10 FAQs About Leukorrhea

By leslie

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. ’Vaginal Discharge.’ Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/4719-vaginal-discharge
• 2. Spence D; Melville C. ’Vaginal discharge.’ British Medical Journal. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2099568

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Leukorrhea is the name for the clear, sometimes whitish, fluid that comes from the vagina. The cervix, uterus and vagina secrete it. Leukorrhea is normal in women from puberty and may change in color, consistency and odor several times during a woman's lifetime.

The amount and frequency of the fluid are different for each individual. Some may have a little leukorrhea from time to time, while others experience it regularly. Leukorrhea is also called vaginal discharge and may be defined as physiological or infectious. Changes in vaginal discharge may indicate a problem and should be discussed with a doctor.¹’Vaginal Discharge.’ Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/4719-vaginal-discharge

What Is Physiological Leukorrhea?

Physiological leukorrhea is the normal discharge that begins shortly before puberty, usually with a woman's first period. It has no odor, is either clear or white and is secreted in varying amounts and consistency throughout life. Pregnancy and menopause are part of the normal life cycle that may cause changes in physiological leukorrhea.

Leukorrhea abnormalities suggest that a problem exists, including infection, diabetes, cancer or environmental changes. Many women believe a douche is necessary to decrease normal vaginal discharge, but according to research, this is neither true nor recommended.¹’Vaginal Discharge.’ Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/4719-vaginal-discharge