Leucorrhoea (White discharge)

What is Leucorrhoea?

Leucorrhoea, also known as the white vaginal discharge is a very common condition that has been experienced by women of all ages, at some time or the other.

The amount of discharge may increase due to vaginal infection, 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 the vagina or cervix.

Symptoms

Main symptoms of the disease are excessive vaginal discharge, pain in the thighs and calf muscles and burning micturition etc. The vaginal discharge colour may be whitish, yellowish, reddish and blackish.
The vagina normally contains bacteria. Bacterial growth is controlled and affected by many different factors, such as acid level (pH) and hormones. Anything that upsets this balance may increase your risk of infection or overgrowth of any of the normal bacteria or by yeast.

Causes

The vagina normally contains bacteria. Bacterial growth is controlled and affected by many different factors, such as acid level (pH) and hormones. Anything that upsets this balance may increase your risk of infection or overgrowth of any of the normal bacteria or by yeast.

Possible triggers include:

• Poor Hygiene
• Anaemia
• Antibiotic use
• Birth control pills
• Douching
• Diabetes
• Pregnancy
• Stress
• Tight or synthetic undergarments

Infections are treated with antibiotics. Often just one dose of antibiotics by mouth is enough. Another option is to use antibiotics in vaginal cream or gel form, especially if you have significant side effects when you take antibiotics by mouth. Also, the vaginal cream can be more soothing for the inflamed, sore vaginal lining.

If you are diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic called metronidazole (Flagyl). If your doctor suspects you have a sexually transmitted disease based on your history and physical exam, you may be given antibiotics by injection and by mouth in the office before the tests results can confirm the diagnosis.

If you have recurrent yeast infections and recognize the symptoms, you may use over-the-counter antifungal creams without a prescription. If your symptoms do not improve, see your doctor for an exam to confirm the diagnosis and change the treatment.

Atrophic vaginitis may develop with hormonal changes, for example, during breastfeeding after pregnancy or while using certain types of hormonal contraceptives. More commonly, it occurs during or after menopause.

After menopause, estrogen therapy may be taken by mouth or vaginally. Vaginal administration exposes you to lower levels of hormones. For mild cases, using a water-based lubricant may be enough. If you use hormonal contraception, changing the type contraception may help improve symptoms.