Vaginal Discharge: What Does Yellow Discharge Mean
All women get vaginal discharge during the monthly cycle. Vaginal discharge is a type of healthy discharge that is vital to keep the vagina moist and protected. It is a wonder to know that vaginal discharge can be of many colours: green, yellow, white, red, and grey. Every colour has different meanings and causes. In this post, we will talk about what does yellow discharge mean.
Before this, let’s have a short discussion on vaginal discharge.
A guide to vaginal discharge
A vaginal discharge is a type of fluid substance that is a mix of vaginal secretions and cervical mucus. The fluid releases from the vagina multiple times in a day to remove the old cells and the waste. Vaginal discharge is vital to keep your vagina and reproductive tract protected and healthy.
The amount, colour, and consistency of vaginal discharge can vary from woman to woman, depending on the individual’s health and menstruation cycle. We are discussing the different types of discharge according to the menstrual cycle, and then you will find out ‘what does yellow discharge mean’.
- Day 1-5 – In the initial days, discharge is usually red or bloody.
- Day 6-14 – Following a period, a woman will experience less vaginal discharge than usual as the egg starts to develop and mature.
- Day 15-25 – After a few days, the substance or fluid will be thin and slippery, similar to the egg whites.
- Day 25-28 – At last, cervical mucus will lighten, and a woman will experience less discharge before the next period.
Let’s discuss what does yellow discharge mean, and what are the signs and causes.
About yellow discharge
Yellow discharge is of yellow colour that may or may not indicate an infection. However, the colour and odour of the discharge describe the seriousness of the discharge.
If the yellow discharge is of pale colour, odourless, and not accompanied by other symptoms, it may not be a cause of concern. In other cases, yellow discharge may be a sign of sexually transmitted infection (STI) or bacterial infection.
So if you have a yellow discharge, you may get an idea of what does yellow discharge mean.
Causes of yellow discharge
The cause of the yellow discharge may depend on the health condition of a woman. You will need to check the symptoms of the yellow discharge ━ the amount, smell, and colour of the discharge. If any symptom is showing, you may need to check with the doctor. Here are several possible causes of yellow discharge.
- Pregnancy
A thick yellow discharge is an early sign of pregnancy.
- Period
A thin yellow discharge can be seen near the time of period.
- Vaginitis
Vaginitis is the irritation or inflammation in the lining of your vagina that causes redness, odour and pain and produces yellow discharge.
- Vaginal infection
Poor hygiene can cause infection in the vagina that can cause yellow discharge.
- Sexually transmitted disease
Infection is transmitted to a person through an infected person to an uninfected person through sexual contact that can cause STI and result in yellow discharge.
Hopefully, it is now clear to you ‘what does yellow discharge mean’ and what causes it. It is the right time to know when to consult a doctor for a yellow discharge.
When to see a doctor for yellow discharge?
The pale yellow colour of discharge is common. But you should see the doctor if –
- The colour changes continuously
- Smell foul and fishy
- Feels sour or itchy
- Experiencing pain in the pelvic area, especially during the urination
Treatment for yellow discharge
Once your doctor diagnoses the reason for the yellow discharge, it can be treated depending on your health condition. The most common treatments are cream or gel, or antibiotics.
If STI is the reason for yellow discharge, you will be advised to have your partner treated as well to prevent further infection.
It is normal to have a yellow discharge, but when it gets smelly and starts changing the colour, you should have to see a doctor because it can cause infection, pain, or redness in the vagina.
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