1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Women's Health

What is Leukorrhea?

By , About.com Guide

Updated July 17, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: Leukorrhea is the medical term for a certain type of vaginal discharge that is common during pregnancy as well as at other times during your reproductive years. If you have leukorrhea, you may have a thick and sticky vaginal discharge that is white, yellow, or green. It can vary with a woman's menstrual cycle as her hormone levels change.

Vaginal discharges are often a sign of vaginal yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, or sexually transmitted diseases. Leukorrhea may or may not indicate the presence of infection, and it is not usually accompanied by other signs and symptoms, such as itching, pain, burning or irritation, or redness, of the tissue. Only a qualified health professional can tell you whether you have an infection.

If you have any unusual type of vaginal discharge during pregnancy or at any other time, always consult your health professional before trying any over-the-counter treatments or home remedies.

Sources:

MedlinePlus, Merriam-Webster's Online Medical Dictionary; accessed 06/28/07

Loyola University Health System Pregnancy Glossary; accessed 06/28/07

Also Known As: vaginal discharge during pregnancy
Common Misspellings: lukorea
Explore Women's Health
About.com Special Features

8 Ways to Cut Drug Costs

Learn how to save money on medications with these recommendations. More >

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this season. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Women's Health
  4. Female Reproductive Health
  5. GYN Diseases and Conditions
  6. Vaginal Health
  7. Vaginal Discharge
  8. What is Leukorrhea? - Definition of Leukorrhea>

©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.