- Likoria is a thick, whitish-yellow discharge from the vagina, signaling potential health issues if color or consistency changes.
- Symptoms include discharge changes, itching, pain, and bleeding, treated with creams, antibiotics, or hormone therapy. Professional medical aid is recommended for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
- Gynecologists diagnose through questions, pelvic exams, and discharge analysis, with causes including hormonal imbalances, infections, and medical conditions.
Women’s health can be a sensitive topic, but it is essential. While lots of women feel shy consulting doctors, or even approaching their family about their health, we are here to help them in their time of need. One such topic we will be discussing today is Likoria (Leucorrhoea).
Likoria is the medical term used to describe a thick, whitish-yellow discharge from the vagaina. Usually, the discharge helps the female reproductive system act like an anti-bacterial guard and helps keep infections and other bacteria away by keeping the private part moist and clean.
However, there are times when the discharge changes color or its consistency, if that happens often, it is your body’s sign that there may be an infection or there is something wrong.
If you are experiencing leucorrhoea or vaginal discharge that isn’t clear, whitish, and odorless, it is important to consult your gynecologist for an evaluation.
How to Diagnose Likoria?
To diagnose abnormal vaginal discharge or leukorrhea, gynecologists typically ask a series of questions regarding recent antibiotic use, menopausal symptoms, diabetes status, cancer treatments, new sexual partners, and any significant changes in your life and health.
After gathering this information, your gynecologist will perform a pelvic exam using a speculum to closely examine your cervix and vaginal walls. They will also collect a sample of your discharge for testing.
The discharge sample will be analyzed under a microscope to identify conditions such as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection, or trichomonas infection.
Once the diagnosis is complete and the underlying causes of the abnormal discharge are determined, your doctor will begin the appropriate treatment.
Likoria Causes
There can be a handful of reasons behind the change in discharge consistency and colour, these are the most common reasons:
- If you notice a thin, slippery, stretchy, and odorless white discharge (leukorrhea) right before your period, it is a normal part of your menstrual cycle. This type of discharge indicates no abnormality; it is simply your vagina shedding cells and fluids.
- Leukorrhea or white discharge can also be an early sign of pregnancy, though it may be difficult to distinguish from normal discharge as pregnancy-related discharge is only slightly thicker.
- Hormonal imbalances caused by birth control pills can lead to leukorrhea or white discharge. If this discharge is uncomfortable, consult your gynecologist to discuss changing your contraceptive method.
- A common cause of leukorrhea is a yeast infection, which often occurs right before your period. Yeast infections can cause burning and itching in the vulva and vagina, and the discharge may resemble runny cottage cheese.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can also cause vaginal discharge, typically resulting in a smelly yellowish discharge.
- Bacterial vaginosis, an infection where certain bacteria overgrow in the vagina, leads to grayish and smelly discharge. While this infection often resolves on its own, antibiotics may be necessary if it persists.
- Hormonal imbalances from various causes can also result in leukorrhea. Poor genital hygiene, tight or synthetic underwear, scented soaps, lotions, bubble baths, and douches can also cause vaginal discharge.
- A displaced uterus, excessive stress, mental disorders, anxiety, and sexual tension can contribute to leukorrhea. Additionally, an unhealthy diet may play a role.
- Certain medical conditions, such as tuberculosis, anemia, diabetes, cervical cancer, and pelvic inflammatory disease, can also cause vaginal discharge.
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Likoria Symptoms Amongst Women
While the symptoms differ from woman to woman, here are the most common ones:
- Changes in the amount, color, and smell of your discharge.
- Dryness and irritation of the vaginal lining.
- Itching and discomfort in the vulva and vagina.
- Soreness of the vulva.
- Swelling of the vagina.
- Pain in the lower abdomen and lower back.
- Pain during urination.
- Bleeding and pain during and after intercourse.
- Bleeding unrelated to your periods.
- Abnormal skin growth around the vagina.
Understanding Vaginal Discharge Colour
The colour of your discharge can tell you a lot about what is happening to/with your body. Since each color of discharge signifies something different, refer to the guide below to understand what the color of your discharge means.
- Clear: Clear discharge, often with an egg-white consistency, is a sign of a healthy vagina expelling dead cells and bacteria. It typically occurs during ovulation, hormonal changes due to pregnancy, and sexual arousal.
- Milky White: Creamy to milky white discharge is generally normal unless it has a foul odor or unusual consistency. This type of discharge is your vagina’s way of lubricating and cleaning itself.
- Yellow to Green: Light yellow discharge is usually normal. However, dark yellow or green discharge can indicate an infection. It’s important to see a gynecologist for tests to rule out any infections. If tests are negative, diet might be influencing the discharge color.
- Pink: Pink discharge, ranging from light pink to deeper shades, often signals the start of your menstrual cycle. It can also occur after intercourse or, in some cases, indicate an underlying health condition.
- Red or Brown: Red or brown discharge is normal around your period. However, if it occurs outside of your menstrual cycle, it could indicate an underlying health issue that needs attention.
- Grey: If your discharge turns grey, seek immediate advice from your gynecologist. Grey discharge is a common symptom of bacterial vaginosis, which is treated with topical ointments and oral antibiotics.
Likoria Treatment
The type of treatment and medication prescribed for leukorrhea (likoria) depends on the underlying cause of your vaginal discharge. For example:
- Bacterial Vaginosis: Treated with topical creams, ointments, and antibiotic pills.
- Yeast Infections: Managed with over-the-counter antifungal creams. If recurrent, oral antibiotics may be necessary.
- Trichomonas Infection: Treated with antibiotic tablets and ointments.
- Atrophic Vaginitis: Caused by unstable hormone levels, best treated with estrogen tablets, rings, and creams.
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Treated with oral or topical antibiotics. If STDs are recurrent, your partner may also need treatment.
Some home remedies can be referred to for relief, however, we recommend you visit a professional and get proper medical aid to help.
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