Light Yellow Discharge: The Real Facts
If you want to know the real facts behind the production of light yellow discharge from the vagina, the following write-up will be a great starting point for you. We’re going to explain some of its possible causes, symptoms, risk factors and treatment methods to help you to take timely steps whenever necessary. In addition, we’re going to equip you with some handy prevention tips to guarantee your safety from the repercussions associated with the production of this fluid. Please note that, the information offered here is only useful if accompanied with professional guidance. Be sure to consult your doctor when necessary and to follow his advice to the letter to remain safe. Hopefully, as we are, after reading this post your life will change for the better.
Definition
Production of light yellow discharge from the vagina is perfectly normal. However, if accompanied by swelling, lower abdominal pain, itching, foul odor and/or irritation, it can serve as an indicator of some kind of infections.
Though bacterial infections in the vulva and around the cervix are mostly to blame for its occurrence, at times, the fluid can be attributed to body dehydration or consumption of certain types of foods or medications. It’s also common to experience a yellowish discharge during pregnancy or ovulation-known as cervical mucus (CM).
Causes
A number of factors are known to favor the production of this bodily discharge. Please keep in mind that if the fluid begins to have a foul smell (or increases in amount); you have to rush to a doctor. Let us briefly understand some of the common reasons behind its production.
Due To Bodily Changes
*Pregnancy/Ovulation
It is quite normal to produce a light yellow discharge from the vagina during late stages of pregnancy. This can be blamed to an increase in the flow of blood to the vaginal region and an increase in the level of pregnancy hormones. Though harmless in most cases, it’s essential to consult a qualified physician in case of abnormal volumes of discharge-or if you begin to experience pain around the vagina. Similar effects can also be observed during ovulation.
Due To STDs
*Gonorrhea and Chlamydia
These two STDs are associated with the production of yellow-bloody discharge that is accompanied by a burning sensation and excessive bleeding especially during menstrual periods. If left untreated, the two can lead to infertility.
*Trichomoniasis
According to the CDCP (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) trichomoniasis, commonly referred to as ‘trick’, can cause a frothy light yellow discharge. In most cases, this fluid is accompanied by a strong odor, itching and discomfort during sexual contact.
*Cervicitis
Cervicitis is a grueling condition that is commonly associated with the inflammation of the cervix. In extreme cases, the condition can lead to the production of a yellowish-gray discharge that bears a bad odor. Cervicitis is caused by sexually transmitted diseases such as pelvic inflammatory disease or cervical polyps.
Due To Bacterial Infections
*Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis or BV can cause the production of a greenish fluid (which to some people may appear yellowish). According to the ACOG (American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) BV can lead to low birth weights and/or premature labor.
*Yeast Infection
Yeast infection is a fungal infection that is caused by a group of bacteria known as candidiasis albicans. The disease can fuel the production of a light yellow discharge from the vagina- commonly associated with soreness, abnormal itching and irritation.
Risk Factors
According to medical research, several lifestyle and health factors can contribute to the production of yellowish discharge. Some of the common risk factors include:
Diabetes mellitus, poor genital hygiene, unprotected sex, AIDS, chemotherapy, organ transplant, intrauterine devices, multiple sexual partners and the consumption of some antibiotics.
Symptoms
If the discharge is not associated with any other kind of infection, it may not be accompanied by any other symptoms. However, if it is related to an underlying infection, one can observe some common symptoms like: a burning sensation, itching and/or swelling around the vagina. Yellowish discharge occurring due to an infection is known to be thick and frothy and may also be smelly. In extreme cases, one can experience pain during sexual intercourse or abdominal pain.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will be interested to know about the cause of problem, they may ask questions about your recent drug
usage and sexual history. They may also be interested to know more about your diabetes condition (if you’re diabetic) and menopausal symptoms (if you’re above forty). To determine the extent of the problem, they can recommend a pelvic exam before suggesting the right kind of treatment.
In some instances, your doctor may check the tenderness of your ovaries, uterus and cervix by placing their fingers inside your vaginal canal. This may be accompanied by a series of laboratory tests.
Treatment
*Medical Treatment (Recommended)
After the diagnostic procedures, physicians can suggest different treatment options based on their findings. The method of treatment may differ from one patient to the next more due to the difference in the types of underlying causes. In most cases, antibiotics and vaginal creams are recommended. In the case of yeast infection, antifungal medications are generally preferred.
*Home Remedies
Mild cases of light yellow discharge can be controlled at home by: consistently washing the vagina region with water, garlic and apple cider vinegar or by consuming lots of buttermilk and yoghurt.
Prevention
To reduce cases of yellow discharge one should:
- Maintain good personal hygiene and practice safe sex.
- Avoid certain soaps and perfumes (with strong chemicals).
- Avoid wearing tight undergarments.
- Take lots of water.
When To See a Doctor
It’s always essential to contact a medical professional even when suffering from mild cases of infection. In particular, one should not fail to consult their doctor if they start experiencing serious abdominal pain and signs of blood (aside from menstrual blood). Be sure to consult a doctor if you have: strong vaginal odor, constant itching around the vulva region and in case of abnormal volumes of discharge.
Bottom line…
To sum it up, we hope that this article has thoroughly answered all your questions about the onset of light yellow discharge from the vagina. Most importantly, please remember to seek for proper medical support to find out what exactly this type of discharge (and any other type of discharge) could mean.
