Yellow Discharge: Why Vaginal Discharge Can Be Yellow
What It Means When You Have Yellow-Green Vaginal Discharge
© Spukkato/Getty Images Woman with her hands on pelvis Suddenly noticing a change in the color, consistency, or appearance of vaginal discharge may lead to instant panic, but being informed about the meanings and causes of vaginal variations can let you know what's going on before your mind jumps to its own conclusions. Vaginal discharge can change colors, with possible shades including red, white, clear, pink, gray, mauve, yellow, and green (via Healthline). Many times, changes in vaginal discharge color are normal fluctuations in the menstrual cycle and are caused by hormonal adaptations during experiences, like pregnancy. Sometimes, though, the color of your vaginal discharge may be your body sending you a sign that something isn't quite right and you should seek medical attention. Knowing what each color of vaginal discharge represents is the first step in deciphering the meaning of your own discharge.
Vaginal discharge is a normal thing to experience and the color, texture, and amount can frequently vary, per Mayo Clinic. It is indicative of the female reproductive cycle and often changes in appearance throughout the menstrual cycle phases. Comprised of fluid and cells that the uterus, cervix, and vagina shed every month, vaginal discharge serves to protect the vaginal tissue from harmful bacteria, infections, and irritation from dryness. A healthy discharge tends to fluctuate in consistency by appearing watery, thin, sticky, and thick. If vaginal discharge suddenly begins to produce a foul odor, concerning color, or side effects, like itching and irritation, your body could be signaling that something is awry.
Yellow-Green Discharge Can Be Good Or Bad
© Siphotography/Getty Images Woman with hands and question mark on pelvis Along the shades of the rainbow that make up the hues of vaginal discharge, it might be alarming to suddenly notice yellow or green discharge. According to MedicalNewsToday, having a light yellow discharge is typically not a reason to be worried. Vaginal discharge with a yellow shade can often be attributed to dietary changes, especially if the sudden transition to a yellow hue occurs after altering your diet or taking dietary supplements. Keeping a log of the appearance of your discharge can help you track changes in appearance and connect any new variations to dietary changes or other lifestyle modifications. If you haven't made any recent adjustments to your diet or activity and yellow vaginal discharge is accompanied by a smelly odor, then there may be underlying issues like sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or bacterial infections that require medical attention.
Dark yellow or green discharge is frequently a signal of an abnormal change in vaginal health (via Flo). While light yellow discharge is often normal when accompanied by a lifestyle change, bright yellow, yellow-green, and any shade of green vaginal discharge is usually symbolic of bacterial growth, infections, and other urgent medical concerns. Green vaginal discharge often represents bacterial infections, and the color arises when pathogen-induced inflammation occurs in the vagina. If yellow discharge transitions into yellow-green and then mucus-like green discharge, you should seek attention from your healthcare provider to determine the cause of possible infection and learn how to treat it.
Infections That Alter Vaginal Discharge Color
© Piotr_malczyk/Getty Images Woman with candida sign held over pelvis There are several types of infections and pathogens that can affect the appearance of vaginal discharge and cause color variations, particularly changes to yellow-green hues. The Cleveland Clinic reports that vaginal discharge with foul odors, texture changes similar to mucus or thick clumps, and new color appearances can indicate one of many possible underlying conditions that require medical attention. If your vaginal area is itchy, sore, or painful, in addition to changes in discharge color, then a yeast infection may be the culprit. When a fungus called candida grows in extreme quantity within the vaginal realm, an overproduction of yeast can lead to thick discharge resembling cottage cheese and be accompanied by excessive itchiness that can cause swelling and pain in your intimate area. To resolve a yeast infection, the most common treatment is anti-fungal medications.
For women who are sexually active, many causes of vaginal infections stem from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Trichomoniasis, or trich for short, gonorrhea, and chlamydia are STDs that frequently result in changes to vaginal discharge, including color alterations presenting in shades of yellow-green. When the vaginal discharge is a hue of yellow or green and has a foamy appearance, trichomoniasis is a potential reason for the noticeable changes. Caused by a parasite and treated with antibiotics, trichomoniasis can also present with gray coloration or a texture similar to a bubbly appearance. Trichomoniasis usually produces an identifiable itch as well (via Mayo Clinic).
Treating And Preventing Yellow-Green Discharge
© Liudmila Chernetska/Getty Images Feminine hygiene products It's critical to determine the cause of any yellow-green vaginal discharge and treat underlying conditions. For instance, infections, like gonorrhea and chlamydia, can spread outside of the vaginal area and lead to pelvic inflammatory disease if not treated in a timely manner, according to Cleveland Clinic. Both chlamydia and gonorrhea frequently involve changes in vaginal discharge color to yellow-green with a cloudy appearance, so if you notice such changes then schedule an appointment with your doctor for a course of antibiotic treatment. When it comes to treating yellow-green vaginal discharge, seeking confirmation of the underlying cause from a trained medical professional can help you quickly receive the treatment you need, whether it's anti-fungal medication for yeast infections or antibiotics for several sexually-transmitted infections (STIs).
