If there is yellow discharge. Video: Normal and pathological discharge in women. How to treat yellow discharge in women

Women's health is a sensitive issue. Many women try to solve the problem of yellow discharge on their own, without consulting a doctor. This is facilitated by the large amount of available information on the Internet and on women's forums. But, alas, not all information is reliable, and it is difficult to perceive what you read critically when it comes to the most precious thing - health.

One of the questions that a gynecologist often has to deal with is: “What to do with yellow discharge.” We will try to debunk the most common misconceptions in this matter and explain what to do if a woman has yellow discharge.

Myth one. A healthy woman does not have discharge.

Nature has rewarded a woman with an excellent mechanism for protecting her main reproductive organ - cervical mucus. Cervical mucus forms a kind of plug on the way from the vagina to the uterus, and prevents pathogenic microorganisms from entering. This mucus mostly makes up vaginal discharge. Moreover, its quantity and appearance largely depend on the day of the cycle. For example, in its first half, during the period from the end of menstruation to the beginning of ovulation, cervical mucus gradually becomes liquid under the influence of hormones. A woman may observe a transparent, stretchy discharge similar to egg white. After ovulation, the amount of discharge decreases, it becomes creamy and almost disappears.

In addition to cervical mucus, the cervical canal and vagina work to create secretions: it secretes secretions, clearing bacteria and dead cells. These processes help maintain a woman's health and renew her reproductive system.

Therefore, it is impossible to say that the presence of discharge is abnormal. It is much more correct to talk about a healthy amount of discharge, the presence or absence of odor or foreign inclusions (for example, bloody) 1.

Myth two. Yellow discharge is a sign of sexually transmitted infection.

We already have a rough idea of what healthy discharge should look like, why it changes during the cycle, and what it consists of. But where does the yellow discharge come from?

Reason 1 – Physiology.

Yellowish discharge without odor or itching may be normal. The color of the discharge can range from clear or white to cream and pale yellow. At the same time, healthy discharge will not cause discomfort in the form of burning or itching, will not stain underwear and will not appear in an amount of more than 5 ml per day (this is the volume of 1 teaspoon). Normally, such yellow discharge is odorless or has a slight sour odor, which indicates the action of protective lactic acid bacteria - normal representatives of microflora 2.

Reason 2 – Inflammatory diseases.

The cause of diseases in most cases are microorganisms - bacteria, which are normally either present in the body in very small quantities or are absent altogether. Under certain conditions (decreased immunity, other diseases, decreased barrier and protective function of the vagina) they begin to multiply intensively and cause inflammation. Often, against the background of a bacterial disease or due to a decrease in immunity, a fungal infection appears, which women know by the name “thrush” and candidiasis.

Yellow discharge in a woman may be accompanied by:

Discomfort, burning or itching sensation.
Redness and inflammation of the external genitalia.
Discharge in women that is yellowish in color with an odor is associated with the activity of pathogenic microflora (putrid or fishy odor).
If it is a fungal infection, then a “curdled” discharge with a distinct sour odor often appears.
In inflammatory diseases, they can be not only yellow, but also greenish.

Specific symptoms depend on which microorganism caused the problem. At the same time, it must be emphasized once again that inflammatory diseases are not always sexually transmitted infections. A simple decrease in immunity, hypothermia, poor hygiene and even intestinal dysbiosis can cause the proliferation of bad bacteria. Only a doctor can accurately determine what caused the disease and, according to the diagnosis, prescribe the correct treatment 3 .

Reason 3 – Allergy.

The manifestation of an allergy on the genital organs is sometimes difficult to distinguish from an infection. The appearance of itching, redness and inflammation, dryness, yellow odorless discharge is sometimes caused by allergens, not bacteria. The most common cause is synthetic underwear, aromatic pads, washing powder, intimate hygiene products, shower gels, latex condoms, lubricants, vaginal suppositories and pills (including contraceptives) 3 .

Myth three. Yellow discharge can be cured with folk remedies or douching.

The treatment tactics for yellow discharge that is not normal will depend on the cause of the disease.

