Woman has a unique existence in the universe created by the God. Women’s health is the pivot not only for the healthy and happy status for her family, rather to the whole society or even to the nation at large. A woman during her life span may have different types of discharges per vagina.
The vagina serves as a passageway between the outside of the body and the inner reproductive organs. The pH balance of the vagina is acidic, which discourages infections from occurring. This acidic environment is created by naturally occurring bacteria. A healthy vagina produces secretions to cleanse and regulate itself, similar to how saliva cleanses and regulates the environment of the mouth. These vaginal secretions are normal vaginal discharge. Any interference with the delicate balance of vaginal secretions sets up an environment conductive to infection.
Leucorrhoea, flow of a Whitish, Yellowish, or Greenish discharge from the vagina of the female that may be normal or that may be a sign of infection. Such discharges may originate from the Vagina, Ovaries, Fallopian Tubes, or, most commonly, the cervix.
Leucorrhoea may occur during pregnancy and is considered normal when the discharge is thin, white, and relatively odourless. Physiologic Leucorrhoea is a normal condition occurring within several months to a year of the onset of menses in adolescent girls and is sometimes present in new-born girls, usually lasting one to two months. However, in many cases, Leucorrhoea is a sign of infection, especially when the discharge is Yellow or Green, has an offensive odour, and is accompanied by Irritation, Itching, Pain, or Tissue Inflammation.
CAUSES OF LEUCORRHEA:
Abnormal Leucorrhoea may be caused by infections with Bacteria, Yeast, or other Microorganisms. For example, many sexually Transmitted Diseases, which involve the transmission of viruses or bacteria and include diseases such as Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia, are major causes of Leucorrhoea. These diseases lead to infection of the cervix, which is indeed one of the most common gynaecological disorders. The infection has a tendency to irritate the mucus glands of the cervix, causing them to secrete an excess of mucous mixed with pus. Most common causes of Leucorrhoea in are Cervicitis, Vaginitis, Cervical Erosion and Bacterial Vaginosis etc.
A clinical examination to determine the cause of the discharge is necessary. Treatment is aimed at eliminating the underlying cause.
SYMPTOMS OF LEUCORRHEA:
White vaginal discharges along with the other symptoms like Feeling of Weakness, Pain in the back and calves, Loss of vital fluids, Pruritis on and around the Vulva, Thighs and Thigh Joints etc. In mature ladies, inflammation of uterus (following childbirth) or its displacement or some Venereal Disease (especially Gonorrhoea) may also trigger and hasten leukorrhoeal flow. In young females, thread worms may cause onset of this disorder. Chronicity of disorder may lead to cancerous growth; hence it is necessary that actual cause is fully determined and deduced before initiating treatment.
INVESTIGATIONS:
The following investigations should be done to confirm the diagnosis and for proper treatment to cure the disease.
- Cytological Examination (Pap Smear)
- Cervical Punch Biopsy
- Cervical Culture
- Haematological Investigation: Hb%, TLC, DLC, ESR etc.
- Serological Investigations: VDRL, HIV
- Urine examination: Routine & Microscopic
AYURVEDIC CORRELATION:
Leucorrhoea comes under the heading which is described as Sweta Pradara in Ayurvedic Classics. In Samhitas all Gynecological Disorders comes under the headings of Yoni Vyapada. Therefore, Yoni Vyapadas which are caused by Kapha or Vatakaphaja doshas are main causative factors of Sweta Pradara.
TREATMENTS:
The principle of Ayurvedic treatment of Sweta Pradara is mostly based on its etiopathogenesis. As Kapha is main causative factor for vaginal discharge. Restoration of Agni (digestive fire) in order to cleanse the accumulated toxins; bring Kapha dosha back to equilibrium & tone up the muscles of reproductive organs with the help of rejuvenating herbs are considered main principle of treatment through Ayurveda. Treatment prescribed for Leucorrhoea or Swetha Pradara include -
- Oral Medicines
- Panchakarma Chikitsa
- External Therapies include – Uttara Vasthi Chikitsa - Yoni Prakshaalana, Yoni Poorana, Yoni Varthi, Yoni Dhoopana Etc.
- Rasayana, Balya Chikitsa
- Nidana Parivarjan
Advised: Garlic, Meat Soup, all Dairy Products and Rice Water.
Avoid: Sweet and Sour Fruits, Curds, Nuts & excess of Salt.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES:
- Be healthy, eat well, get enough sleep, drink enough fluids.
- Patients should wear condoms during sexual intercourse
- Keep vaginal area clean and dry to prevent fungal infection.
- Wear cotton undergarments.
- Wipe from front to back after urination or bowel movement.
- Avoid using deodorant pads or tampons.
- Don't use petroleum jelly or other oils for lubricants.
- Avoid sexual intercourse until treatment is completed.
- Don't scratch infected or inflamed areas; it can cause further irritation.
- Avoid vaginal irritants, including soaps / body washes.
- Use medication as long as directed etc.
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