Leukorrhea – Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

Leukorrhea or leucorrhoea is a thick whitish or yellowish white, sticky, foul-smelling material from the vagina is called Leucorrhoea. This common problem may occur due to unhygienic conditions, infection of the genital tract, or impaired immune function There are many causes of leukorrhea, the usual one being estrogen imbalance. The amount of discharge may increase due to vaginal infection or STDs, and it may disappear and reappear from time to time. This discharge can keep occurring for years, in which case it becomes more yellow and foul-smelling. It is usually a non-pathological symptom secondary to inflammatory conditions of vagina or cervix. Leukorrhea can be confirmed by finding >10 WBC under a microscope when examining vaginal fluid.

Types of Leukorrhea

Physiological leukorrhea

As stated above, this type of leukorrhea normally occurs in adolescents girls at puberty due to hormonal imbalance. This hormone imbalance may occur at the time of ovulation period, before periods and at onset and offset of periods. At this time, a normal vagina discharges slimy and excessive secretions and is a sign of puberty only. It is somewhat necessary for vaginal health and is not an issue of concern.

Pathological leukorrhea

It is also known as abnormal leukorrhea that occurs in a case of infections or diseases of female reproductive system. In this, the patient may suffer from abnormal, thick, and bloody discharge with a foul smell. It needs immediate medical treatment. You should follow personal hygiene strictly. This is a common symptom of vaginitis or cervicitis.

Infectious Leukorrhea

There are few reasons for infectious leukorrhea

• Candida albicans – is a fungus that can easily flourish in moist circumstances and is commonly promoted by synthetic undergarments and poor hygienic conditions.
• Trichomonas vaginalis – is a protozoan parasite that spreads usually through sexual intercourse and moist clothes.
• Gardnerella vaginalis and Chlamydia – are bacteria that are the main cause of bacterial infections. , it is frequently seen in venereal diseases like gonorrhea, syphilis, and AIDS.

Parasitic Leukorrhea

When leukorrhea is caused by trichomonads (protozoan), specifically Trichomonas vaginalis is known as parasitic leukorrhea. Some common symptoms of this disease are burning sensation, itching, and discharge of frothy substance, thick, white, or yellow mucous discharge from the vagina.

Sexually transmitted Leukorrhea

When leukorrhea and excessive discharge from vagina occur due to sexually transmitted disease is called as sexually transmitted leukorrhea. Vulvovaginal candidiasis is such sexually transmitted disease which is a common cause of vaginal discharge.

Stress-related Leukorrhea

Leukorrhea is a complicated issue and needs to be taken care of. Leukorrhea needs to be checked properly whether it occurred due to stress or not? Anxiety has lots of upsetting symptoms and is linked to women’s genital health that needs to be controlled to prevent future consequences.Anxiety and stress are known to create hormone imbalance, healthy bacteria removal, and disturbs immune system which may lead to vaginal discomfort. You can also take an anxiety symptoms test to see your anxiety severity score.

Cervical Leukorrhea

Leukorrhea is a condition of normal mucosal discharge from the vagina which is non-bloody. Sometimes, the discharge from vagina shows slight pathological changes due to malignancy, foreign bodies, constitutional diseases, cervical erosion, bacterial infection or pelvic infections

Causes of Leukorrhea

The causes for leucorrhea While there are a number of reasons for this condition, here are some of the most common ones:

• Unprotected sexual contact
• lack of nutrients
• Poor hygiene
• Injuries to the cervix or any of the tissues in the reproductive system during pregnancy
• Urinary tract infection
• Infections from bacteria, fungi or other parasites. Urinary tract infections are also very common female discharge causes.
• Injuries or trauma to the vagina, the womb or the cervix, which is very common during pregnancy
• Lack of cleanliness or poor hygienic measures
• Irritation from objects like an intrauterine contraceptive device
• The use of sprays, lubricants or jellies
• Contraceptives used by men or women which could cause irritation
• Other infections due to the presence of bacteria or fungi
• Irritation due to contraceptives that are inserted into the vagina
• Irritation due to external contraceptive used by either partners
• Diabetes or anemia
• In an easier and more understandable way, the cause of leucorrhoea has been described as under

A. General Causes

• Poor hygiene
• Malnutrition.
• Anaemia.
• Sedentary habits.
• Chronic illness.
• Excess of tea and coffee.
•  Alcohol.
• Occupation: women serving the whole day long.
• Constipation.
• Diabetes, 
• Intestinal worms in children.