If the cause is inflammation or sexually transmitted infection, the doctor, based on the results of examinations (smears, ultrasound, examination), prescribes appropriate medications.

If the immune system and natural microflora of the vagina are impaired, medications are prescribed to restore protective functions.

If the cause is an allergy, but the allergen is not obvious, sometimes additional research is required, for example, taking allergy tests. Although most often a woman will simply be advised to exclude all possible irritants, and the odorless yellow discharge will disappear on its own 3.

And in case of hormonal imbalances (this especially applies to women during menopause), the doctor often prescribes hormone replacement therapy 4 .

Obviously, home remedies - herbal baths, soda washes, douching - will only bring temporary relief, but will not eliminate the problem. Moreover, they can cause harm. For example, a soda solution dries out the delicate mucous membrane and destroys beneficial bacteria, in the absence of which harmful ones begin to multiply. Douching can help remove pathological discharge, but it also washes out beneficial microflora and only contributes to increased inflammation.

1. Savelyeva G. M. Gynecology (textbook) / G. M. Savelyeva, V. G. Breusenko. – M.: GEOTAR-Media, 2012. – 432 p.
2. Uvarova E. V. The vagina as a microecosystem in normal conditions and during inflammatory processes of the genitals of various etiologies (literature review) / E. V. Uvarova, F. Sh. Sultanova // Gynecology. – 2002. – No. 4 (4)
3. Zubakova O. V. Diagnosis and treatment of nonspecific bacterial vulvovaginitis (diss.) / O. V. Zubakova. – M., 2001; 26 p.
4. Balan V. E. Urogenital disorders in menopause (clinic, diagnosis, hormone replacement therapy) (diss.) / V. E. Balan. – M., 1998; 305 pp.

The female vagina constantly produces mucus. It promotes lubrication and cleansing and is released naturally as secretion. The presence of small discharge - mucous or white - is normal for the female body. But if the vaginal discharge turns yellow, you need to pay attention to this.

Causes of yellow vaginal discharge

If leucorrhoea has acquired a yellowish tint, this does not always mean the presence of a disease. It is necessary to pay attention not only to the color, but also to the smell and consistency of the discharge. Yellowish vaginal discharge, not accompanied by itching, burning and other unpleasant symptoms, may be normal. At the same time, they should be of normal consistency and without a suspicious odor, perhaps a little more abundant than the usual leucorrhoea. The cause of such changes in shade may be hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, ovulation, and the premenstrual period.

For some women, menstruation begins with a change in the color of the discharge: for several days, mucus with yellowish or creamy inclusions - particles of menstrual blood - leaves the vagina.

Another cause of yellow vaginal leucorrhoea is the presence of an inflammatory process both in the vagina and in other organs of the woman’s genitourinary system. If, with the appearance of unusual discharge, discomfort in the vagina and other alarming symptoms occur, you should urgently consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Yellow discharge can be a sign of very serious infections.

Yellow vaginal discharge as a sign of disease

If you look at the nature of the yellow discharge, you can suspect the presence of a particular disease.

Severe purulent discharge with a yellow tint, accompanied by pain in the lumbar region, frequent urination, discomfort during sex and menstruation, may indicate acute adnexitis -. Similar phenomena, plus bloating and loss of appetite, are observed with salpingitis - inflammation of the appendages.
Itching, swelling of the labia and yellow discharge are a likely sign of colpitis. Associated symptoms include pain in the lower abdomen and during sexual intercourse. Bacterial vaginitis also manifests itself - and its colonization by nonspecific microbes.
With cervical erosion, there is scanty yellowish discharge. You should pay attention to this fact, especially if it occurs after sexual intercourse.
Sexually transmitted infections almost always manifest themselves in the form of pathological yellow discharge: foamy, with a terrible fishy odor - a sign of Trichomonas, purulent yellow ones are caused by chlamydia, and gonococci give vaginal discharge a greenish tint and a foul odor.

Once again, we draw your attention to the fact that the appearance of unusual yellow discharge, coupled with other unpleasant symptoms, is a reason to visit your gynecologist.

