Leucorrhoea Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Leucorrhoea is the liquid that comes out of the vagina. These fluids keep the vagina clean and moist while protecting it from infection.
Type
Leucorrhoea consists of two kinds, namely:
Physiological
Physiological (natural) vaginal discharge is normal vaginal discharge. The characteristics of normal vaginal discharge include a small amount, liquid, clear to whitish, odorless, and does not cause itching.
Natural vaginal discharge can occur due to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, stress, pregnancy, contraceptives, or sexual activity.
pathological
Pathological vaginal discharge (abnormality) is vaginal discharge that is not normal, that is, when there is a change in amount, consistency, color, smell, or accompanied by other complaints (itching and burning).
These conditions can be a sign of infection or other problems, such as foreign bodies, allergic reactions, and others.
Symptom
Normal vaginal discharge will cause symptoms such as:
- no pungent odor
- colorless (clear) or normal color (ordinary white color)
- The texture of the vaginal discharge depends on the menstrual cycle
Meanwhile, abnormal vaginal discharge causes the following symptoms:
- pungent odor
- vaginal discharge more than usual
- vaginal discharge coagulates like cheese
- vaginal discharge has a color (for example: green, gray)
- pain and itching in the vaginal area
- pain when urinating
- bleeding during menstruation
- bleeding after sex
Risk Factors
There are several factors that can increase the risk of vaginal discharge, namely:
- lack of cleanliness in the vaginal area
- have unprotected sex
- having multiple sexual partners or frequently changing partners
- suffering from diabetes
- taking birth control pills
- taking antibiotics or steroids
- have weak immunity or are infected with HIV
Reason
After knowing what vaginal discharge is, you also need to know what causes it.
Leucorrhoea can be caused by normal or abnormal processes.
Normal vaginal discharge can be caused by hormonal changes, sexual stimulation, stress, pregnancy and breastfeeding.
While abnormal vaginal discharge is most often caused by three types of microorganisms, namely:
- candida yeast (candidiasis)
- Bacteria (bacterial vaginosis and chlamydia)
- protozoa (trichomoniasis)
Diagnosis
First, an interview will be conducted first to determine whether the vaginal discharge that is complained of is normal or not.
The doctor will ask about the complaints you feel, how they relate to the menstrual cycle, how to care for the genital area and regarding sexual partners.
Then, proceed with a physical examination, namely genital examination and examination of the abdomen (abdomen) if necessary.
The vaginal discharge that is obtained can also be examined by the naked eye with results that can lead to possible causes. Here’s an explanation.
- Candida fungus: white vaginal discharge that is lumpy like cheese, odorless, itchy, and causes redness outside the vagina.
- Bacterial vaginosis: vaginal discharge that is gray in color and has a fishy odor.
- Chlamydia: Chlamydia discharge is usually asymptomatic, but if left untreated can cause pain in the pelvic bones.
- Trichomoniasis: yellowish or greenish vaginal discharge, frothy, unpleasant odor.
- Uterine or cervical cancer: vaginal discharge due to cervical cancer or uterine cancer is brown in color or accompanied by blood spots.
In addition, other additional examinations can also be carried out to support the diagnosis, such as:
- pap smear, which is taking tissue at the mouth of the uterus for further examination
- pH test, to check the level of acidity whose results can help lead to a diagnosis
- vaginal fluid sample test, to detect microorganisms that cause vaginal discharge
- sexually transmitted infection tests, to detect the presence of sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis
Treatment
How to deal with leucorrhoea is done according to the cause of vaginal discharge.
Consultations can be made to a skin and genital specialist or a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology.
Leucorrhoea due to Candida Fungus
Usually, the doctor will prescribe an antifungal drug in the form of a gel that is inserted into the vagina. You can also be prescribed antifungal tablet preparations to drink.
Discharge due to Bacterial Vaginosis
Medicines for vaginal discharge due to bacterial vaginosis that doctors usually give are antibiotics of the type of metronidazole or clindamycin.
Drugs can be given vaginally or taken by mouth.
Discharge due to Chlamydia
Leucorrhoea due to chlamydia bacteria can be treated with a single dose of the antibiotic azithromycin; or doxycycline for 7 days.
This drug can overcome the bacteria that cause vaginal discharge.
Leucorrhoea due to Trichomoniasis
Your doctor can prescribe metronidazole to treat vaginal discharge due to trichomoniasis.
In vaginal discharge due to chlamydia and trichomoniasis, sexual partners must also be treated.
Prevention
Pathological vaginal discharge can be avoided by applying the following.
- Keep the genital area clean by washing it gently with unscented soap on the outside. Do not apply soap directly to the vagina.
- Avoid using vaginal cleansing fluids.
- Clean the vaginal area from front to back; do the other way around.
- Dry the vaginal area after urinating with a tissue or clean towel.
- Use cotton underwear.
- It’s best to avoid pants that are too tight.
- Have safe sex by not changing sexual partners.
- Use protection (condoms) to avoid sexually transmitted infections.
Complications
If not handled optimally, vaginal discharge can cause chronic pelvic inflammatory disease. This can affect your fertility,
If a mother suffers from vaginal discharge during pregnancy and is not treated properly, she can be at risk of having a miscarriage, premature birth, and premature rupture of membranes.
When to See a Doctor?
Immediately see a doctor if you have complaints of vaginal discharge with unusual symptoms coupled with other complaints, such as:
- fever
- abdominal pain
- unreasonable weight loss
- fatigue
- increased frequency of urination
- pain when urinating
- hip pain