Leucorrhea is defined as whitish, yellowish, or greenish viscid discharge from the vagina resulting from inflammation or congestion of the mucous membrane. Such discharge may be originates from the vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, or most commonly from the cervix. The color of discharge is variable depending on the menstrual cycle. If the flow looks bloody, makes an unpleasant smell or increases a lot, it can be a symptom of infections.
In India, vaginal discharge is one of the commonest symptoms reported by women. Leucorrhea neither causes mortality nor morbidity in susceptible women, though it is accountable to cause a great extent of mental stress, the problem of sexual anxiety and even sometimes fear of failure to conceive. The age range varied from 19 to 47 years. The maximum incidence of vaginal discharge was noted in 61% of women who belong to low socio-economic and 24% belong to high-socio economic.
What are the Causes of Leucorrhea?
It is believed that estrogen imbalance is one of the main causes to create this condition. In some women, the discharge can be a few drops, while in others, it may be continuous. Some of the common causes are given below –
- Poor hygiene – Unhygienic conditions, especially during days of the menstrual cycle, can lead to leucorrhea.
- Injury – Any injury or infections in the vagina or womb can cause leucorrhea. The injury and infection may occur due to frequent abortions, excessive indulgence in sex, and during or after childbirth.
- Infections – Bacterial, fungal or parasitic infections in the vaginal area can also cause this condition. Some parasites like Trichomonas vaginalis, Chlamydia trachomatis can cause infections in women.
- Diseases – The presence of other diseases in the body can lower immunity and make the body susceptible to infections and subsequent discharge.
- Intrauterine contraceptive device – The excessive use of IUCD’s sometimes causes irritation and discharge in females.
- Diseases like Syphilis, gonorrhea, AIDS also show the presence of infectious bacteria.
- Moist synthetic undergarments and clothes, combined with poor hygiene can also cause infections and vaginal discharge.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Leucorrhea?
The main and most common symptom that is seen in a person with leucorrhea is vaginal discharge. Other symptoms that occasionally accompany this discharge are:
- Pain in the lower abdomen or legs
- Irritation accompanied by intense itching in the genital tract
- Excessive pain during intercourse
- General fatigue
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Inability to concentrate on work due to being conscious of the discharge
- Mood disturbance
- Rashes or sore spots on the genitals
- Mild constipation
- The patient even gets black patches beneath the eyes.
What are the Types of Leucorrhea?
There are mainly 2 types of leucorrhea, they are –
- Physiological leucorrhea – In this condition, there is an excessive discharge or secretion from a normal vagina. This generally occurs in teenage girls when there is a hormonal imbalance, at the time of the ovulation period. In adults, it is seen in the early days of pregnancy and during sexual excitement.
- Pathological leucorrhea – It is generally caused by malfunction or disease in the female reproductive system. The nature of discharge can be slimy or may contain blood and can have a foul smell. It can be seen in women suffering from cervicitis or vaginitis.
What is an Ayurvedic View of Leucorrhea?
According to Ayurveda, Leucorrhea can be correlated with ‘Shweta Pradara’. Acharyas described that Shweta pradara is not a disease, but a symptom of so many diseases. On the basis of clinical features, it seems to be a Kaphaja disorder of female genital organs because Kapha Dosha is the main causative factor for any discharge. Thus the aggravated Kapha dosha produces white and painless vaginal discharge due to dominance of its liquid property by vitiating the Rasadhatu of the reproductive system. Causative factors of Shweta pradara are excessive coitus, abortion, improper mode of life, and dietetics during menstruation and Ritukala along with non-cleanliness of the vagina.
What is the Ayurvedic Treatment for Leucorrhea?
In Ayurveda, Leucorrhea treatment consists of natural herbs and medicines that can help in restoring the digestive fire of the body in order to cleanse the accumulated toxins and balance the aggravated Kapha. Ayurvedic medicines also support and provide strength to the female reproductive system.
