Whites

Definition

Leucorrhoea is a medical term that denotes the escape of abundant vaginal secretions, more or less viscous, whitish-transparent and with a subtle odor.

The secretion of the uterine cervix (see cervical mucus) and the small amounts of fluid that exude from the inner mucosa of the vagina, are important for maintaining the optimal lubrication and cleaning of this musculomembrane channel.

Causes

Leucorrhoea is common during pregnancy, ovulation, in some girls during puberty and in general in all those conditions that alter estrogen levels (including menopause and birth control pills).

The leucorrhoea can also be caused by inflammatory processes (vaginitis) or mucosal congestion. In the physiological leucorrhoea the losses are opalescent and dissociated from a symptomatology, while in the infectious processes the abundant vaginal secretions are associated with more or less serious disorders, based on the pathogens present and the degree of infection.

Symptoms

The symptoms commonly associated with pathological leucorrhoea are itching, irritation, redness, burning and vulvovaginal pain (amplified by sexual intercourse). Generally the cocci give a white-yellowish infection, the Candida gives a leucorrhoea with a ricotta aspect, the Gardnerella gives the secretions a characteristic smell of rotten fish, the Trichomonas gives a greenish leucorrhoea and the Chlamydia and mycoplasmas infections run in a paucisintomatic way . When the secretion takes on a yellowish color it is called leucoxantorrhea, since the purulent material contains neutrophil lymphocytes.

Treatment

In the presence of leukorrhea it is important to consult the doctor before using over-the-counter drugs or "friend's remedies", in order to identify the causes and establish the most appropriate therapy.

Prevention is implemented through a normal daily intimate hygiene (neither poor nor excessive); after defecation, for example, it is essential to cleanse yourself from the vagina towards the anus and not vice versa, to avoid transporting the fecal bacteria to the vulva.

Vaginal lavages are not recommended in healthy women (even after sexual intercourse or menstruation), as they can deplete the vaginal flora of useful bacteria and facilitate infection or worsen the already existing leucorrhoea.

Primary prophylaxis is completed by eliminating synthetic underwear and too tight-fitting clothing and by adopting barrier methods (condoms) during occasional sexual intercourse.