Leucorrhoea, also known as whites, is a medical term used to describe a condition where women experience a thick white or yellow colored discharge from the vagina. Although vaginal discharge is important for maintaining good genital health, changes in the discharge require medical attention in order to prevent infections. The main role of vaginal secretions is to expel harmful bacteria and other organisms from the body. Normal vaginal secretions are clear and odorless whereas leucorrhea is often thick and accompanied by foul odor. Leucorrhea is generally of two types, physiological and pathological. Physiological leucorrhea refers to vaginal discharge because of physical factors like excitement or nervousness. Physiological leucorrhea is common under the following circumstances:
Pathological leucorrhea on the other hand occurs because of improper nutrition and general bad health. Dysfunction in the genital tract also causes pathological leucorrhea. Similarly, in some cases it is a result of psychological factors. Congestion or inflammation in the vaginal mucus also causes leucorrhea and requires immediate medical attention so that your can prevent other infections and diseases. Many women also experience leucorrhea after delivery and in such cases if it is accompanied by foul odor and backaches, it could indicate uterine infection. Leucorrhea generally continues for several consecutive weeks or months and requires continuous treatment until the symptoms start subsiding or disappear altogether. Timely treatment of leucorrhea is necessary to prevent it from becoming a chronic problem.
Symptoms of leucorrhea may vary in intensity from woman to woman. Some women may experience several symptoms together, while others may be relatively asymptomatic. Some of the common leucorrhea or white menstruation symptoms include:
White menstruation symptoms like severe irritability and black eye patches are generally common in chronic cases of leucorrhea.
Leucorrhea is a condition that does not have a sudden acute onset. It refers to a general toxic condition of the female genital system. Leucorrhea may affect one or more organs of the female reproductive system. Whenever there is an abnormal accumulation of toxins in the body because of unhealthy eating habits, organs like the kidney, bowels and skin find it difficult to expel these toxins from the body. As a result, the body tries to expel these toxins in the form of foul smelling and thick vaginal discharge. In cases of chronic leucorrhea, the vaginal discharge may be white, yellow or even greenish and accompanied by pus. Some of the common causes of leucorrhea include:
Leucorrhea may occur in young girls during the years before and after the onset of menstruation. In such cases leucorrhea could be the result of irritation of the genitals caused by factors like dirt, intestinal worms, wet or damp undergarments or masturbation. In young women, leucorrhea generally occurs in between menstrual periods when the mucus membranes thicken. This kind of leucorrhea causes painful menstruation and other menstruation problems. In older women, leucorrhea may be a result of other problems like gonorrhea, which causes vaginal discharge and painful urination. Leucorrhea in some cases may be the result of womb displacement, which attracts and encourages bacterial growth in the genital organs. Pelvic inflammatory diseases cause leucorrhea, which leads to abnormal vaginal discharge accompanied by lower back pain and lumbar pain.
Identifying the symptoms of leucorrhea is the first step in treating this condition. Depending on the exact cause, doctors may recommend leucorrhea treatment in the form of oral drugs and medications as well as topical ointments and creams. In addition to these treatment options, there are also a number of home remedies for leucorrhea, which can help cure this condition safely. Keep in mind that although many naturalists make claims about the healing effects of various remedies, many of these claims are unfounded and few are backed up by scientific evidence. This said, some remedies may be worth trying, as they pose little risk and there is still a dearth of research on some remedies. Some of these simple home remedies are as under:
Although these home remedies are usually safer compared to most other conventional drugs and medications, it is always better to consult your doctor before trying any of them.
What you eat also plays a vital role in the treatment of leucorrhea and therefore a healthy diet is necessary for women suffering from this condition. You should eat yogurt at least once a day while suffering from leucorrhea. Fresh fruits and vegetables should be a part of the daily diet. A well balanced diet comprising of foods rich in fiber, protein, carbohydrates and other essential nutrients not only helps treat leucorrhea but also prevents its recurrence. It is best to avoid all types of meat while suffering from leucorrhea as they will only worsen the condition. You can eat plenty of nuts, whole grains and seeds but stay away from spicy foods, processed foods, greasy and oily foods, condiments and preservatives. It is also important to avoid beverages like coffee and tea while suffering from leucorrhea. The diet should be light, limited and easily digestible in the initial stages of leucorrhea. Once the symptoms start subsiding, you can gradually increase intake of healthy foods and get on to a routine well balanced diet.
Other than following proper dietary guidelines, there are also a few lifestyle changes that are beneficial in leucorrhea treatment. It is extremely important to maintain proper hygiene to prevent conditions like leucorrhea. You should wash undergarments regularly and properly to prevent infections that can result in white discharge. A well balanced diet combined with daily exercise is the best way to equip the body to fight various infections and diseases. Proper and adequate rest is also very important for treating leucorrhea. Alternative therapies like yoga are also beneficial in treating and preventing leucorrhea. Pranayama, Vajrasana and Sarvangasana are some of the effective yoga exercises for treating leucorrhea.