Introduction –

• Leucorrhoea is a condition in which there is a whitish discharge from the vagina. It has been experienced by most women of all ages.

• It may be thick, viscid and foul smelling if it is caused by some infection. Sometime hormonal and metabolic disorders are responsible for the condition. Moreover women tend to sweat a lot in that area which increases the chances of infections and inflammation.

• The word leucorrhoea means white flow from the vagina almost any color presents itself in this disease process. Any discharge that is not blood is called leucorrhoea. It is not a disease but the product of disease stat. The genital canal is one of the waste gates of the body.

• The vaginal discharge plays an important role in maintaining a healthy vagina.The secretions are designed to flush out bacteria and other tiny organism to prevent infections. Normal vaginal discharge is odorless and a clear or pale milky color.

Causes of Leucorrhoea –

1) Infection from bacteria, fungi and other parasite. Urinary tract infections are also caused by female discharges.
2) Injuries or trauma to the vagina, the womb or the cervix which is very common during pregnancy.
3) Lack of cleanliness or poor hygienic measures.
4) Irritation from the objects like an intrauterine contraceptive device.
5) The use of spray, lubricants or jellies.
6) Contraceptives used by men or women which could cause irritation.
7) Sexually transmitted disease.
8) Diet low in nutrition.
9) Worries, anxiety, overwork and sexual excitement without fulfillment may cause chronic leucorrhoea.
10) Excessive use of stimulants such as tea, coffee, alcohol, smoking leads to leucorrhoea.
11) The constitutional cause of leucorrhoea include debilitated conditions due to anemia, tuberculosis etc.

Symptoms –

• Whitish discharge from the vagina.
• Thick, viscid as well as foul smelling discharge mainly during puberty.
• Pain in the lumbar region and the calves.
• Dragging sensation in the abdomen.
• Weakness
• Constipation
• Frequent headache
• Intense itching in the genital region.
• Irritability
• Black patches under the eyes.

Investigations –

a) Any History of –
i) Fungus infection.
ii) Trichomonas.
iii) Gonorrhea.
iv) Excessive intercourse.
v) Duration of the complaint.
vi) About the discharge, character, modality.

b) External examination –
Examination of vulva – Bartholin’s gland, urethra.

c) Special Examination –
i) Smear from urethra, vagina and cervix.
ii) Blood examination.
iii) Urine examination.
iv) Blood pressure examination.
v) Biopsy – evidence of malignancy.
vi) For trichomonas, hanging drop method is done.

General tips:-

• Rest and exercise.
• Healthy diet.
• Personal hygiene.
• Regularity of bowel movements.
• Intake of fruits and vegetables such as bananas, oranges, lemons, leafy green, onion.
• Take brown rice, yogurt and ghee in large quantities.
• Avoid eggs, meat, bread, mushrooms, sweets and fermented foods.
• Fried and spicy food should be avoided.
• Avoid white flour, white sugar, condiments, tea, and coffee.
• Don’t keep the stomach empty for a long time.
• Do not take heavy or indigestible food material.
• Sour items especially pickle and curds should be forbidden.
• Intake of supari after consuming food is useful for this disease.
• Proper sleep.
• Going in a fresh air and sunshine.
• Intake of milk regularly.
• Take seeds, nuts, grains, in the diet.
• Drink lots of water.
• Vaginal area should be kept clean and dry.

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