Leucorrhoea

Leucorrhoea or LEUCORRHOEA is a thick, non-purulent, non-offensive and non -irritant whitish or yellowish, excessive normal vaginal discharge.

The vaginal secretion in very small amount is sufficient to make the surface moist. Normally, it may be little excess in mid-menstrual or just prior to menstruation, during pregnancy and during sexual excitement. The secretion is mainly derived from the glands of the cervix, uterus, transduction of the vaginal epithelium and Bartholin’s glands( during sexual excitement). The pH is acidic and varies during different phases of life and menstrual cycle. The pH is highest in the upper vagina because of contaminated cervical secretion( alkaline). The excessive secretion is due to three reasons:

  1. Physiologic
  2. Cervical
  3. Vaginal

Physiologic leucorrhoea is due to oestrogen stimulation or high oestrogen level. It is more marked during puberty, during menstrual cycle (around ovulation or premenstrual pelvic congestion), during pregnancy and during sexual excitement.

Cervical leucorrhoea due to the cervical lesion is non-infective and excessive, pours out at the vulva. It is produced due to cervical erosion, chronic cervicitis, mucus polyp, and ectropion.

Vaginal leucorrhoea occurs in conditions associated with increased pelvic congestion due to uterine prolapse, acquired retroverted uterus, chronic pelvic inflammation, pill use, and vaginal adenoid.

Ill-health is one of the important causes of excessive discharge. It produces excess exfoliation of the superficial cells.

DIAGNOSIS:

  • Vulval inspection reveals White or creamy discharge with no evidence of pruritus.
  • Bimanual speculum examination either reveals negative pathology or pelvic lesions as mentioned in cervical and vaginal leucorrhoea.
  • Microscopic examination reveals the infective nature of leucorrhoea. If pus cells absent then it is true leucorrhoea. If pus cells present then further investigation is done through
  1. Hanging drop preparation
  2. Gram stain
  • Culture

TREATMENT:

Homeopathic medicine help in treating abnormal vaginal discharge depending on peculiar symptoms of the patient. Alumina, borax, calcarea carb, kreosote, natrum mur, sepia are some of the remedies that are proved beneficial in leucorrhoea.

  • Alumina–acrid and profuse transparent discharge from the vagina, running down to the heels, worse during the daytime and better by cold bathing.
  • Borax – profuse, albuminous, starchy leucorrhoea, as if warm water were flowing down, more for two weeks between the catamenia.
  • Calcarea Carb – milky vaginal discharge with Itching and much sweat about external genitalia, worse from exertion or during urination.
  • Kreosote–offensive leucorrhoea with violent Itching, yellowish discharge, worse between periods.
  • Sepia – leucorrhoea at menopause, yellowish green discharge with excessive Itching in the vagina and vulva.