Leucorrhea is a discharge from the pelvic organs, whether from the vagina, cervix, or even the uterus itself. Normal leucorrhea is characterized by changes according to the body’s condition and menstrual cycle, depending on the levels of female hormones estrogen and progesterone. It appears as clear, white mucus without color or odor, in small amounts, and does not cause itching. Normal leucorrhea is commonly found in the middle of the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy, and there is increased vaginal mucus secretion during sexual intercourse.
Why is leucorrhea not white?
- Green leucorrhea occurs due to bacterial infection in the vagina, which may result from foreign objects entering the vagina or sexual intercourse with an infected partner, such as gonorrhea. Initial symptoms include greenish discharge, sometimes yellow-green, with a fishy odor. Some cases may experience itching and burning pain during urination.
- Yellow leucorrhea is most common in women of reproductive age and can be either dark yellow or light yellow. Causes include:
- Bacterial infection causing cloudy yellow discharge with a fishy odor and itching.
- Infection from gonorrhea.
- Fungal infection.
- Viral infection.
- Parasitic infection in the vagina. These causes lead to cloudy yellow discharge with a fishy odor, itching, and burning pain during urination. If caused by fungi, itching may spread to the groin area. If caused by viruses, small clear blisters may appear, which can break and become painful and itchy sores.
- Pink leucorrhea is found in women after childbirth due to shedding of the uterine lining.
- Thick clumpy leucorrhea may result from fungal infection causing swelling, redness, itching in the genital area, and pain during sexual intercourse.
- Watery leucorrhea, if it is watery or foamy, is often caused by parasitic infections such as trichomoniasis.
How dangerous is foul-smelling leucorrhea?
Foul-smelling leucorrhea is a common condition and a major concern for many women. This symptom is not a sexually transmitted disease but a change in the bacterial balance in the vagina. Sexual intercourse can also cause this condition because semen, which is alkaline, changes the normally acidic environment of the vagina.
Normally, the vagina contains various bacteria. The beneficial group is Lactobacillus, which creates an acidic environment to control the growth of harmful anaerobic bacteria. Any condition that increases the number of harmful bacteria can cause foul-smelling leucorrhea, such as:
- Vaginal douching, including soaking in a bubble bath.
- Moisture retention from underwear.
- Unprotected sexual intercourse (due to alkaline semen) and menstruation (symptoms may occur before and just after menstruation).
- Use of hormonal intrauterine devices also increases the risk of this condition.
Recommendations
If abnormal leucorrhea is found or suspected, it is advisable to see a gynecologist for examination and treatment. Self-treatment is not recommended because there are many possible causes, including sexually transmitted infections that require treatment of both the patient and their partner. Self-medicating may lead to chronic infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria. Additionally, abnormal leucorrhea may be a sign of cervical cancer. Early medical consultation helps in early diagnosis, which leads to better treatment outcomes than discovering the disease at an advanced stage with severe symptoms.
Precautions
- Avoid vaginal douching and unnecessary use of feminine hygiene products because the vagina has its own balance. Clean only the external area with clean water and pat dry.
- Use condoms to avoid the reaction of semen in the vagina, which can cause foul-smelling leucorrhea.
- Avoid using thin sanitary pads continuously every day, as this may cause moisture retention and become a breeding ground for bacteria.
