LEUCORRHOEA / VAGINAL DISCHARGE

LEUCORRHOEA/ VAGINAL DISCHARGE/ WHITE DISCHARGE/ EXCESSIVE DISCHARGE/ SMELLY DISCHARGE/ ITCHING P/V

WHAT IS LEUCORRHOEA ??

Leucorrhoea is a white, greenish or a slightly yellow discharge from the vagina. Almost all women experience vaginal discharge, which is white and odourless, and this is a natural function of the body to maintain a healthy vagina and flush out harmful micro-organisms. But if there is any infection, the discharge changes colour. Leucorrhoea in pregnancy is common. It is normal in adolescent girls and may sometimes be evident in new born girls too.

AYURVEDIC ASPECT  FOR LEUCORRHOEA

In Ayurveda literature, Leucorrhoea is not mentioned as disease entity, however white vaginal discharge is quoted as a symptom in multiple Gynaecological problems, sometimes this symptom is so severe that it overshadows actual disease and women seek for treatment of only this symptom. This condition is called as ‘Sweta Pradar’ described as condition characterized with white vaginal discharge not associated with pain, burning sensation and discomfort, thus it seems to as Leucorrhoea.

Since ‘Sweta Pradar’ is a symptoms, not a diseases, hence etiopathogenesis of principle disease will be same as leucorrhoea, On the basis of clinical features, its seems to be Kaphaj Disorder of Female Genital Organ, because Kapha Dosha is main causative factor for any discharge, So it said that Kapha aggravated due to its own vitiating factor, produce white and painless vaginal discharge due dominance of its liquid property by vitiating the Rasa dhatu(Nutrient Plasma) of reproductive system in the presence of Sweta Pradar, causing factor as excessive coitus, Abortions, Improper mode of Life and Dietetics during menstruation and Ritukala(during menstruation) along with non-cleanliness of vagina. 

TYPES OF LEUCORRHOEA

There are two types of Leucorrhoea

Physiologic: This is considered a normal state where the discharge can be due to a change in one’s hormonal levels. Usually it is seen in the early stages of pregnancy, state of sexual excitement, a sign of puberty for young girls and in a new born baby for a week after birth (due to presence of maternal estrogens).

Inflammatory or pathological: In this case the discharge can be yellow in colour and have a foul smell. It could be caused due to any of the infections listed above and a medical consultation is required. The pathological reasons for the condition may be classified as below:

• Cervicitis: One of the most common symptoms of this condition is pain in the lower back. Caused due to an inflammation in the uterine cervix, this inflammation is usually due to an STD, allergic reaction to IUD (intra-uterine devices as contraceptives) or a reaction to contraceptive ointment, jelly or condom used.
• Vaginal yeast infection: Also known as candidiasis or vaginal yeast infection, it is most often seen in women who are diabetic, pregnant, on antibiotics or birth control pills. The change in the pH level of a woman’s vagina can lead to a yeast infection. It could also be caused due to unhygienic conditions including wearing soiled or damp under garments.
• Trichomonal Vaginitis: Trichomoniasis is usually accompanied by a frothy yellow discharge and itching. The probable causes are STD, using soiled sanitary towels or wearing soiled under garments. The symptoms start presenting any time after 3- 28 days after the infection has occurred.

CAUSES OF LEUCORRHOEA

• Sexual intercourse that is unprotected.
• Nutritional deficiency..
• Any injury to the cervix or any other part of the female reproductive system during pregnancy.
• Infection of the urinary tract.
• Vaginal irritation due to the insertion of contraceptive devices.
• Anaemia
• Infection from Bacteria, Fungi or Parasites like Protozoa
• Early/Young age of Pregnancy
• Lack of Cleanliness or poor hygienic measures specially during menses
• Diseases like PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease), Gonorrhoea, Gout, Typhoid, DM, Mental Anxiety, Displacement of Uterus, Anaemia etc.

SYMPTOMS OF LEUCORRHOEA

Main symptoms of the disease are excessive vaginal discharge, pain in the thighs and calf muscles and burning micturition etc. The discharge may be accompanied with foul smelling and itchy sensation or a pain at the infected area.

Others associated symptoms of the disease with excessive vaginal discharge are

• Breathlessness
• Headache and Giddiness
• Indigestion
• Paleness
• Anorexia
• Pain in menstruation
• General weakness
• Polyuria
• Pain & heaviness in lower abdomen
• Constipation
• Anaemia
• Local soreness
• Lumbago
• Malaise
• Pruritus

MANAGEMENT  OF LEUCORRHOEA

DIET AND LIFE STYLE

• Cleanliness of reproductive organs is very important. Wash the genitals carefully during every bath and do not let moisture retain in the genitals area after the bath. Let the water flow on anus and vulva in plenty as to wash them clean. Also wash vagina clean after urinating.
• Self-medication should be avoided because some women are allergic to certain kinds of medicines and use of such medicine may cause further infections and will complicate the issue.
• Drink plenty of water to flush out the toxic substances from the body.
• All sugary foods such as pastries, sweets, custards, ice-creams and puddings must be avoided if there is profuse discharge.
• Mushrooms must be avoided in diet as they are fungi themselves.
• Hot and spicy foods should be reduced to the least in diet.
• Avoid the intake of alcohol.

• Fresh curds must become an integral part of the diet because it not only helps in easy digestion of food but also contain lactic acid, which can reduce the discharge.
• Clean the innerwear and yourself with a good quality detergent which has bactericidal and fungicidal properties.
• Immediately change the clothes including undergarments, if clothes get wet in the rain or due to any other reason.
• Inner wear made of Nylon material should be avoided in summer because as it may retain sweat in the genital area. Cotton is best choice for undergarments.
• Do not unnecessarily use any cosmetics like powders or perfumes in the genital area. They should be strictly avoided.
• Go on a walk or jog early morning to make the body stress-free and also to increase its resistance to diseases.
• Pill users should stop the pill temporarily if the symptoms is very mush annoying.
• Before going physical with your partner make sure he is free from all kinds of infections and habituate yourself to wash your organ clean after meeting thus keep away many diseases.
• Stress buster exercises and morning walk should be made routine; because when body is stress free, immunity will receive a boost against illnesses.

MEDICINE

UPH LECORA SYRUP

• Helpful in all kind of leucorrhoea and menstrual issues.
• Helps in reducing pelvic pain.
• Helps to control itching and burning urination.
• Balances the hormones especially estrogen.
• Boost the immune system and prevents excessive flow of white discharge.