Chandigarh Ayurved Centre presents 100 % natural ways to cure the condition of Leucorrhea through ‘Leucorrhea Go Kit’. The kit is made up of specialized herbs that mainly work on the reproductive system. There are a total of 4 products named as – Detox Premium Powder, Shvet capsules, Kikkar tablets, and Striposhak syrup.
ALL PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION IN DETAIL:
1. Detox Premium Powder
As the name defines, this powder contains the ingredients that can help in detoxifying the body naturally. It contains a mixture of natural ingredients like Akik pishti, Gandhak rasayan, Shwet parpati, Tal sindoor, Jahar mohra, etc. The powder helps to reduce constipation, pain, irritation, etc.
Recommended Dosage – Take 1 sachet twice daily with normal water.
2. Shvet Capsules
Shvet capsules are composed of Kukkutandwaka bhasma, Mochras, Supari, Nagkesar, Ashok, Gond katira, etc. The capsules are widely used in gynecological disorders such as heavy bleeding, white discharge, reduces low back pain, abdominal pain, etc.
Recommended Dosage – Take 2 tablets twice daily with normal water.
3. Kikkar Tablets
Kikkar tablets are mainly prepared from the extract of the kikkar herb. They mainly used to boost the immune system and provide strength to the whole immune system.
Recommended Dosage – Take 1 tablet twice a day with normal water.
4. Stri Poshak Syrup
This herbal syrup is made up of herbs like Daruharidra, Shatavari, Amla, Lodhra chall, Manjishtha, etc. The Stri Poshak Syrup tonic will improve the general weakness of the females and balance the Pitta and Kapha Dosha. This will be very beneficial in the condition of excessive sweating, hot flashes, excessive discharge, etc.
Recommended Dosage – Take 2 teaspoonfuls twice daily.
What is the Panchakarma Treatment for Leucorrhea?
Panchakarma is one of the most well-known parts of Ayurveda. It improves the efficacy of the medicine to fight back against chronic ailments. It helps in eliminating the toxins and strengthen the functions of the tissue that help in restoring the metabolic power.
Chandigarh Ayurved Centre provides the natural therapies which help in curing the symptoms of Leucorrhoea and provide the best result. These Therapies include –
- Brihmhana – It is mainly used to improve strength, nutrition, and immunity.
- Stambhana – Blocking treatment (stopping the excess flow) is adopted.
- Nabhivasti – In this medicated Lukewarm oil is applied above the umbilical area.
- Nabhilepam – Nabhilepam is the process in which medicated herbs are applied above the umbilical area in the form of a paste.
- Yonidhawan – In this therapy the medicated kwath is taken and the vagina is washed out. For yonidhawan, Triphala kwath, Nimb kwath, Panchvalkal kwath, etc. are used which acts locally.
Healthy Tips and Diet for Leucorrhea Patients
- Drink plenty of water and juices to avoid urinary tract infections.
- Maintain proper hygiene. Wash undergarments in a hygienic way and place, and let them dry under the sun.
- Avoid stress – Stress and strain can also affect the hormonal level and may increase the secretion.
- Avoid foods that will aggravate this problem or increases your chances of getting leucorrhea so avoid all heavy, oily, fried, spicy and sour foods.
- Avoid wearing synthetic or nylon underwear.
- Reduce the intake of tea, coffee, alcohol, and aerated drinks.
- Avoid simple carbohydrates like white bread, refined products, maida, etc.
- Increase the consumption of bananas, oranges, lemons, leafy greens, yogurt, brown rice, etc.
- Eat a nutritious diet, especially food rich in vitamin A, B, C, E, magnesium, and zinc to improve general health.
- Yogasana and Pranayamas for leucorrhea – The patient should get up early in the morning and drink two glasses of lukewarm water on an empty stomach. Then after 5-10 minutes, you should perform yoga poses like– Sarbangasana, Pabanmuktasana, Bhujangasana, Salabhasana, Sirasasana, Janusirasana, Bhadrasana.