Recognize Dangerous Signs of Leucorrhoea

Leucorrhoea is a normal thing that happens to every woman, especially those who have entered childbearing age. Normal vaginal discharge is generally not accompanied by other complaints that interfere. However, beware if there is a change in color and smells bad, because it could be this is a sign of dangerous vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge or vaginal discharge is fluid or mucus that comes out of the vagina. This mucus serves to bring out dead cells and germs from the body. The goal is to keep the vagina clean, and protect the vagina from irritation or infection. Although it is actually a normal thing, vaginal discharge can be a sign of an illness. Especially if vaginal discharge is accompanied by other complaints, such as vaginal itching or pain. This condition can be caused by the wrong way of treating intimate organs or by a disease, such as a sexually transmitted disease.

Leucorrhoea Normal and Not Normal

The characteristics of normal vaginal discharge, include:

• Usually clear or slightly turbid (like milk).
• Dilute or a little thick.
• Leucorrhoea does not smell.
• The amount ranges from half to one teaspoon (2-5 ml).

However, thickness, color, and the amount of vaginal discharge that comes out in each woman can vary. Leucorrhoea will usually be thicker at certain times, for example during ovulation, during breastfeeding, when sexual arousal appears, during pregnancy, when using contraceptives, or about a week before menstruation. While the signs of vaginal discharge that are dangerous or abnormal, include:

• The amount of vaginal discharge that comes out is more.
• The color is different from the usual, for example yellowish, green, brown, or grayish.
• Leucorrhoea smells bad.
• Accompanied by other symptoms, such as itching and irritation of the vagina.

Causes of Abnormal Leucorrhoea

Abnormal vaginal discharge can be a symptom of disease, ranging from fungal infections to cervical cancer. Below are some diseases that can be a cause of dangerous vaginal discharge, the following signs:

• Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis can make vaginal discharge turn white, gray, or yellow accompanied by fishy, ​​itchy or tender, redness, and swelling in the vagina.

• Fungal infections

The characteristics include thick white lumps that are lumpy like cheese, accompanied by itching, swelling, and pain around the vulva. Pain will be more felt when having sex.

• Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. This disease makes leucorrhoea yellow or greenish, foamy, and smells bad. Trichomoniasis also makes the vagina feel itchy and painful when urinating.

• Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea causes yellow or cloudy vaginal discharge accompanied by pelvic pain, bleeding outside the menstrual cycle, and unconscious discharge of urine.

• Cancer

Cervical cancer and endometrial cancer can cause brown or red vaginal discharge accompanied by pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding.

In addition, pelvic inflammatory disease, vaginitis, chlamydia, the use of certain drugs, such as antibiotics or birth control pills, and the habit of using vaginal cleaning fluid can also cause vaginal discharge that is not normal.

Prevent Dangerous Leucorrhoea

Caring for intimate organs properly and correctly can prevent the emergence of dangerous vaginal discharge. How:

• Clean the vagina regularly by using warm water and mild soap. Harsh chemical soaps can irritate the vagina.
• Clean the vagina from front to back (from the direction of the vagina to the anus) to prevent bacteria from the anus from moving to the vaginal area.
• Avoid using vaginal cleaners with antiseptics, fragrances or douching products. Antiseptics or fragrances can actually upset the balance of natural bacteria in the vagina, causing abnormal vaginal discharge.
• Avoid the habit of scratching the vagina or vulva, because of the risk of causing sores and infections.
• Use cotton underwear that is comfortable, and avoid using pantyliners and clothes that are too tight.

If you experience signs of dangerous vaginal discharge, as mentioned above, immediately see a doctor to get the right treatment according to the cause.