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The White Menace

By Dr Kedar Padte on February 19, 2018

Hygiene and proper understanding of vaginal discharge can help young women adjust to changing bodies

Vaginal discharge could be harmless or deserving of a therapy. Maintaining clean hygiene physically and mentally is the key to avoid approaching problems.

Leucorrhea or white discharge from the vagina can be physiological (normal) or pathological: due to some infection or other pathology.

Physiological leucorrhea is common and affects up to 30-40 per cent of teenagers at some time or other. It is a significant amount of thin, clear or white discharge from the vagina that stains the undergarments. At times, it is significant enough to advocate the use of a sanitary napkin.

Much of this discharge is due to the estrogen hormone. Estrogen increases the secretions of the cervical glands, which when excessive will cause leucorrhea since estrogen is maximum before and during ovulation.

The sticky white discharge is also used as a sign by those who wish to conceive, or avoid a pregnancy by timing intercourse accordingly. After ovulation, the progesterone hormone causes a change in the consistency of the mucus to a thick gel and the discharge ceases.

Read the full article in 'Viva Goa' magazine copy.

Viva Goa magazine is now on stands. Available at all major book stalls and supermarkets in Goa.