Leucorrhoea is a gynaecological disorder that mostly affects women. It is a rather benign pathology when it is of physiological origin. Indeed, leucorrhoea can manifest itself during a woman’s ovulation period that is to say, generally around the 15th day of the cycle. Thus, a woman should not worry in case of unusual vaginal discharge.
Leucorrhoea can be classified into two categories: pathological leucorrhoea and physiologic leucorrhoea. Of infections origin, pathological leucorrhoea is a gynaecological disorder that must be treated to avoid complications. This type of leucorrhoea can have several origins, such as vulvovaginitis which are caused by fungi or bacteria like staphylococcus. Salpingitis, which is caused by sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhoea, can also result in pathological leucorrhoea.
Physiologic leucorrhoea is rather common and occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle. Indeed, the ovulation period is characterized by vaginal hypersecretion. It may also stem from other causes such as pregnancy, menopause or genital acidity. Common leucorrhoea is odourless and is not accompanied by irritation or itching sensations. However, due to hormonal changes, menopausal women can contract atrophic vulvovaginitis. In pregnant women, leucorrhoea may be of mycotic origin.
Pathological leucorrhoea is caused by germs. The typical symptom that characterizes this condition is the sudden appearance of discharge accompanied by functional disorders. The vagina, cervix or uterus become infected and develop secretions. The vulva starts to itch and the affected woman may also feel vaginal burning.
Leucorrhoea caused by Trichomonas vaginalis is abundant, greenish and foul-smelling. Furthermore, the vulva takes on a reddish colour. An infection caused by a gonococcus manifests itself by the presence of a greenish-yellow pus. A chlamydia infection is characterized by purulent vaginal discharge accompanied by metrorrhagia. Among postmenopausal women, leucorrhoea is purulent and the vagina suffers from significant inflammation.
Other secondary symptoms may appear, such as frequent need to urinate accompanied by a burning sensation at the end of urination. These disorders are accompanied by a mild fever, especially in the case of infections that are caused by sexually transmitted diseases. The infection may spread up the genital tract with the presence of pain in the pelvic area.
Homoeopathic treatment is often prescribed based on the colour of vaginal discharge. If it looks like water, Luesinum 9 CH is indicated. If it looks like egg white, Borax 5 CH is recommended. Take Pulsatilla 5 CH if it is cream-coloured or yellow. In case the discharge is yellow and viscous or yellow and chronic, the recommended homoeopathic remedies are, respectively, Aletris farinosa 5 CH and Luesinum 5 CH. If it is of greenish colour, Mercurius solubilis 5 CH is recommended, but if it is brown-coloured or tinged with blood, it is advisable to take Nitricum acidum 7 CH.
The homoeopathic remedy is administered according to the degree of irritation caused by the vaginal discharge as well as its colour. In case of acidic and irritating discharge, take Sepia 5 CH. In case of very irritating, yellow-coloured and burning secretion, taking Kreosotum 5 CH is generally advised by the homeopath. If it is irritating, thick and yellow-coloured, Hydrastis 4 CH is a very effective remedy. If the discharge is not irritating but yellow-coloured, Pulsatilla 7 CH is indicated.
For localized aggressive treatment, use an egg of Hydrastis calendula at bedtime and coat the inflamed area with a Homeoplasmine-based ointment. As for chronic infections with recurrent urinary tract infection, the field treatment consists of Thuya: Five granules of Thuya 7 CH should be taken daily. Otherwise, a weekly dose of Thuya 15 CH is recommended.
It is necessary to seek further medical attention when signs of infections, such as pain in the lower abdomen, burning and itching sensations, start to appear. The presence of foul odours or discharge of unusual colour are all warning signs that should lead an affected woman to seek medical attention.
• Calcarea Phosphorica
• Pulsatilla
• Mycosis
• Oxyurasis
• Vaginitis
Good to know: Young girls may also be subject to pathological leucorrhoea. They are caused by poor hygiene or the presence of pinworms or candidiasis. To treat it, it is recommended to resort to Cubeba 5 CH. Moreover, Kreosotum 5 CH can also be used to eliminate foul smells.
