There are certain flows of different colors or aromas, which just by observing them all our alerts are turned on, of course, because we believe that it could be something dangerous.
Our body manifests these flows or liquids unexpectedly, which sometimes does not allow us to act immediately and makes us panic. This is what commonly happens with vaginal yellow discharge.
For this reason, in today’s article, you will learn what yellow vaginal discharge is, something that all women of any age should be fully informed about.
What is vaginal yellow discharge?
The yellow discharge is one of the types of vaginal discharge that are currently known , said discharge is a completely natural secretion in women , which is expelled during the stage of excitement and pregnancy, in normal cases.
The odors, textures and color of vaginal discharge may vary depending on the case found. The yellow discharge, on the other hand, is an indication of a sexually transmitted infection, bacteria, inflammatory diseases or urethritis.
The smell of the yellow discharge is usually fetid or somewhat disgusting , accompanied by symptoms such as thick discharge, burning when urinating or pelvic pain.
To highlight: According to a study “In medical practice, vaginal infections represent a frequent health problem since 95% of patients consult for vaginal discharge” . (1)
Causes of yellow vaginal discharge
The main causes of yellow discharge are diverse, as previously stated, they are due to different types of diseases or bacteria . Some are light and others serious. Here is a summary of the main causes:
yeast infection
This is an infection usually caused by fungi , of the genus Candida, which usually cause non-lethal infections in humans.
However, it is the second leading cause of vaginal infections in women, from 25 to 45 years. One of the fungi best known for candidiasis is Candida albicans, as a very opportunistic pathogen.
Note: One study mentions that this infection is summarized as follows: “Candidiasis is present in vulvovaginitis, a term that describes diseases of the female urogenital system, which are characterized by inflammation of the vulva or vagina . ” (two)
Sexually transmitted diseases
There are various sexually transmitted diseases that have, as a common symptom, the presence of yellow discharge, despite the fact that it may not be HIV, if it can be other lethal diseases.
Note: Among the most notable are: trichomonas vaginalis, chlamydia or also chlamydia trachomatis , gonorrhea (also known as neisseria gonorrhoeae ) or syphilis.
Pelvic inflammatory disease
It is an infection commonly caused by bacteria , also called bacterial vaginosis, which encompasses inflammatory and infectious processes of the upper genital tract in women.
Simply put, it affects the fallopian tubes, the uterus and the ovaries, and can also cause vaginal atrophy in a maximum case. Another slightly related bacterium is gardnerella vaginalis , being a bacillus or even bacterial vaginitis and atopobium vaginae.
Important: A study cites that “Pelvic inflammatory disease or bacterial vaginosis mainly affects sexually active young women, who began their sexual life at an early age and is also related to promiscuity” . (3)
urethritis
This is an infection that mainly affects the urethra (either in men or women) and is a very common syndrome in sexually transmitted diseases , with various symptoms in addition to yellow discharge, pain and swelling when urinating, pain abdominal pain and burning in the urethra.
Note: It is known that “The most common manifestation of gonorrhea is urethritis, but in women a subclinical course or cervicitis is frequent” . (4)
Desquamative vaginitis
Another commonly known infection is presented by symptoms such as persistent yellow discharge or inflammation of the vaginal walls. It is frequently produced by various bacteria and this disease can be chronic.
lichen planus
It is a disease mainly of the skin, but it can also affect mucous areas (such as the vagina) , it presents as an inflammatory disease.
Vulvar lichen planus can occur in women aged 50 and over, affecting the vagina and vulva, in addition to vaginal discharge, it also presents symptoms such as abdominal pain.
Cancer
Cancer can also present as the main cause of yellowish discharge, mainly cancer of the cervix or vagina . Both present with unusual vaginal discharge (as well as yellow discharge), bleeding, and pain in the vaginal walls.
Chemical products
Chemicals are harmful and are the cause of vulvovaginitis or chronic diseases . Causing yellow discharge and urethral pain from the vagina, these products are usually birth control methods such as spermicides, perfumes or sprays, body lotions, and foam or soap baths.
Tampons or foreign objects
The introduction of tampons, sharp or foreign objects into the vagina , in the long run can cause the presence of yellowish discharge or other vaginal infections. It is important to take care of yourself and be cautious about things that can enter the female reproductive system.
Treatment to eliminate vaginal yellow discharge
Fortunately and with the times, there are adequate treatments to eliminate and reduce the presence of the yellow discharge.
The treatment also seeks to reduce the symptoms of other diseases that cause the presence of the flow, as well as eradicate pathogens and treat infections immediately, as the case may be.
These treatments mainly warn not to use local antiseptic agents , to have a practice in vaginal hygiene, to take medicines prescribed by specialists and to go frequently to the doctor.
Important: There are adequate guides and treatments to know, in case of ignorance, where to start requesting and examining the treatment for yellow discharge, as the case may be. As is the case with the Guidelines for the clinical practice of vaginal infections . (5)
How to prevent yellow vaginal discharge?
Despite the treatments, prevention is also essential , taking preventive and safe measures to avoid the presence of yellow discharge or diseases that cause it. These are the preventive measures:
Proper and constant hygiene
It is necessary to have a lot of very adequate and constant hygiene. That includes vaginal cleansing, douching, washing, and grooming. As well as shaving the intimate parts, where many microorganisms can accumulate.
Avoid using douches and chemicals
The inappropriate use of vaginal douches or chemical products should be avoided , as previously stated, these do not have a degree of safety due to their use, which can cause various vaginal diseases, often unwanted.
use condoms
Ideal condoms such as condoms are important to avoid the cause of diseases, which are what allow the presence of yellow vaginal discharge. They must be used with consent and responsibility.
Avoid wearing very tight clothing
Excessively tight clothing can be harmful to the vagina and intimate organs , since the pressure can not only damage the vaginal walls and labia, it can also damage the organs of the genital system itself, allowing the entry of yellowish discharge. and pelvic pain.
Avoid using tampons
The use of tampons should be avoided, since some are not completely safe and hygienic by the factory, which can chillingly allow the passage of diseases that cause yellow discharge or other infectious agents and worse.
Go regularly to the gynecologist
It is important to go frequently to the gynecologist , that specialist who examines the intimate organ of women, alerting their situation and can also confirm the presence of diseases, infections or other agents.
Note: It is necessary to do it frequently, as a security measure and even as a last revision.
Key Findings
- Yellow discharge is one of the five color types of vaginal discharge.
- It can occur at any age, being caused by diseases or infections.
- It mainly has a strong odor and is a thick discharge.
- There are necessary treatments for each disease that is the cause of the yellow discharge.
- Hygiene and sexual care must be taken to avoid the presence of yellowish discharge.
- Prevention is highly required in the area of sexual relations and personal care.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.