Leukorrhea is a medical term used to describe a whitish or yellowish vaginal discharge that can occur during pregnancy. It is caused by an increase in the amount of cervical mucus produced by the body during pregnancy. Leukorrhea is usually harmless and does not require treatment. However, in some cases, it can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a bacterial infection.
Risk Factors and Complications
Risk factors for leukorrhea include:
- Being pregnant
- Having multiple sexual partners
- Having a history of sexually transmitted infections
- Having a vaginal douche
Complications associated with leukorrhea include:
- Increased risk of developing an STI
- Increased risk of developing a vaginal infection
- Discomfort and itching
- Bad odor
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible:
- A foul-smelling discharge
- A discharge that is yellow or green in color
- A discharge that is accompanied by itching, burning, or redness
Disambiguation
Leukorrhea is often confused with other medical conditions, such as vaginal discharge, vulvovaginitis, and yeast infections. These conditions can have similar symptoms, but they are not the same as leukorrhea.
This image shows how often the term ‘Leukorrhea’ is used in relation to other, similar birth terms:
Other terms closely related to leukorrhea include:
- Vaginal discharge
- Cervical mucus
- Mucus plug
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