Home Women's HealthWomen's sexual health Leukorrhea: causes, symptoms and treatment

Leukorrhea: causes, symptoms and treatment

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on
Leukorrhea

The woman secretes different vaginal flows throughout the menstrual cycle like body actions to keep the vagina protected from bacteria, healthy and moist. However, when this secretion increases in quantity and changes in color, odor, or consistency, it can signify vaginal infection or hormonal disorders. The excess vaginal discharge is known as leukorrhea condition characterized by thick, sticky secretion, which can be white, yellow, or green and can vary and hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle.

Although a change in vaginal discharge is alarming, leukorrhea does not represent a significant health complication in most cases. On the contrary, it is associated with changes that the female body undergoes during pregnancy and with some vaginal infections. To learn more about Leucorrhea: causes, symptoms, and treatment, we invite you to continue reading this FastlyHealarticle carefully.

Causes of Leucorrhea

Vaginal acidity

The vagina, unlike other body tissues, has a pH that ranges between 3.5 and 4.5, which is responsible for the fact that all the microorganisms that protect it from bacteria and fungi remain in it and perfect balance. However, any change in the acidity of the vagina can stimulate the proliferation of bacteria or yeasts that lead to an infection of the vagina or uterus, conditions characterized by the presence of leucorrhoea.

Urinary infection

The female urethra is exposed to the outside and close to the vagina and anus. Any infection of the urethra, bladder, or even the presence of parasites in the anus can alter the environment of the vagina and cause leukorrhea.

Personal cleanliness

Not every time that vaginitis, inflammation of the vaginal tissue, occurs, the cause is germs and bacteria. In some cases, the fault lies with the personal hygiene products, which can alter the bacterial flora of the vagina, reduce acidity, and even cause discomfort and irritation due to the aroma they offer. Vaginal deodorants, douches, lubricants, and soaps can all be responsible for leucorrhoea vaginitis.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the female reproductive system, especially the uterus, undergoes a series of changes, including hormonal variation, which can have peaks and valleys throughout the gestation period. For this reason, it is widespread and standard for pregnant women to have abundant vaginal discharge throughout the nine months.

Vestibular and dyscratic leukorrhea

Vestibular leucorrhoea occurs during the psychosexual arousal process just before intercourse and is recognized because the fluid moistens the woman’s genitalia. Dyscratic leukorrhea is due to the increased production of estrogens.

Trichomoniasis

It is an infection that affects the lining of the vagina and cervix and is caused by a parasite. This condition, known as trichomoniasis, is transmitted through sexual intercourse. Most people do not realize they have it. In women, it is characterized by causing excessive discharge and is accompanied by inflammation.

Candidiasis

Candidiasis is an infection caused by the Candida Albicans fungus. It is straightforward to recognize because it is very itchy and causes the discharge of a whitish discharge that looks similar to cottage cheese. Any change in the bacterial flora of the vagina can cause this infection that is not transmitted through sexual intercourse.

Vaginosis bacteria

It is the most common vaginal infection among women, and its cause is unknown. This condition is also straightforward to recognize because it causes, in addition to Leucorrhea, a very foul odor in the vagina that is similar to that of fish. Burning, itching, and pain are also part of its symptoms.

Other conditions that can cause leukorrhea

  • Cervical polyps.
  • IUD devise.
  • Birth control pills.
  • Thyroid gland disorders.
  • Decrease or increase in the production of ovarian hormones.
  • Infection of the cervix.

Other conditions that can cause leukorrhea

Symptoms of Leucorrhea

In general, Leucorrhea is usually an asymptomatic condition that does not manifest more than an increase in vaginal discharge. However, depending on its cause, other symptoms, such as: may accompany it

  • In case of vaginitis: itching, burning, skin damage, and pain during sexual intercourse.
  • In the case of trichomonas infection: the discharge is greenish, frothy, and with a fecal odor.
  • In case of yeast infection: white discharge similar to cottage cheese, itching and burning.
  • In bacterial vaginosis: foul smells like fish, burning, pain, and discharge may be colorless.
  • In vaginitis due to other bacteria: burning, irritation, large yellow, white or gray discharge.

Other symptoms may include:

  • Pain in the lower back, especially if there is a urine infection.
  • Stains on underwear.
  • Digestive upset
  • Abdominal tenderness
  • Inflammation of the bladder.
  • Headaches.
  • Constipation.
  • Itching.

Treatment of Leucorrhea

To achieve Leucorrhea treatment, it is necessary to visit the gynecologist to take a sample of the flow and determine the type of discharge that allows the cause to be diagnosed after its due pathological examination.

In case of vaginal infections

Treatment is usually a combination of vaginal ovules and antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria, fungus, or parasite that has caused the injury to begin to see improvement. When the infection is an STD, both the woman and the man must receive treatment to eradicate the pathology in both sexual organs. Antibiotic treatment generally consists of seven days of oral medication and three days of intravaginal medicine.

Vaginal eggs will also be the recommended treatment for more common conditions like candidiasis. However, in this case, it is not necessary to prescribe antibiotics. When the cause of leukorrhea is vaginitis, the specialist may prescribe an anti-inflammatory if the inflammation is very advanced.

Urinary infections

The treatment of urinary tract infections suggests the consumption of oral antibiotics. However, the drug will only be known once a urine culture has been performed to determine the type of bacteria and which drugs it is sensitive to and resistant to. Like any other type of infection, antibiotics are usually prescribed for seven days and can be accompanied by a vitamin C supplement and antiseptic.

Other aspects to consider

  • When Leucorrhea is the product of a natural process in women such as pregnancy, ovulation, or menstruation, it will not be necessary to carry out any treatment.
  • Some oral contraceptives cause leukorrhea. In these cases, it will be required to evaluate the behavior of the flow during the first three months of consuming the pill. If the leucorrhoea persists after that time, it will be essential to change medications.
  • IUD devices can also cause a hormonal alteration that leads to leukorrhea. However, after three months, the symptom usually disappears.

Factors that alter the bacterial flora of the vagina

In most cases, Leucorrhea is a response of the body to alterations in the vaginal bacterial flora and the acidity of the vagina; therefore, it is essential to recognize what factors can influence our intimate area to recognize them and take preventive action measures that allow us to avoid Leucorrhea:

  • Pregnancy.
  • Diabetes.
  • Climate changes.
  • Flavored condoms.
  • Scented lubricants.
  • Antibiotics and immunosuppressants.
  • Tampons
  • Soap, deodorant, or douches.
  • Synthetic fabric underwear, it is advisable to prefer those made of cotton.
  • Intimate garment type dental floss.
  • Tight garments.
  • Poor hygiene

This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Leucorrhea: causes, symptoms, and treatment, we recommend that you enter our category of the Female reproductive system.

You may also like

Leave a Comment