This blog explains Leucorrhea, its causes, symptoms, risk factors, management & best homeopathic medicines.
Every female gets discharge from their vagina, a certain amount of liquid (vaginal fluid) that leaks out from the vagina. This is how the vagina keeps itself clean by using this exact vaginal discharge. So, this vaginal discharge is completely normal.
Moving forward from that sometimes a lot of women get excess vaginal discharge commonly known as leucorrhea.
Vaginal discharge or white discharge is fluid that is made by the glands in the vagina and the cervix. It carries in it the dead cells and the bacteria and it serves a very important function of keeping the vagina clean, moist, lubricated, preventing vaginal infection, and maintaining ph balance.
The amount, the color, the texture, and the odor of the vaginal discharge varies from person to person. It depends upon your age what day of the menstrual cycle you are on, whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and if you are taking birth control pills.
This article will cover homeopathic remedies for leucorrhea, the cause of leucorrhea, symptoms, risk factors, management & complete treatment.
Cause of Leucorrhea
In normal circumstances, most women have this discharge which comes out quite regularly and they see it mainly before they have their periods. It is considered normal when the discharge is thin, white, and odorless. However, in many cases, leucorrhea can be a sign of infection.
Following the causes of abnormal vaginal discharge.
1. Bacterial/ yeast infection
Abnormal leucorrhea can be caused by the infection caused by bacteria, yeast, or any other microorganism.
Many sexual-related diseases like gonorrhea, chlamydia, etc. involve the transmission of bacteria and viruses into the vagina, which leads to cause infection of the cervix.
This infection also tends to irritate the mucus gland of the cervix and results in the secretion of an offensive discharge from the vagina.
2. Fungal infection
Those females who are sexually active can arrest with a sort of fungal infection called trichomoniasis that gets transmitted from one partner to another. This infection will be resulting to cause a yellowish frothy vaginal discharge and fishy odor from the vagina that also causes so much irritation.
3. Intake of Antibiotics and OCPs
Women who are taking a broad spectrum of antibiotics or oral contraceptive pills are more tend to develop bacterial or fungal infections.
Because of the antibiotics, the good bacteria in the vagina that help to clean the vagina will get suppressed and the pathogenic organs like fungus and yeast get active and cause abnormal vaginal discharge or leucorrhea.
Diabetes and anemia can also provoke infections due to weak immunity and a diet lacking properties. It is one the commonest cause of leucorrhea.
4. Cancer
In elderly age and sometimes at a younger age the female can encounter cervical cancer, which always gives rise to a foul-smelling discharge that is also blood-stained.
5. Hormonal imbalance
One of the major causes of leucorrhea is hormonal imbalance in females. The imbalance of the primary female sex hormone that is estrogen resulting to cause leucorrhea.
This hormone is responsible for the regulation and development of the female reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics and also controls various body functions of a female.
Types of Leucorrhea
In general, there are two types of leucorrhea, physiological and pathological.
1. Physiological leucorrhea
The physiological type of leucorrhea is the commonest among every woman and is mainly caused by the natural defense mechanism of the vagina against the pathogen to maintain its chemical balance and preserve the flexibility of the vaginal tissue.
The vaginal discharge occurs when the estrogen level is increased at the time of ovulation. The normal vaginal discharge is clear, watery doesn’t have any smell, it doesn’t itch and it varies according to the days of the menstrual cycle.
2. Pathological leucorrhea
When there is any disease condition linked with leucorrhea it is considered pathological leucorrhea. The disease conditions such as cervicitis or inflammation of the cervix, yeast infection in the vagina also called candidiasis and sexually transmitted diseases. The discharge has different colors, smell and also it irritates the vagina.
Types of Vaginal discharge
Clear discharge
It is considered a healthy vaginal discharge and generally appears during pregnancy, ovulation, and sexual arousal.
Yellow/green discharge
Yellow greenish discharge is considered an abnormal discharge and it’s a sign of a bacterial infection or sexually transmitted disease.
Brown discharge
Brown discharge is mainly caused by irregular period cycles. If brown discharge keeps appearing then it could be a sign of uterine or cervical cancer.
Pink discharge
Pink discharge appears due to vaginal irritation. There is cervical bleeding which can be seen in the case of early pregnancy.
Symptoms of Leucorrhea
The symptoms of leucorrhea include: –
- Anemia
- Pain in menstruation
- General weakness
- Indigestion
- Lumbago
- Nausea
- Feeling not well
- Itching
- Irritation in vagina
- Local soreness
- Pain and heaviness in the lower abdomen
- Smelly discharge
- Polyuria
- Constipation
Risk factors of Leucorrhea
- Change in hormones level during pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, and by taking OCPs may increase the risk of leucorrhea.
- Alcohol consumption, smoking, and taking stress also resulting to cause hormonal imbalance and eventually cause leucorrhea.
