Leucorrhoea, vaginal discharge is a universal problem of all the women. No body escapes from this illness. Female genitals are very much prone to infections since they are moist, sweatier and covered. The white vaginal discharge with foul smell makes it embarrassing to get into social gatherings and even engage in personal affairs. The affected women need reassurance, prevention of infection and some counseling as they usually have abnormal psychosomatic scores.

Most secretions are regarding life style physiological and warrant no medical interventions. But it is significant if it is blood stained, profuse, foul smelling or with changes in its colour. Usually the normal secretions are slimy and slightly sticky. It is something like nasal secretion. Normally the quantity of vaginal secretions varies throughout the menstrual cycle, peaking at ovulation and also increasing when under emotional stress.

What are the causes?

Leucorrhoea usually shows symptoms in association with other illness. Wide varieties of reasons are encountered in its causation. Commonly fungal, parasitic, bacterial and sexually transmitted diseases are the prime causative factors.

Fungal infection

Fungal infection caused by the growth of a fungus, Candida albicans in vagina. It is not usually sexually transmitted although it can be. It is generally caused by an imbalance of the normal vaginal flora. The vagina normally contains a certain amount of yeast and harmless bacteria, but if this balance is interrupted, the yeast may overgrow and cause inflammation of the vagina. An imbalance in vaginal flora can result by pregnancy, diabetes, birth control pills, antibiotics and douching. It is also believed that stress, a decreased immune system and excess vaginal moisture that are often caused by wearing synthetic underwear can contribute to a yeast infection.
Usually the woman notices a thick, curdy-white discharge. They could also notice a thinner, milkier-white discharge. Moderate to severe itching is present. The labia and vulva may be swollen and red. The skin may be sensitive to touch and the women may experience coition to be severely painful.

Protozoa infection

Trichomoniasis is a vaginal infection caused by the protozoa, Trichomonas vaginalis. It can be found in both men and women. Trichomoniasis is usually transmitted by sexual intercourse, but is also transmitted by common washing of clothes, towels, bathing suits, underwear or any moist object.

Usually the woman complains of a thin, yellow to grey vaginal discharge, which is often foamy and has an unpleasant odour. There may be some itching and redness noted around and inside the vagina. Some women and men do not show symptoms at all. It is important that if your partner is treated for Trichomoniasis, you as well get treated.

Bacterial Infection

Bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal infection often caused by variety of bacteria like Gardnerella vaginalis, or various other bacteria. It is caused by any bacterial contact with the vagina, whether from sexual intercourse or improper hygiene. Frequently, sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhoea, syphilis, AIDS and chlamydia also cause white discharge.
Usually the woman notices a thin white to yellow discharge that has an unpleasant fishy odour. The discharge can be slight to excessive, yet the odour is always present and more noticeable after sexual intercourse. There may be vaginal itching and pelvic tenderness

How to diagnose?

A vaginal smear reveals the type of infection. Blood studies are also important to study the serological reactions pertaining to the type of infections. If any discharge from the urethra or vagina, pain while urinating, ulcer on the genitals better to have professional help.

Since the infection can be transmitted by sharing wash-cloths, towels, bathing suits, underwear or any moist object, be careful!

If you do have more than one sexual partner or unsure whether your partner has more than one partner, it is very important to use condoms.

How to treat?

Even though many germicides available to kill fungus, bacteria or parasite, there is recurrence of the complaints. Immunity plays important role in their elimination. Homoeopathy is focused on the particular individual study of the patient with disease symptoms, which could protect and eliminate the infection successfully. Clinical efficacy is seen in many cases.

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