Yellow Discharge from Vagina: Reveal the Difference Between Normal Discharge and Infections
Discharge from vagina is supposed to be a normal process in the organism of any woman since she reaches her puberty. Its amount, consistence and color may vary depending on such factors as ovulation, pregnancy, hormonal therapy or breastfeeding. Yellow discharge from vagina is similar to the color of normal discharge, but at the same time, it can be a sign of sexually transmitted diseases or some inflammatory processes. That is why it is so important to know how to distinguish normal vaginal discharge from those, caused by infections.
What Is Yellow Discharge from Vagina?
A small amount of discharge from vagina is not considered to be abnormal, especially during reproductive years. Normal discharge should be white or clear and it helps to remove the bacteria and old cells from the vagina. In other words, normal discharge keeps the vagina clear.
Discharge from vagina is the fluid that is produced by the uterus, cervix and vagina. As a rule, it is clear or white, but sometimes it can be yellowish. But if the discharge has a foul odor and its color is changed, it is not normal. Moreover, if yellow vaginal discharge is accompanied by itching, lower abdominal pain, burning sensation and irritation, it may be a sign of inflammation or infectious disease.
When Is Discharge of Yellow Color Considered to Be a Normal Process?
According to the specialists’ claims, normal vaginal discharge should be clear or white. But sometimes it can change its color due to any inflammatory process in the woman’s organism.
- Stressful situations, hormonal changes, birth control pills can also be the reasons. So, if your discharge has yellow color, is odorless, doesn’t cause any discomfort, pain, burning sensation or itching, it can be quite a normal process.
- Regarding the amount of discharge, it may vary during ovulation and pregnancy, before menstruation. Your whites can also change the white color for yellow because of the action of the hormones in the organism.
- If you had an unprotected sex with ejaculation inside your vagina, your whites can also change their color. You may notice yellow discharge that looks like clots, which is also quite normal.
5 Typical Causes of Yellow Discharge from Vagina
Bacterial Vaginosis
This condition is caused by the bacteria that normally live in the vagina, but are outnumbered by other bacteria that don’t inhabit the vaginal tract.
When the bacteria increase in number, they cause discomfort. The symptoms of this disease are also foul odor, yellow or white discharge that increases after the sexual intercourse. You may also feel pain while urinating.
If you have an Intrauterine Device, smoke or are a sexually active person, you are more likely to suffer from this disease. To get rid of it, a doctor may prescribe you to take the following drugs: Metronidazole, Clindamycin or Tinidazole. They can be applied to the affected area or taken orally.
Vulvovaginitis
Vulvovaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina and vulva. This condition is especially popular among young girls because of poor hygiene and chemicals in the perfumed body washes. Irritation of the external genitalia and yellow discharge with an unpleasant odor can also be caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses that can lead to swelling and itching of the affected area.
If Vulvovaginitis is caused by infection, you should take antibiotics and special antifungal medications that can be taken orally or applied to the affected area. Sometimes antihistamines and steroids can be prescribed to manage the inflammation.
Cervicitis
Cervicitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the cervix. It can be caused by fungi, bacteria, or viruses. Frequent sexual intercourses and having many sexual partners are among causes as well.
Yellow discharge with strong odor, bleeding after intercourse and pain while urinating are the most common symptoms of this disease.
A doctor may prescribe you antibiotics, antiviral drugs or some special antimicrobial agents in order to get rid of cervicitis. If those medications fail to bring you relief, cauterization, cryosurgery or laser therapy may be recommended.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease which is caused by protozoan. If you are pregnant and suffer from this disease, you run the risk of preterm delivery.
Among the most popular symptoms of Trichomoniasis are itching, redness, swelling, intense yellow discharge with strong odor.
Tinidazole and Metronidazole are two drugs that are often prescribed for treatment of the disease.
Vaginal Candidiasis
This infection is not a sexually transmitted disease. It is caused by fungi that tend to reproduce in moist environment. Taking antibiotics or steroids and wearing tight underwear are the reasons of Vaginal Candidiasis.
Intense itching of the affected area (labia and vagina) and yellow discharge like “cottage cheese” are the symptoms of this disease. A woman can also suffer from pain in genitalia.
Vaginal Candidiasis is often treated by means of special antifungal medicines, such as Miconazole, Butoconazole and Ketoconazole.
Prevention of Yellow Vaginal Discharge
Bacteria that live in your vagina are necessary for your organism. They support normal vaginal acidity and protect your vagina from different infections. As a rule, normal microflora inside it doesn’t cause complaints, but when the quantity of bacteria changes, it leads to serious problems. In order to protect yourself from unnecessary complications, the following tips will be useful for you:
- Always perform personal hygienic procedures;
- Practice safe sexual intercourse;
- Wear cotton underwear;
- Always keep your vaginal area dry and clean;
- Wipe your vagina from front to back after urination;
- Avoid using vaginal irritants, such as perfumed soaps and body washes.
- Stay healthy: drink a lot of water, eat well and have enough sleep.
Summing up, you should remember that only your gynecologist after a close examination can determine what really causes yellow discharge from vagina. Don’t practice self-treatment, following your friends’ advice. It can just bring you a temporary relief, but anyway you will have to consult a doctor and undergo all necessary medical examinations.