B. Local Causes

• Poor hygiene
• Gonorrhea.
• Cervical erosion
• Displacements of uterus retroversion.
• Prolapsed of uterus.
• Cancer of all types.
• Leukoplakic vulvitis.
• Chronic salpingitis.

Cause of Leucorrhoea in Different Age Group

A. Before puberty

• Unhygienic conditions.
• Worms: oxyuris vermicularis or thread worms.
• Gonorrhoea.

B. Unmarried girls after puberty

• Bad hygienic conditions during menses or otherwise
• Constipation.
• Sedentary habits
• Anemia.
• Any long continued chronic disease.
• Congenital erosion of cervix.

C. In the married women

• Bad hygienic conditions.
• Gonorrhea
• Trichomonas vaginalis
• Displace uterus retroversion.
• Cancer of all types.
• Long continued use of pessaries.
• Chronic cervicitis or erosion.
• Repeated and excessive intercourse.
• Birth control measure.
• Chronic health.

D. After menopause

• Cancer of vulva.
• Cancer of uterus.
• Cancer of cervix.
• Leukoplakic vulvitis.
• Prolapse and decubitic ulcer.
• Gonorrhea.
• Chronic cervicitis.
• Trichomonas vaginalis
• Fungus infection

Symptoms of Leukorrhea

• Fatigue
• Stomach cramps or pain
• Headaches
• Constipation
• Pain in the calves and lumbar region
• Itching
• Pain in the lumbar region
• Thick or thin sticky discharge from the vagina which is white in color is one of the most obvious symptoms of leucorrhoea in young girls.
• When caused due to an infection, leucorrhoea in young girls is yellow in color and has a very foul smell.
• The young girl experiences soreness, swelling and excessive itching in the vagina along with leucorrhea.
• Headache and backache are another common symptom of leucorrhoea in young girls.
• Feeling weak and inactive is commonly seen in young girls having leucorrhea.
• Urination with a burning sensation can be associated with leucorrhoea in young girls.
• Calf and thigh muscles can pain immensely with vaginal discharge.
• Rashes can appear in the genital region with leucorrhea.
• Presence of white discharge on the inside of the undergarment may be noticed when young girls have leucorrhea.
• Irritation and itching in the genital area

Diagnosis of Leukorrhea

1. History

• Duration of the complaint.
• Fungus infection
• Trichomonas.
• Gonorrhea.
• Excessive intercourse
• About the discharge; character, modality etc.

1. 2. External examination — Examination of vulva: bartholin’s glands, urethra, etc.
2. 3. Special examinations

• Gonorrhea.
• Smears from urethra, vagina and cervix.
• Blood examination- CBC, ESR, Hb
• Urine examination.
• Blood pressure examination.
• Biopsy: for evidence of malignancy.
• For Trichomonas, the hanging drop method is done.
• Presence of bacteria: Leukorrhea diagnosis is confirmed by representing gram-negative, intracellular diplococci vaginal smears.
• Vulvar Itching: Leukorrhea, as well as yeast infections, can be suspected when patients complain of vulvar itching and a moderate vaginal discharge.
• Inflamed vagina: Leukorrhea can be diagnosed if the vagina is inflamed and discharge is acidic in nature.
• Wet smear identification: leukorrhea can be identified by wet smear identification of spores and mycelia; however, it is difficult to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment of Leukorrhea