To avoid unwanted yellow-green discharge, practicing healthy vaginal hygiene can help keep unwanted infections at bay. This consists of staying away from scented and perfumed products, from body washes to soaps to sanitary wipes. Instead, only washing your vaginal area with warm water and mild soap is one of the best ways to prevent infections and fungal buildup. Using unscented feminine hygiene products is also recommended, as is not using scented tampons or pads during your period, as advised by GoodRx Health. Even scented laundry detergent can lead to unwanted changes in vaginal discharge, so it's best to stick with unscented products when washing clothes. Other tips include wearing loose-fitting cotton undergarments, removing tampons within eight hours, and eliminating douching.
Read this next: Health Symptoms Women Should Never Ignore
Everything You Need To Know About Vaginal Discharge
Vaginal discharge naturally occurs throughout your menstrual cycle. Some changes in discharge can occur due to certain medical conditions, including yeast infections.
A fluid that helps keep the vagina clean and infection-free, vaginal discharge is completely natural. But its color, texture, and amount can differ, depending on your age and where you are in your menstrual cycle.
Some changes, however, can be a sign of an underlying health condition. These can include significant color or odor changes as well as a difference in consistency.
From types and causes to when it's best to seek medical attention, here's the lowdown on vaginal discharge.
Several types of vaginal discharge exist — often categorized by color and consistency.
WhiteWhite-colored discharge is common, especially at the beginning or end of your menstrual cycle. Typically, this discharge will be thick and sticky, too, with no strong odor.
Clear and wateryAround ovulation, discharge often becomes clearer and wetter. You may also notice more discharge like this when you're sexually aroused or pregnant.
Clear and stretchyWhen discharge is clear but stretchy and mucous-like, rather than watery, it indicates that you are likely ovulating.
Brown or bloodyBrown or bloody discharge can occur during or right after your menstrual cycle. You may also experience a small amount of bloody discharge between periods. This is called spotting.
Spotting that occurs during the usual time of your period and after recent sex without a barrier or other protection may be a sign of pregnancy. And spotting during early pregnancy can be a sign of miscarriage.
Yellow or greenYellow-ish discharge may not indicate a health condition as it can naturally turn this color when exposed to air.
But darker yellow or green discharge — especially when it's thick, chunky, or accompanied by an unpleasant smell — is a sign to see a healthcare professional.
Vaginal discharge is a healthy bodily function resulting from natural changes in estrogen levels. The amount of discharge can increase from the likes of ovulation, sexual arousal, birth control pills, and pregnancy.
The color, smell, and texture of vaginal discharge can be adversely affected by changes to the vagina's bacterial balance. That's because when the number of harmful bacteria increases, vaginal infections are more likely.
Here are some of the possible infections to be aware of.
Bacterial vaginosisBacterial vaginosis is a common bacterial infection. It causes increased vaginal discharge that has a strong, foul, and sometimes fishy odor. Discharge may also look gray, thin, and watery. In some cases, the infection produces no symptoms.
Although bacterial vaginosis isn't transmitted via sexual contact, you have a higher risk of developing it if you're sexually active or have recently gotten a new sexual partner. The infection can also put you at a higher risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
TrichomoniasisTrichomoniasis is another type of infection caused by a parasite. It's usually spread by sexual contact, but can also be contracted by sharing towels or bathing suits.
Up to half of the people affected have no symptoms. Those who do will often notice a yellow, green, or frothy discharge with an unpleasant odor. Pain, inflammation, and itching around the vagina as well as when urinating or having sex are also common signs.
Yeast infectionA yeast infection occurs when yeast growth increases in the vagina. It produces a thick and white discharge that looks similar to cottage cheese. This discharge doesn't usually smell.
Other symptoms include burning, itching, and other irritation around the vagina along with soreness during sex or when urinating.
The following can increase your likelihood of yeast infections:
Gonorrhea and chlamydia are STIs that can produce an abnormal discharge due to infecting the cervix. It's often yellow, greenish, or cloudy in color.
You may also experience:
But some people may have zero symptoms.
Genital herpesThis STI can lead to thick vaginal discharge with a strong smell, particularly after sex. Sores and blisters can appear around the genitals along with bleeding between periods and a burning sensation when urinating.
However, it's more common to have no or mild symptoms. If symptoms do occur, you may experience repeated outbreaks throughout your life.
Pelvic inflammatory diseaseHeavy, foul-smelling discharge and pain in the stomach, after sex, or while menstruating or urinating may be signs of pelvic inflammatory disease.