For both women and girls of reproductive age, vaginal discharge is a natural physiological process. However, leucorrhoea can indicate not only health, but also the development of pathological processes in the body. In order to take timely measures and prevent the development of complications, a woman needs to understand where the norm ends and the disease begins. It should be borne in mind that even in the absence of disease, the condition of leucorrhoea is influenced by many factors, and primarily by the periods of the menstrual cycle. Various conditions can significantly change the appearance of vaginal secretions and their color - which is what women may pay attention to first. Let's consider when and under the influence of what factors yellow discharge appears, evaluate how common the causes are, and the treatment that can be used to eliminate the problem.

What is the norm and what are the reasons for the changes?

Natural vaginal secretion is transparent, sometimes white. However, given that the vaginal microflora mostly consists of lactobacilli, leucorrhoea with a sour odor is also not considered a pathology unless accompanied by other suspicious symptoms. In terms of consistency, they are considered natural without the inclusion of clots, the volume of which should not exceed 5 ml per day.

It should be remembered that both the volume and color of vaginal secretion can change before menstruation, against the background of sexual contact. It is not uncommon to discharge mucus with yellow or cream shades.

A woman may experience yellow, odorless discharge before her period, since, in accordance with physiological characteristics, during the period of ovulation the amount of leucorrhoea increases significantly against the background of an increase in progesterone levels. This hormone not only helps to increase the volume of mucus, but is also capable of provoking the formation of yellowish discharge in women, which under normal conditions is not accompanied by additional symptoms and disappears after two or three days. Everything becomes more complicated when problems arise in the genitourinary system - the body notifies women about them with yellow discharge after menstruation. If they occur after menstruation, this is usually a sign of exposure to infectious pathogens. There are many reasons for their appearance in women and girls, including:

Disturbed hormonal levels - in the presence of this problem, additional symptoms appear, in particular, a disruption in the interval between menstruation, a change in their duration and abundance.
Use of hormonal pharmaceuticals – with prolonged use, a woman may experience changes in the functionality of the reproductive system.
Stressful conditions, emotional overstrain - due to experiences, the production of adrenaline increases, as a result, the synthesis of hormones is suppressed and the level of concentration decreases, hence the disrupted menstrual cycle.

The presence of sexually transmitted infections - at the very beginning of the development of pathology, yellowish discharge becomes the first symptom of exposure to an infectious pathogen, which multiplies and begins to displace the normal vaginal microflora. The activity of pathogenic microorganisms is accompanied not only by yellow discharge with an unpleasant odor, but also by itching, burning sensation, swelling of the genitals and vulva.

It would not hurt to consider the pathological reasons why odorless yellow-green leucorrhoea is released in women carrying a child - usually this is a symptom of an infected abortion, as a result of which the fetus dies. Associated symptoms in this case include chills, increased temperature, and signs of an inflammatory process, as indicated by blood tests.

Yellowish discharge can also be observed after childbirth, although a common occurrence during this period is lochia, which is a bloody discharge that resembles normal menstruation. A yellowish tint may indicate an additional infection, although one should also take into account the fact that over time, the lochia themselves change color:

For about a week after birth, there is liquid red lochia, in which blood clots are observed.
During the second, often the third week, the lochia becomes dark red, brown or brown.
In the third or fourth week, lochia is bloody, and this period may also be accompanied by white-yellow discharge or whitish leucorrhoea.

The yellow color of the secretion in itself should not always alarm a woman, but it is imperative to see a gynecologist when the following are observed:

yellow mucous discharge with an unpleasant odor - it can be sour, fishy, putrid or onion;
vaginal itching appears;
pain is felt in the lower abdomen;
a burning sensation is felt when urinating;
the color becomes more intense or with shades - yellow-green, dark yellow, very bright;
During intercourse, noticeable discomfort is observed.

There is no point in being afraid of periodically occurring light yellow discharge if there are no side symptoms, but it must be remembered that the normal parameters for each girl or woman are individual.

What could this indicate?

