Medical term:
leukorrhea
leukorrhea
[loo″ko-re´ah]a white to yellow viscid discharge from the vagina or uterine cavity, which may be a symptom of a disorder either in the reproductive organs or elsewhere in the body. The glands of the vagina normally secrete a certain amount of mucuslike fluid that moistens the vaginal membranes. This is often increased at the time of ovulation and before a menstrual period, and it is also stimulated by sexual excitement, whether or not coitus takes place. Excessive discharge, however, may indicate an abnormal condition. A yellow or creamy white discharge, especially if it is thick, often contains pus and provides evidence of an infection. A thinner discharge, such as one that seems to be clear mucus, usually indicates that the disorder is chronic, but of less significance.
Causes. Frequent causes are trichomoniasis, candidiasis, and bacterial vaginosis. The discharge of trichomoniasis is usually yellowish, odorous, and pruritic. Candidiasis is distinguished by a thin to thick white discharge with irritation and itching. Women with bacterial vaginosis often complain of a gray to yellow discharge with an offensive, fishy odor.
Another cause of leukorrhea is infection of the cervix during childbirth. The infection irritates the mucous glands of the cervix, causing them to secrete excessive mucus. sexually transmitted diseases, especially gonorrhea and chlamydiosis, are also common causes of leukorrhea. When the discharge is profuse, thick, and yellowish and there is a burning sensation during urination, gonorrhea or chlamydiosis should be suspected. Other bacteria and fungi may also be causes of leukorrhea, such as infections of the genital tract originating from foreign bodies like tampons, diaphragms, and pessaries that are left in the vagina too long.
Leukorrhea sometimes is an early indication of cervical cancer, or of benign conditions, such as polyps or leiomyoma uteri. It may also be caused by pelvic congestion associated with heart disease, by malnutrition, or by inflammation of the fallopian tubes as a result of tuberculosis. In later years, the disorder may be caused by simple debility; see also atrophic vaginitis.
Another cause of leukorrhea is infection of the cervix during childbirth. The infection irritates the mucous glands of the cervix, causing them to secrete excessive mucus. sexually transmitted diseases, especially gonorrhea and chlamydiosis, are also common causes of leukorrhea. When the discharge is profuse, thick, and yellowish and there is a burning sensation during urination, gonorrhea or chlamydiosis should be suspected. Other bacteria and fungi may also be causes of leukorrhea, such as infections of the genital tract originating from foreign bodies like tampons, diaphragms, and pessaries that are left in the vagina too long.
Leukorrhea sometimes is an early indication of cervical cancer, or of benign conditions, such as polyps or leiomyoma uteri. It may also be caused by pelvic congestion associated with heart disease, by malnutrition, or by inflammation of the fallopian tubes as a result of tuberculosis. In later years, the disorder may be caused by simple debility; see also atrophic vaginitis.
Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.
leu·kor·rhe·a
(lū'kō-rē'ă),Discharge from the vagina of a white or yellowish viscid fluid containing mucus and pus cells.
Synonym(s): leukorrhagia
[leuko- + G. rhoia, flow]
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
leukorrhea
alsoleucorrhea
(lo͞o′kə-rē′ə)n.
A thick, whitish discharge from the vagina or cervical canal.
leu′kor·rhe′al adj.
The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
leukorrhea
Gynecology A nonspecific whitish malodorous vaginal discharge accompanied by dyspareunia and intense pruritus, which may be caused by infection–eg, Candida albicans, Gardnerella vaginalis, T vaginalis, N gonorrhoeae, foreign bodies, estrogen depletion, neoplasms, and as a postpartum phenomenonMcGraw-Hill Concise Dictionary of Modern Medicine. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
leu·kor·rhe·a
(lū'kōr-ē'ă)Discharge from the vagina of a white or yellowish viscid fluid.
Synonym(s): leukorrhagia, leucorrhoea, leukorrhoea.
Synonym(s): leukorrhagia, leucorrhoea, leukorrhoea.
[leuko- + G. rhoia, flow]
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012
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