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 Leucorrhoea
commonly known as whites, refers to a whitish discharge from the female
genitals. The vaginal discharge plays an important role in maintaining a healthy
vagina. The secretions are designed to flush out bacteria and other tiny
organisms to prevent infection. Normal vaginal discharge is odorless and a clear
or pale milky color.
Recent
investigations have shown that secretions from the uterus and upper part of the
vagina flow down and are reabsorbed in the lower parts of the vagina. This is
the normal constant flow within the female organs. The whitish discharge is,
however, caused by the presence of infection in any of these tissues and a
variety of other factors. The condition may continue for weeks or months at a
time.
Two types of Leucorrhoea
 There
are two types of Leucorrhoea, physiological and pathological. In physiological
Leucorrhoea, the discharge is normal due to excitement or other factors like
nervousness. Such a discharge need not be worried about. It is found under
following conditions:-
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Seen in
newborn baby for a week due to maternal estrogens.
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Seen in girls
during puberty due to hormonal changes.
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At the time of
ovulation and in early pregnancy.
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During sexual
excitement.
In
pathological Leucorrhoea the causes are:-
Symptoms
The patient
feels weak and tired. She also suffers from pain in the lumbar region and the
calves and a dragging sensation in the abdomen. Other symptoms are constipation,
frequent headaches and intense itching. In the chronic form, the patient feels
irritable and develops black patches under the eyes
Causes
Leucorrhoea
does not develop suddenly in an acute form. It denotes a devitalized and toxic
condition of the system generally. The condition also involves one or many parts
of the reproductive organs. Whenever the body is loaded with toxins due to wrong
dietary habits and the eliminative organs such as skin, bowels, lungs, and
kidneys are unable to eliminate the toxins, the body produces a profuse
discharge or elimination through the mucous membrane of the uterus and vagina in
the form of leucorrhoea. In the case of advanced, chronic inflammatory
conditions of these organs, it leads to discharge with pus, offensive in odor
and color varying from cream to yellow or light green.
In young
girls, leucorrhoea may occur during the few years before and after the start of
the menstrual flow. It may be due to an irritation of the genital organs caused
by various factors such as dirt, soiled under garments, intestinal worms and
excessive mental stimulation of sex or masturbation.
Some excess
secretion is normal when the girl reaches puberty, due to over activity in her
sex glands and organs. This usually disappears within a short time.
 In
young women, leucorrhoea may occur during inter menstrual periods, due to
thickening of the mucous membrane in the reproductive organs. Such a discharge
is associated with painful menstruation and other menstrual disorders.
In mature
women, a profuse yellowish discharge, associated with burning on urination, may
be caused by gonorrhea. This is a serious infection which should be treated
promptly. During the child-bearing years, from adolescence to the mid-forties,
the infection may sometimes follow the birth of a child due to damage of the
cervix during delivery. This is increased by prolonged ill-health, anxiety,
neurosis, sedentary occupation and standing for long periods. If not treated
properly, this infection may continue for months or even years and may spread to
other areas of the genital tract.
Leucorrhoea
may also result from a chill. A chill causes inflammation of the womb and
vaginal membranes. Other common causes are the displacement of the womb and
unhygienic conditions which attract bacteria to the genital organs.
When to seek treatment
When abnormal
discharge indicates irritation, inflammation and the discharge color is
greenish, yellowish or even brownish with thick or lumpy in consistency and has
a foul smell. It is always a good idea to see a doctor because any of the
conditions the cause is require medical attention.
You can take these steps to decrease the likelihood of occurrences: -
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Food consists
of correct dietary habits, proper sleep, exercise, fresh air and sunshine.
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The diet may
consist of fruits and milk. The patient may then gradually embark upon a
well-balanced diet consisting of basic food groups namely seeds, nuts, grains,
fruits and vegetables. Fresh fruit juices should be taken between meals.
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All forms of
white flour, white sugar, fried and greasy foods, condiments, preserves, tea and
coffee should be avoided.
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