The treatment are following

• Allopathic remedies for Leucorrhea include – Nystatin, Natamycin, and Povidone.
• Antifungal vaginal cream or gel –  Ketoconazole, Fluconazole
• Anti protozoal drugs – Metronidazole,
• Anti hormonal drugs, Estrogen, – Tamoxifen 20 mg tablet {General Pharm Tamofen 20} – 20mg dailyin a single dosage or in 2 divided dosage. The maximum dosage are 40 mg in divided dosage. or raloxifene is altenate option.
• Anti depression drug – Escitalopram,Citalopram – Losita, Esita, Oxapro 10mg and 20mg in a signgle dosage in night continue 14 days to one month.

Nitric acid

Highly recommended in corrosive leucorrhoea; it is one of our best remedies, and one too often neglected. In fact, all of our remedies are prone to be neglected in leucorrhoea, and their place was taken by far less efficient local application. Nitric acid suits a greenish, fetid, obstinate leucorrhoea; the presence of fig warts and condylomata will further indicate the remedy.

OM 24

OM 24 is a unique combination of natural and advanced resonance homeopathic remedies. This natural supplementary product is traditionally believed to support your reproductive organs by administering Sarcodes (bioenergetic imprints) of ovarian and uterine tissues in an attempt to remind the body of optimal hormonal functions and balance estrogen levels.

Femiforte Tablets

Femiforte is a combination of various herbs that are traditionally believed to regulate the normal structure and functioning of the reproductive parts of the female and also improve energy and vitality. It is a useful tonic for the female reproductive organs.

Femiplex Gel

The Femiplex gel is a combination of time-tested ayurvedic herbs. The herbs are said to arrest excessive vaginal discharge and exert immunity-enhancing actions. Thus, this local application potentially helps improve the functions and immune levels of the female genital tract.

Home Remedies of of Leukorrhea

Banana

Banana is one of the most effective remedies for Leucorrhoea. Having one banana every day can be beneficial to your health. It is even better if you add butter to it. Banana helps the vagina in exuding the baleful microorganisms. This fruit takes active participation in vaginal disinfection. Banana is a healthy food to consume when it comes to cleansing your inner body.

Directions for Usage

• Ingest one or two ripe bananas every day.
• Add clarified butter to one ripe banana. Have it at least twice in a day for faster results.
• Add raw banana to your daily vegetable dishes.
• Have a mixture of fresh banana with Amla extract and sugar. You can add Jaggery for better results.

Lady’s Finger

Lady’s finger is beneficial to Leucorrhoea treatment. Lady’s fingers are of mucilaginous nature. This nature is helpful in removing mucus from your body. By extension, it also helps in decreasing the amount of vaginal secretion. However, just having Okra in your daily diet is not enough. For best results consume Okra extraction.

Directions for Usage

• Take a few ladyfingers and wash them thoroughly. Chop them into little pieces.
• Boil the chopped pieces for about 20 minutes. Wait till the water is decreased in half.
• Let the mixture cool down.
• Strain the extraction and take it twice or thrice every day.
• You may add sugar or honey for taste.

Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds help cure some diseases that include Leucorrhoea. The seeds provide comfort to the mucous membranes. As a result, it is extremely useful in managing vaginal discharge. Fenugreek seeds also aid in swelling, irritation, pain, etcetera. It also sustains the pH level in your vagina. Hormonal changes can cause Leucorrhoea. In that case, Fenugreek seeds can help balance the amount of estrogen in your body. Follow the directions below to know more.

Directions for Usage

• Pour 3 to 4 cups of water in a bowl.
• Add 2-3 teaspoons of the seeds.
• Boil the water in medium flame for about 30 minutes.
• Let the water cool down.
• Strain it, and it’s ready to use.
• You can either drink the water or use it to wash your vagina.
• Use this on a daily basis till you get results.

