Leukorrhea is one of the most common causes of referral to primary care or gynecology clinics. It is seen especially in reproductive ages, sexually active women and those with poor genital hygiene. It’s often described as being white or milky in color and it can be somewhat thick and slippery. In many cases the presence of this discharge is absolutely normal, but other times it could be indication of infection, though other signs are usually present too when this is the case. Leukorrhea may occur at any time, there are times when its presence should be viewed as potentially problematic. When the vagina becomes inflamed in any way, more of this substance can be secreted, which could indicate an infection or either a fungal, viral, or bacterial nature.

Yeast infections may sometimes increase leukorrhea, but so can infections with many sexually transmitted diseases. If this discharge suddenly shows up and a person has in the recent past engaged in sexually risky activities, consult your health professional before trying any over-the-counter treatments.

 CAUSES OF LEUCCORHEA

There is no fixed format of leukorrhea and once started it can last anything between few days to few months. It is must to treat this condition, as ignoring it could make it more chronicle.
There are many causes of leucorrhea:
A severe herpes outbreak or increased levels of estrogen creating increased cervical secretions can result in watery discharge.
The amount of discharge may increase due to vaginal infection, in which case it becomes more yellow and foul-smelling.
When present during pregnancy, leukorrhea is caused by increased generation of hormones, including estrogen, as well as greater blood flow to the vaginal area. It is a combination of secretions from the cervix and vagina, dead skin cells, and normal vaginal bacterial flora.
Leukorrhea may also be present in non-pregnant women during ovulation, the onset of vaginal infections or sexually transmitted diseases, or before a girl's first menstruation.


SIGN & SYMPTOMS
Whitish discharge from the vagina
Weakness
Pain in the lumbar region
Constipation
Frequent headaches
Intense itching
Black patches under the eyes

Dietary recommendation

To begin with, the patient should fast for three or four days on fruit juices for the elimination of the morbid matter.
Taking three meals a day of fresh juicy fruits. The patient may, thereafter, gradually embark upon a well-balanced diet, with emphasis on wholegrain cereals, fresh fruits, and raw and steamed vegetables.
Avoid all forms of white flour, white sugar, fried and greasy foods, condiments, preserves, tea, and coffee.

HOME REMEDIES

• Fenugreek Seeds: Add three teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in one-liter water and on a low flame boil this water for about half an hour. After this strain it and drink it when it becomes cool. It is very useful in treating the leucorrhoea.
• Mango: Take one ripe mango and mash it to make mango pulp. Apply this mango pulp on the vagina. This one is very effective in getting relief from leucorrhoea.
• Guava Leaves: Add some fresh guava leaves in one-liter water and keep this mixture on low flame for about half an hour. Allow it to cool down and then apply it one the vagina.
• Walnut Tree Leaves: Collect some walnut tree leaves and add them in one-liter water and keep it for boiling till the time water gets reduced to half. Apply this on the vagina by douching.
• Rice Water: While cooking rice, don’t throw the water that you used for making rice. Add some sugar to this water and drink it. This is one of the very effective home remedies for leucorrhoea.
• Coriander Seeds: Soak some coriander seeds in water and keep it for overnight. Next day early morning, on an empty stomach drink this water. You will need to follow this remedy for about one week to see the desirable results.
• Amalaki Powder: Add some sugar or honey into two teaspoon of amalki powder and eat it twice in a day.
• Betel Nut: After every meal, chew few betel nuts, as they are very effective in preventing leucorrhoea.
• Cranberry Juice: In leucorrhoea drinking cranberry juice is very effective and gives relief from the symptoms of leucorrhoea.
• Bananas: Eat one or two bananas on a daily basis; it will prevent leucorrhoea from occurring.
• Sandalwood Oil: Take about five drops of sandalwood oil twice in a day preferably once in the morning and again in the evening. This will be helpful in treating leucorrhoea.

• A cold hip bath taken twice a day, for ten minutes at a time, will help relieve congestion in the pelvic region and facilitate quick elimination of morbid matter.