Vaginal Discharge (Leukorrhea)

Overview of Vaginal Discharge (Leukorrhea)

Leukorrhea Meaning in Urdu

لیکوریا ایک ایسی بیماری ہے جس کی وجہ سے عورت کے اعضائے مخصوصہ سے سفید، پیلی، یا سبز رطوبت بہنا شروع ہو جاتی ہے جو کہ انفیکشن کی نشانی ہو سکتی ہے۔ لیکوریا کے دوران رانوں کا شدید درد بھی لاحق ہو سکتا ہے اس کے علاوہ بہنے والی رطوبت سے شدید بو بھی پھیل سکتی ہے۔ جنسی عمل کے دوران اگر پروٹیکشن کا استعمال نہ کیا جائے تو اس بیماری کے خطرات بڑھ جاتے ہیں، اس کے علاوہ جسم میں نیوٹرنٹس اور وٹامنز کی کمی ہونے کی وجہ سے بھی یہ بیماری لاحق ہو سکتی ہے۔

Leukorrhea (لیکوریا) is a type of vaginal discharge. It can either be white or yellowish. Leukorrhea is a painless medical condition that affects a million females globally. Leukorrhea also does not cause irritation. But if the color of this vaginal discharge is red or looks like blood then it can be because of vaginal infections.

Signs and Symptoms of Vaginal Discharge (Leukorrhea)

Leukorrhea is a painless vaginal discharge. Some of the common Leukorrhea symptoms are given below.

  • Pain or cramps in the lower abdomen
  • Constipation
  • Headaches
  • Itching sensations in the intimate areas
  • Pain in calves or lower body parts
  • Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
  • White or yellow stains on the underpants
  • Weakness
  • Low metabolism
  • Lethargy

Types of Vaginal Discharge (Leukorrhea)

There are various types of leukorrhea based upon the cause of the vaginal discharge. Given below are the types of leukorrhea.

Physiological Leukorrhea

Physiological leukorrhea is a type of leukorrhea in which vaginal discharge occurs because of hormonal imbalances. Some common scenarios in which this happens are as follows

  • Early days of pregnancy
  • Puberty in young girls
  • Sexually exciting stage

Physiological leukorrhea is a condition that can also affect newborns a week post-birth because of the high levels of estrogen in their system.

Pathological Leukorrhea

Pathological leukorrhea is a type in which the vaginal discharge is foul-smelling and yellowish. Pathological leukorrhea can also be subdivided as follows:

Yeast Infection in Vagina

Yeast infection in the vagina is also known as candidiasis. This condition is most common in either diabetic women or those females who use antibiotics or contraceptive devices. Candidiasis is also because of poor hygiene in intimate areas and a change in vaginal pH.

Cervicitis

Cervicitis is a condition in which the female tends to suffer from lower back pain. This condition can be due to an allergic reaction to contraceptive devices and the inflammation of the cervix.

Trichomonas Vaginitis

Also known as trichomoniasis. In this condition, there is a yellow frothy discharge that also causes an itching sensation. A female suffers from trichomonas vaginitis because of poor maintenance of vaginal health and hygiene.

Causes of Vaginal Discharge (Leukorrhea)

The causes of leukorrhea discharge that are of major concern are given below:

  • Unprotected intercourse
  • Malnutrition
  • Poor hygiene in the private or intimate body parts
  • Injury to the female private parts during pregnancy
  • UTI or urinary tract infections
  • Fungal or bacterial infections
  • Use of contraceptives in the cervix can lead to vaginal irritation
  • Lack of red blood cells or anemia
  • Diabetes
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Risk Factors of Vaginal Discharge (Leukorrhea)

While it is often normal and not a cause for concern, excessive or abnormal leukorrhea can be a symptom of an underlying condition.

Some of the risk factors associated with leukorrhea include:

  • Hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause
  • Poor hygiene practices
  • Sexual intercourse and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • Use of antibiotics or other medications
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Certain medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and cancer
  • Certain lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption

Complications of Leukorrhea

Complications of leukorrhea depend on the underlying cause of the discharge. In some cases, leukorrhea can be a symptom of a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention. Possible complications include:

  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), is a serious infection of the reproductive organs that can cause infertility and chronic pelvic pain
  • Cervical cancer or other types of cancer of the reproductive system
  • Infertility, particularly if the underlying cause of the leukorrhea is related to hormonal imbalances or STIs
  • Chronic discomfort and irritation of the genital area, including itching and burning
  • Infections that can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated

If you are experiencing excessive or abnormal leukorrhea, it is important to seek medical attention to identify the underlying cause and prevent potential complications.

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Prevention

Leukorrhea is a preventable condition. Given below are some of the key preventions for leukorrhea.

  • Good vaginal health
  • Maintenance of personal hygiene
  • Careful in terms of using contraceptives
  • Make sure to have a balanced diet
  • Try to use cotton pads
  • Avoid wearing tight pants, swimming suits, shorts, or pants for long periods of time
  • Do not use colored perfumes on your intimate body parts and avoid feminine hygiene sprays
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Diagnosis

Leukorrhea diagnosis can be performed by taking the vaginal fluid. This fluid can then be examined for microbes and WBC count. As well as the color of the fluid can also provide an insight about what is the type of leukorrhea the patient is suffering from.

Treatment of Vaginal Discharge (Leukorrhea) | When to Consult a Doctor

There are several ways to treat leukorrhea. Some common treatments of leukorrhea are as under.

Home Remedies

You can try the following home remedies for the treatment of leukorrhea.

Coriander Seeds

Soak coriander seeds in lukewarm water and leave them there overnight. Try to consume these seeds on an empty stomach the first thing in the morning.

Hygiene

Pay special attention to the cleanliness of the private parts after using the washroom. Make sure to wipe from the front and back. This step will prevent bacteria from entering the vagina and causing infection.

A Healthy Diet

Consuming a healthy and balanced diet is the first thing that a female needs to do. If you have leukorrhea try to eat lady fingers either raw or steamed. You should also consume bananas. 

Over-the-Counter Medications

Your primary healthcare advisor might also recommend you use some antibiotics after the proper assessment of the situation. The doctor might prescribe some oral antibiotics.

  • Bacterial vaginosis is treated with an antibiotic pill
  • Metronidazole or Tinidazole is prescribed for the treatment of trichomoniasis

Consult a gynecologist if the condition gets worsened.