Yellow Discharge: Possible Causes and How It Is Treated

What Is Yellow Vaginal Discharge?

You might have noticed discharge in your underwear before. This fluid is totally natural and one of the ways your vagina stays clean and protected from bacteria.

The discharge can appear sticky, creamy or watery. Be translucent or white.. What if you notice a change in the color of your discharge?

Although whitish or clear discharge is typical you might also experience a yellow discharge. If this light yellow discharge is your color and you have no other symptoms then there is no need for concern.

If you do have symptoms, such as a foul or fishy smell, itching or pain then you should read on to find out what they might signal and when to speak to a doctor.

Is Discharge Normal?

• It is normal to notice some discharge in certain situations and at certain points in your cycle. You might see an creamy pale yellow discharge during the middle of your cycle just after ovulation.
• As your period gets closer it may turn pink or brownish as a bit of blood mixes in. As your period winds down the color may change from red to brown again and to a brownish-yellow or pink.
• This type of discharge typically lasts a days and is just the last of your period leaving your uterus. Slight changes in the color and texture of your discharge throughout your cycle can be normal.
• However if you experience discharge with odor, itching, tenderness, pelvic pain or pain while peeing then you should get it checked out by your health care professional.

Read This Blog, Orange Vaginal Discharge During Periods

What Are The Types Of Discharge?

So if some types of discharge are typical and some might mean you have an infection how do you know what is normal?

It is crucial to look out for the amount, color and texture of your discharge and whether it has an odor or other accompanying symptoms.

If your discharge has an odor or you are experiencing pain then it may be a sign that you have an infection.

You know your body best. If something feels off then book in for a check-up with your doctor.

What Causes Discharge?

If you have discharge and you do not think it is the slightly yellow discharge that you have typically during ovulation several other things could be causing it, including infections or health conditions.

Infections

Yeast Infection

• A yeast infection is an treatable condition that occurs when the vaginas normal yeast multiply out of control.
• The common symptoms of a yeast infection are thick white vaginal discharge with the consistency of cottage cheese, itching and irritation of the vulva and vagina pain during sex and swelling and redness around the opening of your vagina.
• Generally yeast infections can be treated with medication.

Bacterial Vaginosis

• Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an overgrowth of the bacteria that is normally found in your vagina.
• While bacterial vaginosis can cause yellowish discharge the common symptoms include discharge that smells strongly of fish is grayish-white in color and is thin and watery.
• The common way to treat bacterial vaginosis is with a course of antibiotics.

STIs

• Some transmitted infections, including trichomoniasis, chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause yellow vaginal discharge.
• Trichomoniasis is an treatable STI. Lots of people affected with trichomoniasis do not know they have it because many cases are asymptomatic.
• The typical symptoms are yellow or green discharge with an unpleasant smell, pain when you pee, a frequent urge to pee and itching, burning or soreness around your vulva and vagina.
• You can treat trichomoniasis with antibiotics. Chlamydia and gonorrhea can also cause discharge.
• Some symptoms of these STIs include increased yellow or gray discharge that has an unpleasant smell, pain during sex burning when you pee and bleeding between periods or after sex.
• If you have any of the symptoms then your healthcare provider should be your first port of call.

Period

• It is totally normal to notice some yellowish discharge at points in your menstrual cycle.
• This can happen because your body produces cervical fluid in preparation for ovulation. This can appear clear and stretchy.
• Sometimes before or after your period a little blood mixes in. Causes the yellow tint. But do not worry. This type of discharge is totally normal. Usually goes away after a few days.

Medication

• You may have heard that taking medications can impact your vaginal flora, which may mean you are more vulnerable to developing an infection.
• Antibiotics may alter your flora and you may develop a condition like a yeast infection which can lead to a yellowish discharge.
• It is nothing to worry about though as these side effects may only apply to short-term use of the medication. Contact your doctor for help and advice.

What Does Yellow Discharge Mean During Pregnancy?

During pregnancy your hormones fluctuate dramatically. Many pregnant people will experience an increase in vaginal discharge.

Normally vaginal discharge during pregnancy is thin, white and mild-smelling. Yellow discharge without odor may also be perfectly normal.

However if you notice a change in the smell, color and texture of your discharge if it appears to be green, yellow or white with a texture then it might signal a vaginal infection.

You should speak to your health care provider away especially if it is accompanied by itching, swelling or pain in or outside the vagina.

How Is Yellow Discharge Diagnosed?

If you notice any changes to the look or feel of your discharge you should contact your health care provider to rule out any infections.

You know your body and discharge better than anyone so tracking your discharge is the way to spot any changes or unusual signs that could indicate you have an infection.

How Is Yellow Discharge Treated?

The good news is that vaginal infections are easily treated. For your health care provider to treat discharge they need to first diagnose you.

If you have a yeast infection your doctor may prescribe a cream, ointment, tablet or vaginal suppository. Your treatment plan will also vary based on the severity of your symptoms.

Bacterial infections such as vaginosis and STIs are treated with antibiotics. Starting treatment soon as possible can stop the infection from spreading and causing a more serious condition.

Can I Prevent It?

You cannot always prevent discharge because sometimes it is a normal part of your cycle.

That being said it can be useful to track what normal discharge looks like for you practice sex and stay up, to date with routine STI checkups and Pap smears so you can identify any unusual symptoms or changes.

When Should I Speak To A Health Care Provider?

It is perfectly normal to have discharge but it is important to know how to identify when it does not look or smell quite right.

Clear, white or slightly yellow discharge that does not have an odor and accompanying symptoms is typically harmless.

However if your discharge is green or yellow and has a smell or is accompanied by pain or itching you might have an infection and should see a health care provider.