- Women who are diabetic, on antibiotics, and who have HIV infection are at high tik of leucorrhea. The drugs that she is taking lower the body’s resistance to infection and can kill beneficial vaginal bacteria.
- High carbohydrate intake and sugars may stimulate yeast infection.
- Obesity is also one of the risk factors for leucorrhea
- Hot weather, non-ventilating clothing, especially underwear, or any condition that increases genital moisture and warmth.
- Sexually active women have unprotected sex with multiple partners.
- Low socioeconomic condition
- Depression, psychosomatic symptoms, and stress.
Diagnosis of Leucorrhea
The diagnosis of the leucorrhea begins with a complete medical history regarding onset, duration of the discharge, and intensity of the itching, and is usually made by clinical examination that is by signs and symptoms experienced by the patients.
If you are experiencing the symptoms such as burning, irritation, and itching along with excess vaginal discharge that is irritating and has a foul odor also, then the doctor will perform some tests to confirm the diagnosis.
The doctor will check the vaginal discharge by herself or by asking questions about its color, consistency, and smell.
He may also perform the pelvic examination by examining the vagina and cervix by putting pressure on the uterus and ovaries to check for abnormalities in the tissue and organs.
A sample of the vaginal discharge will be sent to the laboratory investigation to look for any yeast, bacterial, or trichomonas infection.
Prevention and management of Leucorrhea
One of the major preventive measures of leucorrhea is local hygiene and cleanliness of reproductive organs. Wash the genitals carefully during every bath simply with water or with plain mild soap and soak them with a cloth or towel. Do not let moisture retain in the genitals area after bath.
Drink plenty of water 4-5 liters at least daily to flush out the toxin substance from the water.
Avoid the intake of alcohol and smoking. Also, all sugary products such s ice cream, pastries, sweets, and puddings should be avoided if there is profuse discharge.
Fresh curd should be added to the diet because it not only helps in the easy digestion of food but also contains lactic acid, which can somehow reduce the discharge.
Add lady finger, pomegranate, ripe bananas, fresh coriander, and fig to your diet.
Always prefer cotton undergarments and avoid the nylon material and also avoid the tight underpants at night. Wash the undergarments properly.
Using panty liners is the best approach that will absorb the increased discharge.
Stress buster exercises like meditation, morning walk, and reading books should be included in the lifestyle to reduce the stress and avoid the risk of leucorrhea.
Avoid the use of scented products and chemical products, perfumes, and soap around the vagina.
If the symptoms of leucorrhea become severe then the patients who are under antibiotic treatment and who are taking OCPs should be avoided temporarily.
Practicing safe sex using condoms and being monogamous will help to avert STDs.
If the symptoms are too severe do visit your doctor and take proper medication. Self-medication should be avoided as it may worsen the case.
Best Homeopathic Medicines for Leucorrhea
Homeopathy is a holistic system of medicine that treats not only the symptoms of the disease but also the man who is suffering from the disease.
So, after a complete detailed history of present and past disease and considering the family history also, a drug is prescribed which will be based on the individualization of every patient.
In mild cases, improvement can be seen within weeks, whereas severe cases will take a longer time. Along with homeopathic medicine, the patients have to follow a healthy regimen for optimum results.
Now, let’s go through some of the homeopathic medicines that can help Leucorrhea. Some of the best homeopathic medicines for the treatment of Leucorrhea are mentioned below.
- Alumina
- Sepia Officinalis
- Calcarea carbonica
- Borax
- Kreosote
- Pulsatilla
- Thlaspi Bursa pastoris
- Thuja occidentalis
- Hydrastis Canadensis
- Natrum muriaticum
- Syphilinum
- Kali bichromicum
- Platina
- Iodum
- Aesculus
1. Alumina: for acrid profuse leucorrhea
Alumina is one of the best and most effective remedies for treating leucorrhea. When a patient’s symptoms are worse during daytime and the vaginal discharge is profuse, acrid, transparent, and causes burning then one should go with this remedy.
The characteristic feature of the selection of this medicine is that the leucorrhea is so profuse that it may run down the heels.
Dosage and potency: 30c, 200c 4 globules (pills) dissolved in half a cup of water 2 times a day for 15 days.
2. Sepia: for yellow-greenish leucorrhea
Sepia is well-indicated medicine for female complaints and is often prescribed by many homeopaths for relieving leucorrhea. It is indicated when the color of the discharge is yellowish-green and patients also feel a bearing down sensation as if everything would escape through the vulva.
Sepia can be given in those cases when the vaginal discharge appears around menopause, hence mostly indicated in middle-aged women.
Dosage and potency: 200c, 4 globes in half cup of water thrice a day till the symptom disappear.
3. Calcarea Carbonica: for milky leucorrhea
Calcarea carbonica is indicated when there is milky vaginal discharge and the patient is anemic, may get breathless at the slightest exertion, and is usually obese.
Patients also have craving for indigestible things like chalks, coal, and pencils which confirms the selection of this medicine.
