White discharge staining your underpants

                               

Leucorrhea

No woman is unaware of the white or colorless discharge which stains their underpants and even cause irritation.

So I am going to throw some light on this topic which may provide relief to some or may pursue some to visit their respective gynaecologists.

What is leucorrhea?

It is a white/colorless/curdy/cloudy discharge with or without offensive smell released from vagina of females starting from puberty, followed by pregnancy and then till menopause.

Yes/No?

Physiological leucorrhea:-

1. It is usually seen in females who have attained their pubertal age, where the menstrual cycle has begun and rather presence of this fluid becomes helpful to them in knowing their dates are nearby. 

Fluid in this case is usually clear and odorless.

2. Secondly, it is also seen during pregnancy, where the discharge is curdy white, cloudy and without any smell. 

It is seen because of the increase in the estrogen levels and increased blood flow to the pelvic area.

Also, cervix produces more mucus, to protect the pregnancy.

3. It is also seen in premenopausal women, which is completely natural and seen due to fluctuation in hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

It is usually brown tinted, can be thick, clumpy or watery.

It is due to change sin vagina post menopause.

Pathological Leucorrhea:-

This can be seen during any infection which can be either caused by fungus Candida albicans or protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis.

Infection with these organisms may give rise to an irritating discharge that is quite resistant to treatment.

The heavy discharge can even cause tissue inflammation, pain, irritation and itching. Discharge can be yellowish-green and with offensive odor.

Bacterial Vaginosis:- It is a condition which occurs due to overgrowth of normal vaginal flora. It is clinically presented as grey-white vaginal discharge with fish-like odour.

This condition predisposes women to other bacterial infections or any other sexually transmitted diseases, pelvic inflammatory disease or even infertility.

It is usually seen in female sexual partners.

Exact etiology/pathogenesis is still not clear, but it is believed that loss of lactobacilli species leads to this condition (normally colonies of lactobacilli in vaginal region is seen).

It can be treated via metronidazole or clindamycin.

Common Signs and Symptoms:-

• Vaginal itching, burning or irritation
• Thick, white vaginal discharge
• A change in what the discharge usually looks like
• Bad odor that lasts more than a day
• Painful intercourse
• Painful urination
• Pain or tenderness in your lower abdomen (tummy)
• Blisters, bumps or sores in your genital area

Prevention:-

1. Take a shower or bath regularly using a plain, mild soap or just water. Do not use bubble bath.
2. Avoid using vaginal sprays and scented products.
3. Use plain white toilet tissue.
4. After using the bathroom, always wipe from front to back.
5. Wash and dry your hands before touching the vaginal area.
6. After intercourse, try to urinate to help prevent a urinary tract infection.
7. Use unscented tampons, sanitary pads and liners.
8. Change often, at least every 2 to 3 hours.
9. Remove the tampon before going to bed and wear a pad instead.
10. Wear cotton or cotton-lined underpants. Cotton absorbs moisture. It keeps you cooler and drier. Synthetics can trap moisture and cause irritation.
11. Avoid tight-fitting leggings, tights and pants. They do not let air move.
12. Avoid sitting around in damp or sweaty clothing.
13. Eat healthy, exercise regularly and get enough sleep.
14. If your health care provider thinks your weight may be causing infections, they will tell you what to do.
15. Limit the number of sexual partners. Use condoms during intercourse to help prevent sexually transmitted infections.
16. Avoid douching i.e. frequently washing your vagina with water or any mixture of fluids.

Please talk about it, do not hesitate, so that you can be helped!