, which is characterized by symptoms such as itching, burning, or discharge without an identifiable infectious or pathological cause. This method emphasizes the importance of thorough clinical evaluation in achieving an accurate diagnosis in the absence of definitive testing.