If odorless yellow discharge is not accompanied by additional symptoms such as itching or burning, redness or swelling of the genitals, in most cases it can be perceived as a natural passing phenomenon. However, yellow discharge after the appearance of menstruation, observed for more than four days, accompanied by discomfort and other unpleasant symptoms, is a good reason to consult a gynecologist. The following conditions that accompany yellow discharge in women require special attention:

Adnexitis, which is an inflammatory process, the place of development of which is the uterine appendages. The disease provokes yellow discharge in women, the volume of which quite often becomes too abundant. With adnexitis, the leucorrhoea may contain a fair amount of pus, but when the pathology becomes chronic, the abundant discharge transforms into a daub, which can be secreted by the female vagina. Other symptoms gradually appear - lumbar and spinal pain, discomfort in the groin area during intercourse, frequent trips to the toilet for minor needs.
With bacterial vaginitis, when the vaginal walls are damaged by pathogenic microorganisms, yellow vaginal discharge is not accompanied by unpleasant odors, but it is accompanied by aching pain in the lower abdomen and a burning sensation in the vaginal area.
Salpingitis is a lesion of the fallopian tubes, and exacerbations may be accompanied by dark yellow discharge and pain in the side on which the inflammatory process is localized.
Allergic reactions can hardly be called a full-fledged pathology, but they can be accompanied by bright yellow discharge in women, irritation and redness of the genital organs, and their swelling. Typically, such situations arise when using synthetic underwear or pads with various impregnations.

If yellow, thick, odorless discharge appears, accompanied by the listed symptoms, it is necessary to undergo examination without self-medication in order to avoid various complications.

With scent and various shades

Yellow is a much more dangerous symptom than without it. Typically, this phenomenon indicates the presence of infectious processes in the reproductive system. The list of pathological signs includes vaginal itching and swelling of the pubic area. Most often diagnosed:

Trichomoniasis, in which foamy skin appears. Green discharge accompanies hyperemia of the labia, itching occurs, and during intercourse - severe pain attacks.
Penetration of chlamydia into the body causes abundant yellow discharge mixed with pus; during urination, a significant burning sensation occurs as the pathological process flows onto the mucous layer of the urinary ducts.
Colpitis is accompanied by thick yellow discharge with a greenish tint, sometimes mixed with blood.
With oophoritis, hormonal synthesis is disrupted and cycle disruptions are observed, the result is a delay in menstruation and an increase in the cycle; yellow leucorrhoea can be too scanty or excessively abundant.
The presence of gonorrhea may be indicated by whitish, very light yellow discharge and itching, an admixture of pus and mucus in the leucorrhea, a burning sensation, soreness of the genitals, and too frequent urination accompanied by unpleasant sensations.

Erosion of the uterine cervix is the reason why yellow-brown leucorrhoea may appear. A brown tint indicates an admixture of blood, since erosion is accompanied by ulcers. Leucorrhoea indicates the occurrence of inflammatory processes.

It should be mentioned that yellow discharge after menopause can occur without pathology, although this is more of an exception to the rule. If menopause has occurred, but the discharge continues, has a yellowish tint and an unpleasant odor, a lack of estrogen can be suspected. Typically, this situation develops together with vaginitis or vaginosis against the background of disturbed vaginal microflora.

The presence of itching as evidence of candidiasis

Abundant yellow discharge with a cheesy consistency can be caused by the Candida fungus. The appearance of a rich sour odor combined with a yellow tint is a clear sign of a fungal pathology, which is called candidiasis. This fungus is found even in the vagina of a completely healthy woman in 5% of all cases. It is able to penetrate there from the intestines when personal hygiene measures are insufficient or there has been accidental sexual intercourse.

But even having penetrated the vaginal microflora, the fungus does not in all cases cause color changes with an odor in the mucous secretion and itching; usually symptoms appear with a decrease in immunity or hormonal changes, disruptions in metabolic processes, and often developing adnexitis or cystitis. Pathological mucous discharge in women as a symptom of candidiasis may appear after long-term use of antibiotics or contraceptives. Statistics show that most often candidiasis causes leucorrhoea with an unpleasant odor in women carrying a child, which is closely related to the hormonal changes in the body that occur during this period.