Indian Gooseberry

 

Indian Gooseberry benefits your health in innumerable ways. It is rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C helps to have an active immunity system. As a result, your body becomes more capable of fighting of deadly microorganisms. Amla also contains antimicrobial features. The antimicrobial nature makes Amla the best organic disinfectant for your body. It can cleanse your entire inner body and go in infection-free. Amla can be taken in some ways.

Directions for Usage

• Take 1-2 teaspoons of Amla powder in a bowl and add a little honey.
• Mix it into a paste and consume it twice, daily or else, you can take one cup full of water. Add a teaspoon of powder.
• Boil till the water is decreased in half.
• Add honey or sugar for taste.
• Drink the water every morning with an empty tummy.

Pomegranate

Pomegranates contain therapeutic features. It helps in driving away the infection from your body. The leaves, fruit and the rind of pomegranate are effective in curing Leucorrhoea. Pomegranate is also very beneficial to your skin. There are ways to consume pomegranate to cure Leucorrhoea.

Directions for Usage

• Drink a glass full of pomegranate juice every day for at least a month.
• Take about 30 pomegranate leaves and add 8 to 10 black pepper.
• Grind it.
• Take half a glass of water.
• Add the ground mixture.
• Strain it and drink it twice daily continue until you notice results.
• Make a powder of the dried pomegranate rinds.
• Take 3 to 4 cups of water in a bowl.
• Add the maximum one tablespoon of the powder in it.
• Spray the solution on your vagina every day.

Cranberry

Cranberry is a package of antioxidants, antimicrobials, and antifungal. These are the properties needed to cure Leucorrhoea. Cranberry consumption can help speed up the process. It removes the bacteria from the wall of the vagina. It keeps the vagina clean, internally.

Directions for Usage

• Make juice out of fresh cranberries.
• Drink the juice twice to thrice a day.

Fig Tree Bark

Figs have laxative properties that help in removing toxins from the body. It also eliminates the waste materials of your body.

Directions for Usage

• Put 5 to 6 figs in a cup of water and soak it overnight.
• Next morning, add water to the figs you soaked and blend it.
• Drink the solution in an empty tummy.
• Or take the bark of the banyan and the fig tree. Grind in the same measurement and make a powder.
• Take three cups of water.
• Add half to one tablespoon of the powder.
• Wash your vagina with the solution on a daily basis for the best results.

Cumin Seeds

Cumin seeds are one of those ingredients that can treat vaginal discharge within a fluke.  Along with it, honey is one of the best elements that can make any woman leave a sigh of relief.

Directions for usage

It is recommended to add a thick mixture of ground cumin seeds and honey around the vulva. It can be washed after the mixture stays for few minutes. Consuming cumin water is another adequate remedy.

Sandalwood Oil

Sandalwood contains anti-infective properties that make it one of the essential oils for offering relief from leucorrhoea. Applying few drops of the oil around the vaginal wall two times in a day is recommended.

Guava Leaves

Another natural home remedy to choose while treating leucorrhoea are Guava leaves. Guava leaves when put inside water and seethed for thirty minutes prove to be effective. It needs to be strained and utilized two times on a regular basis as a sponge over the vulva. With time, the indications will vanish.

Rice Water

Being filled with starch, rice water is equipped with demulcent properties that will heal itching and soreness around the vagina.

Directions for usage

After the rice is washed, the water is strained and adding honey is suggested for making it sweet. Drinking the solution regularly will offer women with relief from itchiness and weakness.

Betel Nut

When it comes to a natural cure, then this is one of the most significant ingredients. One way to consume is to crush Areca Nut (Supari) or Betel Nuts and dried petals of rose as well after accumulating a little amount of sugar candy.

Future occurrence of the disease can be prevented. Betel nut can be chewed after the completion of every meal.

Walnut Leaves

Vaginal infections can be treated in the best possible manner with walnut leaves that contain antifungal properties. Walnut leaves need to be boiled for full twenty minutes and strained. It then becomes like a sponge that needs to be used on the vaginal area three times every day till the itchiness fades away.

