Yellow discharge can have several meanings depending on its characteristics and accompanying symptoms:
- Normal causes: Pale yellow, odorless discharge without other symptoms is often normal. It can be due to hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, such as approaching ovulation or early pregnancy. It may also occur near the start of a period due to old blood mixing with mucus
- Infections: Yellow discharge that is dark, greenish, foul-smelling, or accompanied by itching, pain, or irritation may indicate an infection. Common infections include:
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV): Causes thin, watery, yellow or grayish discharge with a fishy odor. BV results from bacterial imbalance and is treated with antibiotics
* **Yeast infection:** Usually thick, white to yellowish discharge with itching and irritation; treated with antifungal medication
* **Sexually transmitted infections (STIs):** Such as trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, which cause yellow or greenish discharge often with unpleasant odor, pain during urination or sex, and other symptoms. These require medical diagnosis and treatment
- Other causes: Hormonal imbalances and poor hygiene can also cause yellow discharge
If yellow discharge is unusual for you, especially if it has a strong odor, changes in consistency, or is accompanied by symptoms like itching, pain, or irritation, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