With this pathology, curdled liquid leucorrhoea of a yellowish color is usually observed in women; if the disease is advanced and in a severe stage, the consistency of the secreted mucus becomes thick, pasty, and color shades of the green spectrum are possible. Such discharge smells extremely unpleasant. As for itching, it can occur periodically or be present constantly; with prolonged physical exertion or during menstruation, it often noticeably intensifies.

Treatment methods and preventive measures

If yellowish, odorless discharge in women does not accompany pathological symptoms, and leucorrhoea itself of this shade appears periodically, there is no particular need to visit a specialist - except for your own peace of mind. But it won’t hurt to adjust your own habits in this case:

odorless discharge in women requires careful hygiene;
when choosing hygiene products, it is advisable to do without a large number of dyes and allergens, but in case of pregnancy, it is better to avoid using soap altogether, giving preference to warm water twice a day;
synthetic underwear should be abandoned in favor of breathable natural materials;
if during sexual intercourse various lubricants were used as experiments, it is better to return to earlier methods of protection;
Panty liners can also cause irritation and leucorrhoea; they should be chosen carefully; such products should not contain fragrances or dyes.

It should be understood that every person has his own individual concepts regarding shades and their intensity; accordingly, it is quite difficult to determine the pathology, relying solely on the external signs of vaginal secretion; even an experienced specialist cannot always make a diagnosis without scrupulous research. Therefore, if the discharge clearly differs from the norm in its color, consistency, smell and volume, tests and examination are necessary, on the basis of which the treatment will be based. The examination, in turn, involves the selection of smears from the genital tract, vagina, ultrasound of the pelvis and organs located in it, and hysteroscopy. After receiving the results, a therapeutic regimen is developed that takes into account:

patient's age;
general health;
the severity of the disease that caused the appearance of leucorrhoea;
the presence of concomitant pathologies;
hormonal background;
individual drug intolerance.

Antimicrobial treatment is usually prescribed, douching is performed, and the vaginal microflora is normalized. In the presence of menopause, treatment requires the use of replacement therapy, which allows you to adjust hormonal levels and restore the functionality of the mucous layer of the genital tract. If there is a pathology transmitted through sexual contact, it is necessary to treat the partner of the affected woman. Therapy also includes the use of immunomodulators, probiotics, desensitization of the body, and the administration of antimycotic substances. General strengthening and physiotherapeutic treatment is required.

There is no specific prevention in this case. General recommendations include the need to visit the gynecological office every six months, avoid hypothermia, and constantly maintain hygiene. Partners should be changed as rarely as possible and condoms should be used during sex.

ethnoscience

Often, when leucorrhoea appears, victims use traditional medicine recipes for douching, preparing medicinal baths, tampons and suppositories. Doctors are not always skeptical, but they recommend resorting to the use of such drugs if certain conditions are met:

Traditional medicine should not be used as an independent treatment, but only as an additional way to enhance the effectiveness of traditional therapy.
Before using any prescription, you must first consult with your doctor.
The possibility of individual intolerance to plant components should be taken into account, as well as contraindications to the ingredients.
When preparing herbal preparations at home, you should strictly adhere to the recipe - dosage and preparation steps.

As for recipes, here are the most popular ones used for vaginal douching for yellow discharge:

It is necessary to grind the oak bark, pour a large spoon of the ingredient into a liter of boiling liquid and simmer over low heat for another 20 minutes. Douching is carried out after filtering and cooling the composition.
You can use eucalyptus by brewing two large spoons of crushed leaves in half a liter of boiling water. Then the product is boiled over low heat for 15 minutes, cooled and filtered.
A small spoon of crushed meadowsweet is poured into 200 ml of liquid brought to a boil and simmered over low heat for another 20 minutes, the product is cooled and filtered.
An excellent remedy for diseases affecting the vaginal mucosa is the color of calendula. To prepare the product, brew a large spoonful of the plant’s flowers in a cup of boiling water and leave it covered for half an hour, wrapping the container in a warm cloth. Then the product is filtered and used for douching.

