Female Problems

LEUCORRHOEA (White Discharge)

Leucorrhoea Leucorrhoea, a vaginal discharge is a universal problem of all women. Leucorrhoea is a medical term for white discharge which is an excessive…

Dr. Shweta Bairagi · 28 Apr 2011

LeucorrhoeaLeucorrhoea, a vaginal discharge is a universal problem of all women. Leucorrhoea is a medical term for white discharge which is an excessive secretion from the female reproductive tract especially from the vagina or cervix or both.Leucorrhoea is mainly classified into two types:Physiological leucorrhoea: It is an excessive discharge or secretions of a normal vagina. They are slimy in nature and generally occur among teenage girls due to hormonal imbalance during puberty, at the time of ovulation period of the menstrual cycle, before periods, etc. Pathological leucorrhoea: It is a discharge occurring due to disease or malfunction of the female reproductive tract. It needs immediate attention, cleanliness and treatment. The nature of discharge varies from slimy to thick bloody discharge with foul smell. This condition is commonly present both in case of vaginitis or cervicitis.Causes of Leucorrhoea :1) Infections:From Fungus: Candida albicans can easily flourish in moist circumstances and is commonly promoted by synthetic undergarments and poor hygienic condition.From Parasites: protozoa - Trichomonas vaginalis causes the Trichomoniasis which spreads usually through sexual intercourse and moist clothes.From Bacteria: Gardnerella vaginalis and chlamydia are the prime causes in bacterial infections. Also, it is frequently seen in venereal diseases like gonorrhoea, syphilis, and AIDS.2) Injury: Injury to the vagina or cervix or womb during childbirth, abortion, or excessive sexual indulgence can cause erosions and infections with discharges.3) Poor hygienic conditions: Non hygienic measures, especially during periods, can create infection and cause leucorrhoea.4) Diabetes and anaemia: May provoke infections due to weakened immunity among many females.5) Local infection: Spread of infection from adjacent urinary tract (UTI) or alimentary tract (worms)6) Irritation of IUCD: If irritation persists at IUCD, (Intra uterine contraceptive device) it can cause pain and discharges.7) Sprays and jellies: which are used by males for provoking sexual act and jellies and drugs taken by females to kill sperms to avoid conception can also irritate and initiate the infective process.Symptoms of leucorrhoea:Lower abdominal painPainful sexual actBackache and pain in the leg, especially thigh and calf musclesIntense itching with oedema of vaginaSoreness and burning in the genital tractBurning urination and frequent urge to pass very little urineIrritability and lack of concentration in work due to consciousness of dischargesDigestive disturbances like constipation or diarrhoea or vomitingGeneral tiredness due to loss of vital fluids as dischargesSoreness and drynessStrong smelling or frothy dischargeDark colored dischargeRashes or sore spots on the genitals.Why we should be alert with leucorrhoea:In case of chronic infection, and if left untreated, the infection spreads inward into the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, etc. It acts as a precursor of pelvic inflammatory diseases, salphingo-oophoritis (infection of fallopian tube and ovaries) which mostly result in pelvic adhesions like peritoneal adhesions and fallopian tube adhesions which obstruct tubes and may cause infertility. White discharges in late fertile period or after menopause should always be analyzed completely to rule out cervix cancer which is the second commonest site of cancer in females after breast cancer. Urinary tract, reproductive tract and the adjacent organs are often caught in the spread of infection simultaneously since the urethra; vagina and anus lie very close.Strictly avoid:1. Sprays, deodorants, and strong perfumed soap and bath products.2. Stress and strain since it may affect the hormonal level and may increase secretions.3. Sharing towels and underwear4. Synthetic or nylon underwear which cause dampness of genital organs.Always wear cotton underwear to avoid moisture.5. Sexual intercourse during heavy discharges6. Sexual intercourse without condoms while under treatment.Homeopathic Treatment of leucorrhoea (vaginal discharge)Let’s see some of the important homeopathic remedies having marked leucorrhea symptoms-Alumina- Leucorrhoea in chlorotic girls which is transparent or of yellow mucus, which is very profuse and ropy, and greatly exhausting, as it is very rich in albumen. It occurs chiefly in the daytime; the great profuseness is its characteristic.Acrid leucorrhea that scalds the inner aspects of thighsProfuse discharge that is transparent and ropyBurning pains in vagina and cervixAssociated with constipation and pressing pains in both groins towards private partsLeucorrhea that runs to