What is Leukorrhea?

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