To get rid of leucorrhoea, medicinal baths with extracts of pine or other coniferous trees are also well suited. It’s easy to prepare such a bath - add 150 grams of dry needles to three liters of liquid and cook the product over low heat for 40 minutes. Also, if you have profuse leucorrhoea, it is recommended to drink a dessert spoon of fresh nettle juice three times a day.

The main thing to remember when treating any pathology is the inadmissibility of self-medication.

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Yellow discharge may or may not be normal. Sometimes they indicate a serious pathology or the beginning of the development of an inflammatory process.

It is advisable for every woman to know what can trigger the appearance of discharge with a yellowish tint.

Is yellow discharge normal or not?

The female organ, the vagina, connects the reproductive system with the external environment. To prevent various types of infections from penetrating inside, an acid-base balance is maintained in the vagina, shifted towards an acidic reaction. On the mucous membrane of the organ there are “special” bacteria that create this environment.

In a healthy state, self-regulation of cells occurs - secretion (discharge) performs the function of cleansing the organ, which is the norm. The color can vary from clear white to a yellow tint.

Physiological discharge in medicine is called leucorrhoea. They are characterized by the following:

do not leave stains on linen;
Normally, the volume of discharge should not be more than 5 ml per day, and during the period of ovulation, before or after sexual intercourse, the amount of discharge may increase;
the consistency of healthy discharge is liquid and homogeneous;
odorless yellow discharge in women, which in very rare cases may be slightly sour;
During discharge there should be no accompanying symptoms such as itching or burning.

Some changes in the amount of discharge, their quality and consistency usually occur due to:

pregnancy;
menses;
stress;
the use of certain medications;
use of contraceptives;
poor nutrition;
sexual arousal.

It is not uncommon for women to experience yellow discharge. The reasons for this may be both the characteristics of the female body and pathologies caused by diseases of the reproductive system.

1. Physiological changes. Discharges that are the result of natural changes in a woman’s body are considered normal. They turn yellow due to pregnancy, during ovulation, before or after menstruation.

In such cases, the discharge is not abundant, and the woman does not feel any discomfort because of it. There should be no clots in the discharge; the underwear remains clean afterward.

2. The process of inflammation. Yellow mucous discharge is often a symptom of genital disease.

But at the same time, they must be accompanied by other signs of disease, which depend on which organ the inflammation occurs in: pain in the lower abdomen, lumbar pain, pain when urinating, itching, burning, bright shade of discharge, pungent odor, and others.

3. Allergies, which can be caused by: intimate hygiene products, underwear, condoms, vaginal contraceptives.

4. Tumor- the presence of a malignant tumor in the organs of the genitourinary system.

Yellow discharge with an odor in a woman - what does it mean?

Such discharge indicates the presence of serious female diseases.

A strong-smelling discharge is a symptom of vaginosis. With this disease, the vaginal mucosa becomes inflamed and the discharge with an odor indicates a disruption of the microflora and the development of pathogenic bacteria, instead of “beneficial” ones. Possible causes of vaginosis:

changes in hormone levels;
weak immunity of women;
taking antibiotics;
infectious or inflammatory diseases;
postpartum period;
malignant tumors;
sexually transmitted diseases.

Vaginosis is dangerous, as infection can penetrate the uterine cavity and cause.

Harmful microorganisms - chlamydia, streptococci, trichomonas - can enter the vaginal environment, causing inflammation of colpitis. Along with yellow discharge, colpitis may be accompanied by symptoms:

vaginal swelling;
Green colour;
itching and burning in the perineum.

Hormonal imbalance can also cause odor-bearing discharge. As a result, endometriosis may begin - this disease causes the growth of the mucous membrane and is often the cause of infertility in women.

Characteristic symptoms are menstrual pain and strong yellow-brown discharge with a pungent odor.

Copious yellow discharge in women with an unpleasant odor may appear due to the appearance of a malignant tumor in the bladder area.