feetChronicity of dischargeWorse during day timeBetter by washing with cold waterLeucorrhea like white of an egg (albuminous)Females with primary infertilityItching vulva and vagina, may be associated with eczematous lesions around vaginaWith leucorrhea, sensation as if warm water was flowingClear, hot, pasty leucorrheaMay be associated with trembling of limbs especially in the morningWeak calvesBiting acrid dischargeDry cracked tongueBorax - S uits a clear, copious and albuminous leucorrhoea having an unnatural heat to it. Leucorrhoea midway between menses with great nervousness, white as starch, perfectly bland without pain.3. Kreosotum - It cures a profuse watery, sometimes a yellowish leucorrhoea. The acridity is marked; it causes excoriating of the parts which come in contact with it, causes soreness and smarting and red spots and itching on the vulva, always with great debility; leucorrhoea receding menses. It is so acrid that it causes the pudenda and thighs to swell and itch.Yellow acrid leucorrheaDischarge smelling of green cornGushing leucorrhea like bloody waterOffensive discharges with too early and prolonged mensesCorrosive itching of vulva, burning and swelling of labiaViolent itching between labia and thighsLeucorrhea between periods every timeAssociated with dragging pains in back, extending to genitals down the thighsExcessive weariness and debilityWorse after menses, lying down better by movementAcrid leucorrheaBurning in vulva and vaginaEngorged private partsScanty menstrual flow in anemic women that suffer from milky leucorrheaWorse in warm roomBetter by cold application and cold drinksSoreness of partsBrown, flesh colored leucorrhea that is extremely offensiveAt times stringy or watery dischargeStitching pains through vaginaSmall eruptions of ulcers surrounding the vaginal wallsMenses like muddy waterThe woman complains that the hair on genitals are falling outWorse in night, extremes of temperaturesThick white offensive leucorrheaLeucorrhea discharge while urinatingExcoriating greenish and bloody leucorrhea with abdominal painSensation of rawness in partsStinging pains in ovarian regionItching and burning of partsWorse after urinationBetter by washing with cold waterDryness of vagina alternating with leucorrhea dischargeAcrid watery leucorrheaAssociated with bearing down pains that make low back acheLeucorrhea in place of mensesAbsolutely debilitating vaginal dischargesMany times associated with weak legs and depressionWorse during puberty, mornings, mental tensions, emotional setbacks, etcBetter by cold bathing, open airPale thin leucorrheaProfuse vaginal discharge that corrodes the vaginal walls and inner aspects of thighsExcessive weakness in backDecided aversion to coitusAssociated with constipated bowelsIndurate feeling of private partsItching inner aspects of thighs leading to darkening of skin in the regionRawness in foldsGushing leucorrhea instead of mensesSmall itchy eruptions around private partsWorse morning, scratching, suppression of eruptionsPulsatilla - Produces a cures a milky leucorrhoea which becomes watery, acrid and burning from being retained in the vagina. It is a mucous, thick, creamy , white leucorrhoea sometimes replacing menses, with chilliness, disposition to lie down and lowness of spirits.Nitric acid -Mercurius sol - Acrid excoriating leucorrhoea smarting and burning, swelling of external genital organs. Purulent greenish yellow leucorrhoea worse at night.Natrum mur -Graphites -9. Sepia - Cures a leucorrhoea which is yellowish green color, somewhat offensive and often excoriating, due to pelvic congestion of a passive type. It is milky, worse before menses with bearing down; there are pains in the abdomen and pruritus. It leads all other remedies in leucorrhoea of little girls, though Lilium tigrinum has an excoriating, watery, yellowish or yellowish brown leucorrhoea, which is profuse and is accompanied by a depression of spirits and bearing down in pelvic region. Hydrastis suits a tenacious,thick, ropy leucorrhoea with erosion of the cervix; a mucous leucorrhoea which is profuse and debilitating corresponds to Hydrastis.Excessive bearing down pains with leucorrhea violent itches upward in the vagina from uterus to umbilicus, painful vagina especially on coitus Low back aches all the while must press the back against a firm surface. Must sit crossed legged to prevent protrusion of private parts or thus she feels relaxed pelvic organs swollen labial folds Leucorrhea may be present in lumps at times worse in forenoons and evenings better by firm pressure, warmth of bed, limbs drawn up.Iodum -Excessively acrid leucorrhea that corrodes the linen and thighsThick, slimy dischargesWedge-like pains across the ovaries (more on right-side)Cross and restless patient, always excitedAlways hungry yet with emaciationEasy sweatingWorse exertion, night, heat in any formBetter by bathing, movement