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Leucorrhea: A Comprehensive Review of Etiology, Diagnosis, and Management Strategi

Abha Chaorsiya,, Astha Srivastava, Sheela Sahu

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Journal of Nurse Midwifery and Maternal Health 12(1):p 59-64, Jan - April 2026. | DOI: 10.21088/jnmmh.2454.7506.12126.7

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Abha Chaorsiya, Astha Srivastava, Sheela Sahu. Leucorrhea: A Comprehensive Review of Etiology, Diagnosis, and Management Strategies. J Nurse Midwifery Matern Health. 2026; 12(1): 59-64.

Timeline

Received : April 24, 2026         Accepted : May 20, 2026          Published : April 30, 2026

Abstract

Leucorrhea, defined as excessive vaginal discharge, is one of the most frequent gynecological symptoms among women of reproductive age. It is a complex condition with both physiological and pathological causes (Kenyon et al., 2013; Hay, 2017). Physiological discharge reflects normal hormonal fluctuations, whereas pathological leucorrhea can indicate infections such as bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, trichomoniasis, and other sexually transmitted infections, as well as hormonal imbalances or malignancies (Sobel, 2007; Muzny and Schwebke, 2016). Recent evidence (2015-2025) highlights advances in diagnostic modalities, with a shift from conventional microscopy to molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), which provide improved sensitivity and specificity. New study highlights the importance of Lactobacillus-dominant vaginal microbiota in sustaining genital health and avoiding recurring infections (Xiao et al.,2016;Brotman,2018).Managementisstilletiology- pecific,withmetronidazole and clindamycin for bacterial vaginosis, antifungal medication for candidiasis, and partner treatment for trichomoniasis. Despite these gains, recurrence rates remain high, demanding customized and supportive treatments. Public health interventions, such as hygiene promotion, screening, and destigmatization, are critical for reducing disease burden, especially in resource-limited settings (WHO, 2024).


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Abha Chaorsiya, Astha Srivastava, Sheela Sahu. Leucorrhea: A Comprehensive Review of Etiology, Diagnosis, and Management Strategies. J Nurse Midwifery Matern Health. 2026; 12(1): 59-64.


Licence:

Attribution-Non-commercial-Share Alike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)

This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.



Received Accepted Published
April 24, 2026 May 20, 2026 April 30, 2026

DOI: 10.21088/jnmmh.2454.7506.12126.7

Keywords

LeucorrheaVaginal dischargeGynecological infectionDiagnosisTreatmentReproductive health

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Received April 24, 2026
Accepted May 20, 2026
Published April 30, 2026

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Attribution-Non-commercial-Share Alike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)

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