An abnormal whitish
discharge from the vagina,
which may occur at any age. It affects most women at some time in their lives. The amount of normal
vaginal secretion varies among
women and in the same woman during the
menstrual cycle. Excess mucus
production may occur normally as a result of
sexual and emotional stimulation, at the time of ovulation, and during pregnancy.
Secretions are greater just
before and after menstruation.
In leukorrhea, the
abnormal vaginal discharge may just be excessive or it may be purulent (pus-filled) as a result of an infection by
Trichomonas vaginalis (a protozoan),
Candida albicans (thrush), or
Gardnerella vaginalis, which causes a "fishy" odor, worse
after washing with soap. A purulent discharge may be due also to
disease of the cervix or uterus, to senile vaginitis, o to the
presence of foreign objects.
Any prolonged or foul-smelling discharge needs to be attended to by a physician. Treatment depends on the cause; many medication, in cream and
suppository form, are available by prescription. Genital hygiene is important, but douching is more likely to
treat the symptoms rather then the cause and is therefore of limited value.