Coriander Seeds

This is a highly active ingredient for treating vaginal discharge. Overnight soaking of coriander seeds is the first step. After straining the water has to be consumed when the stomach is empty. Positive results are bound to occur after a week.

Neem

The natural and available herb if consumed on a regular basis, detoxifies the body and helps to solve all issues. It also possesses- pure ingredients, often boosts immunity. Helps to cure dryness and irritation around private parts.

Directions for usage

• Take 2 to 3 neem leaf and grind well.
• Add cumin seeds to it and make a paste of it.
• Consume till three weeks and see the difference.
• Regular drinking of cow milk with few drops of neem oil can also prove to be beneficial.

Aloe Vera

This plant is not only placed at home as a decorative plant but possesses nutrients that treat issues that women face. It is the traditional way of mending problems of leucorrhoea. This is because of its consumption tones up uterine tissues, leaving the part clean and clear.

Directions for usage

• Cut the plant into two halves.
• Wash the same in running water till the bitter part is well washed off.
• Peel off the flesh and add cumin powder to it.
• Let it soak for 3 hours.
• Finally, make juice of this.
• Consume regularly to clear many problems apart from this.

Basil Leaves

This plant or leaves is not only famous for its religious value. It possesses high medicinal importance too – as this prevents one to minimize leucorrhoea faster than other herbs.

Directions for usage

• Take appropriate amount of Basil Leaf and make a paste out of it.
• Add honey to the paste and consume daily for about 2 to 3 weeks continuously.
• This leaf can be well consumed with Milk – everyday consumption would lead to the eradication of the problem.

Dry Ginger

The ground ginger is most useful as the home remedy for treating leucorrhoea. It helps to reduce mucus from the body and finally relieves the issues persisting in the body.

Directions for usage

• Take the dry powder of ginger – boil the same till the residue deposits at the bottom.
• Drink the water for about three weeks and finally get rid of leucorrhoea.

Some additional tips to cure Leucorrhoea are

• Maintain adequately clean hygiene. The genital region should be of paramount consideration.
• Hydrotherapy or Cold-water bath is an efficient way to increase blood circulation in the genital region. The cold water helps lessen the obstruction in your pelvic area. Hydrotherapy on a daily basis can help speed up the process of curing Leucorrhoea.
• Exercise can cure most of the disorders in your body. Exercise also boosts your immunity system to fight off the harmful substances from entering your body. Exercise mains the regularity in blood circulation as well. So, working out daily can have an immense impact on your entire bodily functions.
• Aromatherapy can also be helpful in this situation. Oils extracted from sandalwood, oregano or rosemary is a beneficial remedy for Leucorrhoea. Make sure the oils are anti-infective before you use them.
• Proper rest and sufficient sleep can also provide you with quicker results.
• Drink herbal tea with blackberry or sage leaves to ease the treatment.
• Avoid using deodorants, soaps, sprays, tampons or sanitary napkins during the procedure.
• Change your underwear at least twice every day.
• Use clean and dry undergarments.
• Avoid synthetic and tight underwear.
• Wash your genital area frequently with fresh water.
• Wipe the entire region properly.

Food to Stay Away from

• Some food items can aggravate your situation if taken during the treatment.
• Do not consume any spicy food.
• Avoid deep-fried food.
• Do not eat anything prepared with white flour.
• Stay away from products with white sugar.
• Avoid drinking coffee, regular tea or any other aerated condiments.
• Quit drinking alcohol.
• Do not eat canned or tinned edibles.

