Top 10 causes of yellow discharge!

The main causes of yellow discharge that many ignore and can be a feature of various health conditions. Vaginal discharge is a fluid secreted by the glands in the cervix and vagina . It is necessary to keep the intimate area well lubricated, clean and protected from possible infections that can compromise your health in the short and long term.

Its quantity, texture and color may vary depending on the stage of life the woman is in, such as puberty, ovulation, pregnancy, lactation or menopause, for example.

However, when the flow undergoes significant changes and is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, burning, itching, inflammation, redness or other discomfort, it is necessary to consult the gynecologist urgently, as there is likely to be an infection or other type of condition.

When is discharge not normal?

In addition to knowing the characteristics of normal vaginal discharge  , you should also know when vaginal secretions are a reason to seek medical attention. It is essential that you pay attention to any changes in your flow, especially if it has a different texture, odor  or color than usual. These sudden changes can be a clear indication that you are suffering from some type of vaginal infection  that must be diagnosed and treated properly.

If you have any doubts, take note of the following signs and consult your gynecologist if you have:

  • Discharge color changes from white or clear to yellow, greenish, brown, or gray.
  • Vaginal flow  with foul odor .
  • Very thick vaginal secretions.
  • Presence of blood in the flow before or after the menstrual period .
  • Itching, burning, redness or itching in the genital area.
  • Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse.

Main causes of yellow discharge:

1. Gonorrhea:

Gonorrhea is one of the main causes of yellow discharge A sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which in women causes symptoms of pain when urinating, increased urination, pain during intercourse, sore throat, pain in the belly or bleeding between periods.

It is possible that the symptoms are mild and, for this reason, can be confused with other types of infections, which makes going to the doctor as soon as possible essential. The condition must be treated with antibiotics that kill the causing bacteria to prevent the infection from spreading.

2. Trichomoniasis:

Infection caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, which can remain symptom free for a long time. When it manifests in women, it affects the vagina , urethra, and bladder.

Symptoms appear as pasty, greenish or gray discharge with a bad odor , similar to fish, itching and redness in the vagina , pain when urinating and during sexual intercourse. To be cured, it requires antibiotic treatment that must also be administered to the infected person’s partner.

3. Chlamydia:

A common infection that is transmitted through sexual contact and is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Although, in many cases, infected women do not have symptoms, they can appear 3 to 10 days after the disease has been contracted.

The most common are: Yellow, foul-smelling discharge, burning or pain during urination, pain during intercourse, bleeding between menstrual periods, abdominal pain, pain in the rectum and swelling inside the vagina or around the anus. The treatment of this condition, which is one of the main causes of yellow discharge  is also based on antibiotics that prevent future reproductive and general health problems.

4. Cervicitis:

Cervicitis is inflammation of the cervix, the final part of the uterus . It is a condition that can also cause whitish or grayish appearance. In fact it is also one of the main causes of yellow discharge It is usually caused by a sexually transmitted infection such as chlamydia, gonorrhea , genital herpes, HPV, or trichomoniasis, or by other factors such as diaphragm use, allergy to spermicides or latex, or exposure to chemicals.

Cervicitis can cause symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding  , pain during intercourse, vaginal pain, and pressure in the pelvic area.

5. Cervical polyps:

This is also one of the main causes of yellow discharge. Another condition that may explain this color change in the discharge is the presence of cervical polyps. They consist of neoplasms in the cervix  that, although they do not have exact causes, may be a consequence of an unusual response to increased estrogen, chronic inflammation or an obstruction of blood vessels in the lower part of the uterus .

Cervical polyps can be asymptomatic or cause heavy periods, vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse, after menopause or between menstrual periods and yellow  or white discharge. Small polyps can be removed with simple surgery, but larger ones may need to be removed by electrocautery.

Other causes of yellow discharge:

Yellow discharge  doesn’t always represent an infection, inflammation, or another type of condition. Some normal circumstances in the body can cause this change:

  • Pictures of stress and nervousness.
  • Hormonal changes.
  • Take oral contraceptives.
  • After sexual intercourse, it is possible to notice a change in the color of the flow, which may be more yellow and with the presence of small clots.
  • Take oral contraceptives.

However, we must bear in mind that, in these cases, the discharge will always be very similar to normal: an odorless Yellow Discharge that is not accompanied by other symptoms or discomforts.

Treatment for yellow discharge:

Treatment for yellow , foul –  smelling discharge caused by trichomoniasis, both in men and women, can be done with the use of antibiotic and antiparasitic drugs such as Metronidazole, Secnidazole or Tinidazole.

The treatment for yellow discharge  caused by Gonorrhea  or chlamydia can be done with antibiotics such as Ceftriaxone, Azithromycin or Ciprofloxacin, for example.

The partner must also do the treatment, even if they do not have symptoms, to prevent the individual from being contaminated again. Treatment should be indicated by the gynecologist and in men by the urologist. See more about treatment at: Treatment for Vaginal Discharge .

During treatment for yellow discharge, it is recommended to:

  • Use condoms so as not to contaminate the partner;
  • Avoid doing vaginal douches because douches remove the bacterial layer from the intimate region responsible for protecting this region from infections;
  • Avoid using perfumes or intimate hygiene sprays, as they alter the vaginal pH ;
  • Wear cotton underwear, because cotton does not cause irritation;
  • Avoid wearing tight pants or shorts, preferring to wear skirts or dresses to allow air in the area.

Another tip for treating yellow discharge is to avoid tampons, preferring external ones.

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