Excessive Discharge? Don't Ignore Your Vaginal Health Dr. Meenakshi Yelvantge Gynecologist/Obstetrician Leucorrhea or excessive discharge per vagina can be a troublesome problem for many women. At certain times in the menstrual cycle the vaginal discharge is normally increased as in mid-cycle and just before the periods. This is normal. However if the discharge is smelly or excessive warranting use of sanitary towels or panty liners or associated with vulval/ vaginal itching it needs to be investigated. Abnormal vaginal discharge associated with the above symptoms may be due to local infection. It may also be related to poor health, mal-nutrition, constipation, worm infestation, anaemia, local trauma and allergy to local soaps and deodrants. If the discharge is persistent it is very important to consult a gynaecologist who may prescribe antibiotics, creams, pessaries and sometimes get swabs done. It is important to keep the area clean using plain water and dry, one should avoid any form of soap/ dettol/ detergent and powders and perfumes in that area as it is very sensitive. Also general health should be improved and anaemia and malnutrion should be corrected. Deworming may be required. A local wash like v-wash can be applied once in a while locally that helps maintaining local pH. Drinking adequate water daily is also very important.