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.
|
