Leucorrhea is a medical term that denotes a thick, whitish vaginal discharge. It is a natural defense mechanism the vagina uses to maintain its chemical balance, as well as to preserve the flexibility of the vaginal tissue. It may also result from inflammation or congestion of the vaginal mucosa.

Leucorrhea can occur normally before a girl has her first period and is considered first sign of puberty. It can occur normally in pregnancy due to increased blood flow to the vagina due to increased estrogen during pregnancy. Female infants may have leucorrhea for a short time after birth due to exposure of estrogen in the womb.

 

                                                                                 

 

Leucorrhea is abnormal if there is change in odor, color of the discharge, irritation or having vaginal itching, painful urination, bleeding from vagina, grayish white discharge, fishy odor from vagina mainly after sexual intercourse are all associated with vaginal infection. Moisture in the vaginal area by restrictive and non absorbent synthetic clothing can also cause vaginal infection.

Causes

• Hormonal imbalance: Due to increased or decreased levels of estrogens.
• Poor health and unhygienic condition of female genital organ.
• Vaginal infections or sexually transmitted diseases.
• Yeast infection like candidiasis.
• Failure of involution (the uterus returning to pre-pregnant size) either due to infection.
• Intrauterine devices.

Investigations:

• Wet smear.
• Gram staining.
• Culture.
• Pap smear.
• Biopsy.

Symptoms and signs:

• White vaginal discharge.
• Pain in the lumbar region and calf.
• Vaginal irritation with burning.
• Dragging sensation in the abdomen.
• Feeling weak.
• Other symptoms are frequent headaches, constipation, itching.

Types of leucorrhea:

• Vulvar leucorrhea: Occurs chiefly in children, but also occurs in the aged women. It is associated with severe itching.
• Vaginal leucorrhea: Occurs most often in young women and consists of white, creamy, purulent fluid.
• Cervical leucorrhea: Occurs mainly in women of reproductive age. It is thick, tenacious, ropy having appearance of unboiled egg white.
• Uterine leucorrhea: Occurs mainly in reproductive age and is similar to cervical leucorrhea but is more watery, less dense and gelatinous in character often mixed with blood or yellowish in color due to mixture of pus

Do’s and Dont’s for vaginal irritation:

• Relieve itching with a cold water compress or cool baths.
• Wash the vaginal and genital area once a day with plain water or a mild non perfumed soap. Rinse well and dry thoroughly.
• Wear cotton and avoid tight-fitting clothing. Avoid tight jeans.
• Avoid use of feminine deodorant sprays and other perfumed products as they irritate and dry tender skin.
• Avoid douching.
• Eat a balanced diet, which will keep your body healthy and maintain normal balance of organisms in the vagina.
• Avoid sexual intercourse.
• Avoid stress and get good amount of sleep.
• Drink plenty of water.

Treatment:

Treatment involves treating the cause of white discharge. Treatment consists of use of both general and topical medication.