This occurs when bacteria move into the vagina and up to other reproductive organs and can be caused by STIs that are left untreated like chlamydia or gonorrhea.
Human papillomavirus or cervical cancerThe human papillomavirus infection is spread by sexual contact and can lead to cervical cancer. While there may be no symptoms, this type of cancer can result in:
In rare cases, brown or bloody discharge can also be a sign of endometrial cancer, fibroids, or other growths.
When you see a healthcare professional, they'll likely perform a physical exam, including a pelvic exam. The clinician will also ask several questions about your symptoms, menstrual cycle, and general lifestyle. In many cases, an infection can be detected by a physical or pelvic exam.
If a healthcare professional is unable to diagnose the problem immediately, they may swab your vagina to get a sample of the discharge and examine it under a microscope or send it to a lab for further testing. They may also want to take a scraping from your cervix to check for human papillomavirus or cervical cancer.
Once the clinician knows the cause of the discharge, you'll be given treatment options. These can range from a short course of antibiotics to surgery in rare cases.
As vaginal discharge is natural, it's not possible to prevent it. But you can take measures to reduce the chance of infections.
Gently wash around your vagina with water, avoiding scented products and douches that may cause irritation. Drying the area thoroughly and wearing breathable cotton underwear can also help.
Additionally, consider using a condom or other barrier method during sexual activity and thoroughly clean sex toys to reduce your risk of STIs. And if you have a period, try to change the likes of tampons and pads frequently.
Keeping an eye on your vaginal discharge can help you track what's typical for your body and notice changes as quickly as possible.
Anything out of the ordinary is a sign to talk with a healthcare professional. Remember that the quicker most infections are diagnosed and treated, the less chance there is of long-term complications.
Lauren Sharkey is a U.K.-based journalist and author specializing in women's issues. When she isn't trying to discover a way to banish migraines, she can be found uncovering the answers to your lurking health questions. She has also written a book profiling young female activists across the globe and is currently building a community of such resisters. Catch her on Twitter.
Women, Find Out Why Your Underwear May Often Get Discoloured In The Middle
Women, have you ever spotted bleached patches -- usually in the middle -- of your underwear? Relax, there is no reason to panic. That is because white discharge, called leucorrhoea, are vaginal secretions that can discolour your favourite pair of underpants. Such vaginal discharge, however, is a normal and healthy occurrence in the female body and is, in fact, the body's way of cleaning and protecting the vagina from infections and other harmful organisms.
"But, it is essential to understand that vaginal discharge can vary in texture, consistency, and colour, depending on factors such as the menstrual cycle, hormonal changes, and infections," said Dr Chandrika Anand, Consultant Obstetrics & Gynecology, Fortis Hospitals, Nagarbhavi.
Echoing the same, Dr Amina Khalid, an obstetrician-gynaecologist wrote on Instagram, "A lot of you may have noticed your panties getting sort of discoloured at the crotch area. This is most likely to be seen in dark-coloured underwear like black or dark blue. But don't worry. It's perfectly normal!"
But why does this happen?
According to Dr Anand, a healthy vagina has a natural pH value between 3.8 and 4.5, which means it is largely acidic. "The vagina has good bacteria called lactobacilli, which keep it healthy by maintaining optimum acidity levels and preventing bad bacteria from causing infection. Vaginal discharge generally increases when you ovulate, as well as during pregnancy. When this discharge is exposed to air, it can cause a yellow or orange-coloured stain on your underwear due to oxidation."
While there is nothing you can do to prevent it, you can try these methods to avoid discolouration:
*You can try opting for light coloured panties on the days you know the vaginal discharge is ought to be more, so that bleaching is less visible.
*You could use panty liners that can absorb the discharge and prevent it from staining the panties.
*Try to use cotton underwear as much as possible, since they prevent moisture to get trapped and prevent infections.
However, if you notice abnormal discharge symptoms such as a foul smell or an abnormal colour, it is best to consult a health professional.
Dr Ritu Sethi, Director, Aura Speciality Clinic, Gurgaon and Senior Consultant- Cloud Nine Hospital, Gurgaon said that abnormal vaginal discharge, however, can be a sign of an underlying infection or condition, and changes in the colour of the discharge can be a clue to what is causing the problem.
Some signs to look out for in terms of abnormal discoloration due to vaginal discharge include:
*Yellow or green discharge: This could be a sign of a bacterial infection, such as bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis.
*Gray discharge: This could also be a sign of bacterial vaginosis.
*White discharge: A thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge can be a sign of a yeast infection.
*Brown or bloody discharge: This could be a sign of menstrual spotting or bleeding, but it can also indicate a more serious issue, such as cervical cancer or an ectopic pregnancy.
*Frothy discharge: This could be a sign of trichomoniasis.
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