yellow discharge in women

Vaginal discharge in women is a physiological process. However, not all whites are normal. Yellow discharge is a nonspecific symptom of many diseases. However, in small quantities and in the absence of smell and itching, they can be a variant of the norm. To understand why they arose, you need to know the additional characteristics of the discharge. In addition, it is important to visit the gynecologist regularly.

Why do women have yellow discharge?

The cause of yellow vaginal discharge can be various diseases of the pelvic organs, STIs. In addition, such whites can sometimes be a variant of the norm. Consider the most common causes of yellow discharge.

Aerobic vaginitis – an inflammatory process in the vaginal mucosa, which occurs when opportunistic aerobic microorganisms and epithelial cells interact (other names are nonspecific vaginitis, banal vaginitis).

Most often, aerobic vaginitis occurs in women from 21 to 30 years old.

Which representatives of opportunistic microflora can cause aerobic vaginitis: E. coli, group B streptococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus.

Predisposing factors:

• promiscuous sexual intercourse;
• history of genital infections;
• syringing;
• frequent use of tampons, vaginal rings, spermicides;
• taking antibacterial drugs.

Symptoms of aerobic vaginitis:

• purulent (yellow) vaginal discharge that has a putrid odor;
• itching and burning in the vaginal area;
• swelling and redness of the external genital organs;
• pain and/or discomfort during urination or sexual intercourse.

Possible complications:

• increased susceptibility to STIs;
• inflammatory processes of the pelvic organs;
• infertility;
• preterm delivery;
• intrauterine infection.

Trichomoniasis – an infectious disease of the genitourinary system, which is caused by Trichomonas vaginalis.

Ways of transmission of infection – sexual, vertical (with an infected mother during childbirth).

Predisposing factors:

• frequent change of sexual partners and lack of barrier methods of contraception;
• STIs at the moment or in history;
• intravenous drug use.

Symptoms of trichomoniasis:

In 50-75% of women, the disease is asymptomatic.

• abundant “foamy” mucopurulent discharge from the vagina;
• the presence of an unpleasant odor;
• itching and burning in the vulva and vagina;
• pain in the lower abdomen;
• pain during urination and sexual intercourse.

Possible complications:

• increased susceptibility to STIs;
• intrauterine infection;
• complications during pregnancy.

chlamydia is an infectious disease caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.

Infection occurs through sexual contact. The highest incidence is diagnosed in people under 25 years of age.

Symptoms:

• mucopurulent discharge from the vagina;
• swelling and redness in the vulva and vagina;
• discomfort and / or pain in the lower abdomen;
• pain during urination and sexual intercourse;
• intermenstrual bleeding.

Possible complications:

• cicatricial changes in the pelvic organs;
• chlamydia damage to other organs and tissues;
• inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs;
• increased risk of developing cervical cancer;
• increased risk of preterm birth;
• reactive arthritis;
• Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome.

What does yellow discharge mean in women

Yellow vaginal discharge is not always a symptom of a disease. Consider in which cases leucorrhoea is the norm, and in which it is a sign of a pathological process.

yellow-green

Purulent discharge indicates inflammatory or infectious processes in the pelvic organs. Often such whites are plentiful and are accompanied by an unpleasant odor, itching. This indicates the reproduction of pathological microorganisms inside. Yellow-green discharge can be with: chlamydia, trichomoniasis, colpitis (inflammation of the vagina), salpingo-oophoritis (inflammation of the appendages).

White-yellow

White-yellow vaginal discharge may be due to cervical erosion. Also, yellow color characterizes the secret of the vaginal glands, dead epithelial cells, sperm after intercourse without barrier methods of contraception.

tan

The appearance of such secretions is possible with erosion of the cervix (brown color indicates bleeding, especially after intercourse or examination by a gynecologist). Also, such whites can be after an abortion or after childbirth for several days. In the absence of smell and itching, this is a variant of the norm, but requires the control of a gynecologist.

With smell

The presence of a smell (especially unpleasant) always indicates inflammatory or infectious processes. This can be with: vaginosis, endometriosis, cancer, trichomoniasis, chlamydia and other diseases. Urgent consultation of the gynecologist and appointment of treatment is necessary.

Without smell

Yellow, odorless discharge may be normal. The main thing is that itching and swelling of the vulva and vagina should not be present. Normal white secretions, when exposed to oxygen, oxidize and turn yellow. Their number is not more than 4 ml.

With itching

The appearance of itching with any discharge is a sign of a pathological process. This may indicate the reproduction of conditionally pathogenic microflora, bacteria, fungi or viruses.

No itching

Yellow vaginal discharge without itching in small amounts (up to 4 ml) is a normal variant.

Before menstruation

In the middle of the cycle (during the period of ovulation), yellow discharge from the vagina is allowed. Also, just before the menstruation, such were possible. In the absence of smell, itching and swelling, this is a variant of the norm.

After menstruation

After the menstrual cycle, the presence of yellow discharge without itching and odor is a normal variant. This color is characterized by dead epithelial cells and the secret of the vaginal glands. By the middle of the cycle, the selections should be transparent or white.

How to treat yellow discharge in women

There are many reasons for the appearance of yellow discharge. Treatment should be carried out only after consulting a gynecologist, examination, laboratory and instrumental studies.

Inflammatory diseases require antibiotic therapy. An important step is to determine the sensitivity of the pathogen to antibiotics. STIs require treatment not only for the woman, but also for the partner. In fungal diseases, it is necessary to prescribe antifungal drugs. In addition, yellow discharge may indicate more serious diseases that require surgical intervention.

Self-administration of drugs is contraindicated. Be sure to consult a gynecologist.

Popular questions and answers

We discussed important issues regarding yellow discharge with вgynecologist of the first category Ada Kosareva.

Sources:

1. Federal clinical guidelines “Diagnosis and treatment of diseases accompanied by pathological discharge from the female genital tract”, Moscow, 2013.
2. Clinical recommendations “Chlamydial infection” 2013-2017
3. Clinical recommendations “Trichomoniasis”