Leukorrhea: abundant white vaginal discharge can be a sign of an infection!
Leukorrhea can be a very normal phenomenon in some periods such as ovulation and pregnancy. But sometimes it can hide inflammation that should not be underestimated. Knowing your body is important to take care of your well-being and health. This of course also applies to the breast: watch the video and find out how to do the self-examination by yourself (it certainly does not replace a medical examination but it is a valid help in the prevention of breast cancer!).
What is leukorrhea and why does it happen?
The term leucorrhea refers to the release of white or transparent white viscous vaginal secretions. A clarification is a must: the secretion, or cervical mucus and the liquid that is produced by the vaginal mucosa serves to maintain the lubrication of the vagina and is very important for the correct balance of the female genitals but with leucorrhea we mean an abundant secretion and white typical of some moments in a woman's life in which estrogens are altered, therefore in ovulation, menopause or during pregnancy. Leukorrhea can also have a pathological cause and be linked to vaginitis. The difference is that physiological leukorrhea has opalescent losses , and there are no other symptoms. If an infection is in progress, on the other hand, in addition to the abundant secretions, there are other disorders that make it clear that it is indeed a pathology. Symptoms vary according to the type of infection, usually frequent symptoms are itching, burning, vulvo-vaginal pain and discomfort during intercourse. It is the cocci that cause white-yellow discharge, while candida causes vaginal discharge that resemble ricotta. Among other vaginitis, Gardnerella causes secretions with a particular and intense smell of rotten fish. Then there are other infections, the Trichomonas gives a green color leucorrhea and intense odor, the Chlamydia infections instead are more difficult to diagnose due to the almost absence of symptoms. Read this article to find out all the cases in which it is better to ask your doctor for advice and those in which there is absolutely nothing to worry about because the amount of white and non-bloody vaginal discharge is absolutely normal!
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What can be done about leukorrhea and what causes it
Leucorrhea consists of non-blood white losses and in any case is due to an estrogen decompensation. If the cause is not pregnancy, or a hormonal change, it is good to see a doctor right away. If you notice white vaginal discharge, the first thing is to find the cause. It is essential to go to the gynecologist to understand the most suitable therapy. In any case, avoid resorting to do-it-yourself remedies or white drugs. There are many vaginitis and confusing them, for an inexperienced eye, is really easy. Establishing the most suitable therapy, on the other hand, accelerates the healing process and quickly solves the problem. To avoid leucorrhea caused by infection, the best thing is to always pay attention to your intimate hygiene which must not be poor but not excessive in order not to alter the balance of the vaginal flora. For the same reason it is better not to do vaginal douches, even after sexual intercourse or menstruation: in healthy women they are not necessary and can alter the vaginal flora and in some cases even worsen the leucorrhea. To prevent the formation of white discharge it is good in any case to avoid too tight clothes and synthetic underwear. A vehicle of infections they are also all humid environments in which bacteria are free to proliferate: so always pay close attention to the spa or swimming pool, or in the changing rooms of gyms. A valid way to prevent sexually transmitted diseases is to always use condoms!
Leukorrhea in pregnancy: the typical leukorrhea in pregnancy
With leucorrhea we therefore indicate the presence of whitish discharge that comes out of the vagina: this condition can occur in women of any age as we have seen. When it happens to pregnant women, we speak of leukorrhea gravidarum instead. Leukorrhea gravidarum creates discomfort if it is very intense losses. The difference with classic leucorrhea is that the losses are very dense and tending to transparent. These losses are odorless, but are still unpleasant. The leaks originate from the cervix, in the cervix. Near the part the consistency of the losses changes. The white secretions increase but become more liquid: they can mix with the breaking of the waters and show that the birth is really close. If you are expecting, a diagnosis is not needed in the case of leucorrhea, because it is a very common phenomenon. In any case, if you are pregnant and you have any doubts regarding the behavior of your body, always ask your gynecologist for an opinion!