Other recommendations for the treatment of leucorrhoea

• Maintain good hygiene, especially in the genital areas to prevent any bacterial infections.
• Hydrotherapy/ Hip bath/Cold sitz bath is effective in increasing blood circulation in the vagina. Coldwater bath also helps relieve congestion in the pelvic region. Take daily hydrotherapy to speed up healing.
• Exercise regime helps in the treatment of leucorrhoea. Exercises improve blood circulation and build immunity to bacterial attacks.
• Aromatherapy with anti-infective essential oils of rosemary, oregano, and sandalwood is an effective natural cure for Leucorrhoea
• Adequate sleep and rest facilitate faster healing.
• Herbal tea such as green tea blended with sage or blackberry leaves facilitates in treatment.
• Avoid sanitary napkins, deodorants, sprays, and other irritants during treatment as they can aggravate leucorrhoea.

In order to treat leukorrhea, consumption of fruits and vegetables is very necessary. Some leukorrhea food include

• Bananas
• Cranberries
• Oranges & Lemons
• Black plums
• Okra
• Leafy green and onions
• Broun rice
• Yoghurt

Spices include: Ginger, garlic, fenugreek, and coriender.

Homeopathic management of leucorrhea

• Calcarea carbonica – indicated by its general symptoms, prominent complaint of this remedy is morning affections, these are morning hunger, acidity of the stomach, cold and damp feet. It corresponds especially to scrofulous person with enlarged cervical glands.
• Sulfur – is another remedy suitable to scrofulous subjects; it has a leucorrhoea which makes the parts sore. It is rather indicated by the general than local symptoms.
• Caulophyllum – has leucorrhoea in little girls which is very profuse and weakness the child very much.
• Calcaria phosphoric – is a fine remedy in the scrofulous diathesis; it has a profuse milky bland leucorrhoea.
• Pulsatilla produces and cures a milky leucorrhoea which becomes watery, acrid, and burning from being retained in the vagina. mucous, thick, creamy, white leucorrhoea sometimes replacing menses, with chilliness, disposition to lie down, and lowness of spirits. It corresponds to a disposition to leucorrhoea and suits leucorrhoea in chlorotic subjects.
• Helonin – For profuse, yellow, thick leucorrhoea with some irritation and itching, in anemic sallow patients with much prostration and general debility, worse from slight colds and excretion, it is the most useful remedy.
• Lilium TIg – has an excoriating, watery, yellowish, or yellowish-brown leucorrhoea, which is profuse and is accompanied by a depression of spirits and bearing down in the pelvic region.
• Hydrastis – suits a tenacious, thick, ropy leucorrhoea with the erosion of the cervix; a mucous leucorrhoea which is profuse and debilitating corresponds to Hydrastis.
• Sepia – Cures a leucorrhoea which is of yellowish-green color, somewhat offensive and often excoriating, due to pelvic congestion of a passive type, milky, worse before menses with bearing down; there are pains in the abdomen and pruritis.
• Kali Bich has a yellow, ropy, stringy leucorrhoea. It is suitable to fat, light-haired persons.
• Kreosote – few medicines have the same power in leucorrhoea as Kreosote. It cures a profuse watery, sometimes a yellowish leucorrhoea. The acridity is marked; it causes excoriation of the parts which come in contact with it, causes soreness and smarting and red spots and itching on the vulva, always with great debility; leucorrhoea preceding menses. It is so acrid that it causes the pudenda and things to swell and itch.

Prevention

There are many precautions that a woman must take in order to prevent leukorrhea. Some of these are as follows:

Washing the genital area with normal water is very important to maintain hygiene conditions. After washing proper drying is also very necessary to avoid retention of any kind of moisture in that area.

• Never use any kind of soap for cleaning the vagina, as soaps can disturb the pH of vagina which is one of the main causes of leukorrhea. Plain water or mild intimate washes are recommended.
• Change your clothing right away in case you get wet in rain.
• Plenty of water is the key to get rid of leukorrhea, as it will flushes out the toxins from the body.
• Cotton clothing is always preferable over nylon clothing, as cotton panties allow the skin to breathe and it do not retain any sweat.
• Engage in a sexual activity only if your partner is completely free from any kind of infection.
• Wash your undergarments only with antibiotic solution and let them dry under the sun.

References

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