Causes of leukorrhea and how to prevent it | health guideline 360

 In this article, I will talk about leukorrhea. If you also want to obtain information about leukorrhea, you are on the correct page.

What is leukorrhea?

First, let's understand leukorrhea. In fact, the term leukorrhea is sometimes pronounced as likoria. Leukorrhea itself is not a disease; it refers to vaginal discharge, which means the secretion of fluid.

If you don't notice any significant change in its clear colour, then it's completely natural and inhibits the growth of bacteria, which are harmful germs that cause diseases, by preventing their proliferation. It maintains the balance of vaginal flora.

Signs of leukorrhea:

Leukorrhea is characterized by the discharge of fluid from the vagina. The colour and consistency of this fluid may change. If it undergoes a color change to white, green, or yellow, or becomes red, it could be due to an underlying UTI (urinary tract infection), STD (sexually transmitted disease), bacterial vaginosis, or bacterial infection. At this point, it's advisable to seek medical attention promptly.

It doesn't appear normal; there may be itching or burning, pain, and feeling discomfort.

Causes of leukorrhea:

Urinary tract infection (UTI): One reason for leukorrhea is a UTI, which involves inflammation in the bladder. Sometimes, this inflammation can extend to the kidneys, where the entry of bacteria can lead to an infection.

Use of public washrooms:

Using public washrooms outside, such as those in offices, colleges, or university washrooms, regularly can also be a reason.

Excessive use of antibiotics:

One reason for leukorrhea could be if you have taken a lot of antibiotics in the past.

STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases):

Then there are STDs, which are sexual infections. If your partner has any sexual diseases, they can also be transmitted to you.

Increase in bacterial count:

Bacterial vaginosis is another reason where a specific type of bacteria that causes diseases increases in the vagina. While these bacteria are normally present, they become harmful when there are hormonal changes in the body. Another reason for their increase is a weakened immune system, which reduces the body's ability to fight against diseases.

Poor hygiene practices:

Not maintaining proper hygiene, such as not washing clothes, not exposing them to sunlight, and neglecting cleanliness during periods, can lead to an increase in fungi and bacteria, which can cause this issue. Teaching, bed order, and even pain can then lead to infection, which can exacerbate UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections).

Antiseptic socks:

Furthermore, the use of artificial antiseptic socks available in the market can also contribute to the growth of bed bacteria in the vaginal area.

Diabetes:

Diabetes is another major reason. If someone's body has high levels of sugar, it is included in the blood, urine, or any moisture coming out of the body contains sugar everywhere, and sugar feeds these bacteria. These germs remain alive after eating sugar, and nowadays, pre-diabetes is very common due to bad lifestyle habits, such as not exercising, leading to increased sugar levels in the blood, but not to the extent that these people are declared diabetic. On the borderline, blood sugar levels remain high, insulin resistance develops, and if these bacteria enter the body once, they do not go away until the sugar decreases. If the husbands of married women are diabetic and if these bacteria are present in them, this infection can easily enter the woman's body.

Birth control pills:

If you are taking birth control pills excessively, they also become a reason for this issue, and increased oestrogen levels boost this bacteria.

How to prevent leukorrhea:

✓ Often, it is observed that visiting a doctor and taking medicine for some time resolves the issue, but then leukorrhea recurs. It should be noted that excessive use of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, causing medications to become ineffective. Antibiotics cannot distinguish between harmful and beneficial bacteria in the body, disrupting the vaginal flora. This leads to a decrease in beneficial bacteria, so caution should be exercised when using antibiotic medications.

✓ It is essential to follow the instructions given by your primary doctor because the cause of each case may vary, and these instructions often include lifestyle changes.

✓ It is important to maintain extra cleanliness. During periods, pads should be changed four to five times daily.

✓ Exposing clothes to sunlight is necessary.

✓ If there is a fungal infection, one must avoid dairy products. Milk and dairy-based products increase estrogen in the body, and high estrogen levels trigger the growth of this bacteria, increasing its count. The natural sweetness in milk feeds this bacteria, keeping it alive.

✓ Increasing the frequency of plain water intake is best for cleanliness. Use water more frequently throughout the day.

✓ If using any body wash or scented soap for bathing, try to use it externally on the skin. Avoid deep cleaning.

✓ It is essential to strengthen the immune system. Consume vitamin C rich foods regularly. Nowadays, it's the season for seasonal fruits like oranges and Malta, so try to eat one seasonal fruit daily.

✓ Lemon water is an excellent immune booster. Make it a habit to carry a water bottle everywhere. It will keep you hydrated, and hydration is essential. There should be no shortage of water in the body for good immunity. For better immunity, add a large-sized lemon to the water bottle. The acidic pH of lemon maintains the pH of the body.

✓ To keep good bacteria alive, it is essential to remove sugar. Avoid consuming sugar because these harmful germs will remain alive as long as you feed them.

✓ Include probiotic foods in your diet. Garlic is excellent, and garlic pickle with vinegar is also an excellent antioxidant. It prevents bed bacteria and fungi.

✓ Start fasting, and your blood sugar level will remain normal throughout the day. During fasting, you don't eat anything for 12 to 16 hours, and you can eat within the remaining eight hours. Insulin remains normal due to fasting, and the amount of sugar in the blood remains normal.

✓ Follow a healthy keto diet, where you cannot eat more than 70 grams of carbohydrates per day.

✓ Drink three to four liters of water daily. Hydration is essential to maintain vaginal flora intact.

By following these lifestyle changes for one to two months, you can get relief from leukorrhea.