Dosage and potency: 30c, 200c, take 4 drops of dilution in half a cup of water twice a day, till the improvement is seen.
4. Borax: for too hot leucorrhea
Borax is another most effective medicine for treating leucorrhea. It is indicated when the discharge is too hot as if warm water is flowing through the vagina. The characteristic of the discharge is it appears like the white of an egg.
Dosage and potency: 200c potency take 4 globules (pills) twice a day till the improvement occurs.
5. Kreosotum: for corroding leucorrhea
This remedy is indicated when the color of leucorrhea is yellow, is acrid, and smells like green corn. The discharge also appears between the periods that make the condition worse. There is violent itching around the vagina and between the thighs also.
Dosage and potency: 200c potency of dilution, take 2-3 drops in half cup of water twice a day, till the symptoms disappear.
6. Pulsatilla: leucorrhea with pain in the back
Pulsatilla is effective in case of leucorrhea when the discharge is acrid, burning, and creamy. The patient also experiences pain in the back and tired feelings in general.
Patients are usually intolerant to heat and summer weather makes their condition worse. At the same time, they feel better in the open air and feel suffocated inside the room.
Dosage and potency: 30c, 200c potency, take 2-3 drops of dilution in half cup of water and take twice a day till the improvement.
7. Thlaspi Bursa Pastoris: leucorrhea before and after menses
This medicine is indicated when the patient complains about leucorrhea before and after menses. It is also very offensive and stains the linen.
Dosage and potency: 30c, 200c, 4 globules (pills) twice a day till the improvement is seen.
8. Thuja Occidentalis: for thick greenish leucorrhea
Thuja is indicated when the vaginal discharge is profuse, thick, and greenish. Also, there is an oversensitivity of the vagina along with warty excrescences on the vulva and perineum.
Dosage and potency:- 200c potency, take 4 globules thrice a day up to improvement.
9. Hydrastis Canadensis: for leucorrhea in little girls
Hydrastis is a remedy highly indicated when leucorrhea is seen in young little girls. The discharge is profuse and causes itching in the vulva.
It becomes worse after menses. It is acrid, corroding, shreddy and tenacious. Along with leucorrhea, there is also the presence of some liver complaints.
Dosage and potency: 30c, 200c take 3-4 drops of dilution in half a cup of water twice a day.
10. Natrum Muriaticum: for watery leucorrhea
Natrum muriaticum can be given to the patient when there is watery discharge from the vagina which is also profuse and acrid.
There is also contractive pain around the abdomen accompanied by leucorrhea. Patients are mainly anemic, thin, and crave salty things.
Dosage and potency: 200c potency, take four globules under the tongue, twice a day for 15 days or until the improvement appears.
11. Syphilinum: for leucorrhea soaking through the napkins.
Syphilinum is also an effective remedy for treating severe leucorrhea symptoms. The discharge is too profuse that it gets absorbed through the napkins, is acrid, and also causes sharp cutting pain around the ovarian region.
Dosage and potency: – 1M potency take one tablet Once a day for one week and repeat only when needed.
12. Kali Bichromicum: for yellow tenacious discharge
Kali bichromicum is the remedy for treating leucorrhea when there is a yellow and ropy vaginal discharge that is profuse. Due to excessive vaginal discharge patients also experience lower abdominal pain and back pain. The condition becomes worse in hot weather.
Dosage and potency: 200c potency, take four globules under the tongue, twice a day for 15 days or until the improvement appears.
13. Platina: leucorrhea due to excessive sexual excitement
Platina can be given to the patient when the vaginal discharge appears heavily when there is sexual arousal. There is a tingling sensation internally and externally and sensitiveness of the parts.
The selection of this remedy is based on mental symptoms. The patient is arrogant and proud and considers everyone inferior to herself.
Dosage and potency: 30c, 200c take 3-4 drops of dilution in half a cup of water twice a day.
14. Iodum: For acrid leucorrhea
Iodum is indicated to treat those cases of leucorrhea when the discharge is too acrid that it makes a hole in linen. The discharge is also too corrosive that causes violent itching around the vagina and is like the white of an egg.
Dosage and potency: 30c, 200c, 4 globules (pills) twice a day till the improvement is seen.
15. Aesculus Hip: for leucorrhea causing backache
Aesculus hip helps to relieve the symptoms of leucorrhea when there is lameness in the back accompanied by thick, dark yellow vaginal discharge.
Dosage and potency: 30c, 200c potency, take 2-3 drops of dilution in half cup of water and take twice a day till the improvement.
Remember that homeopathic remedies should be prescribed based on individual symptoms and characteristics. It’s crucial to consult with a qualified homeopath for proper evaluation and personalized treatment. Homeopathy focuses on treating the whole person, so a detailed case study is necessary to select the most appropriate remedy.
Homeopathic medicines should be taken only when prescribed by a homeopathic physician. Self-medication may aggravate the original conditions.