Yellow-green discharge

Such discharge appears in most cases due to diseases that are sexually transmitted. A possible cause is the inflammatory process.

If yellow-green discharge occurs after sexual intercourse (unprotected), then the cause should be sought in the disease, which was transmitted in this way. Infections can occur in a latent form. Sometimes they develop into a latent form, which significantly complicates diagnosis and treatment.

In some cases, the only symptom of the disease is discharge. Therefore, a woman should consult a gynecologist as soon as they appear.

Yellow-green discharge is a sign of trichomoniasis. They may be foamy. This is a sexually transmitted infection, which later develops into vulvovaginitis. The disease is also characterized by swelling and itching of the genitals.
Abundant and thick discharge may also appear when infected with chlamydia or mycoplasmosis.
Yellow, acidic discharge in women with a greenish tint indicates the development of thrush or candidiasis. This disease can appear as a result of a weakened immune system or while taking medications.

Discharge with a yellow-green tint is sometimes a symptom of inflammatory processes that occur in the organs of the woman’s genitourinary system.

Heavy discharge usually occurs due to inflammation of the ovaries or fallopian tubes. In this case, the woman feels a general malaise, the temperature may rise and pain in the appendage area may occur. If these diseases are not cured in time, they will become chronic.

Yellow discharge during pregnancy

Yellow, odorless discharge in women often appears during pregnancy. During this period, the body experiences significant hormonal changes. If the discharge is not accompanied by other characteristic symptoms and does not cause discomfort to the woman, then there is no reason to worry.

In the first weeks of pregnancy, women may experience liquid yellow discharge, which indicates that the body begins to produce progesterone in large quantities.

As a result of this, when the secretory function of the vagina is activated, dead epithelial cells enter the normal secretions. In addition, a certain percentage of particles in the forming mucus plug also contributes to the appearance of yellow color.

Before childbirth, the discharge may acquire a yellowish tint due to the fact that the plug begins to separate.

A pregnant woman may begin to suspect the presence of infections at the following points:

there is an unpleasant odor;
the discharge contains any inclusions (blood or pus);
itching, redness or pain appears.

At the first appearance of suspicious discharge, a pregnant woman should immediately contact her gynecologist.

Treatment of yellow discharge, prevention

Treatment that may be required for yellow discharge should be prescribed by a doctor. First of all, he will conduct the necessary examination, which will help determine the cause of the appearance of such discharge. Usually, a smear and blood are taken from the woman for analysis. The gynecologist will also conduct a routine examination; in some cases, the woman may be referred for an ultrasound.

Once the cause of the discharge is known, the doctor will prescribe the necessary treatment. In case of inflammation, you will need to take a course of antibiotics or antifungal drugs. Douching and products that normalize the vaginal microflora may also be prescribed.

When treating an infectious disease that is sexually transmitted, treatment of a regular partner also becomes mandatory. During treatment you must abstain from sexual activity.

You need to visit a gynecologist once every six months;
try to lead a healthy lifestyle, which includes reasonable physical activity;
during sexual intercourse it is necessary to use barrier contraceptives;
adhere to the principles of proper nutrition;
maintain hygiene, using only proven intimate care products;
underwear must be purchased from natural fabric;
avoid hypothermia, consult a doctor promptly;
support the body through immunotherapy;
engage in sexual relations only with a trusted partner;
Pregnant women are advised to more carefully monitor hygiene and the condition of their body.

If a woman follows these simple recommendations, the risk of diseases of the genitourinary system will be significantly reduced.

A certain amount of vaginal discharge is necessary to maintain the health of a woman's reproductive system. They moisturize the mucous membrane, contribute to the creation of proper microflora and protect the body from the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms. However, situations may arise when the discharge becomes pathological, which, as a rule, is one of the first signals about the development of a pathological process in the organs of the reproductive system, and sometimes in the whole organism.

Causes of yellow discharge

One of the common deviations from the norm is a change in the color of the secretion secreted by the glandular structures of the vagina. Normal discharge may be clear or whitish, but the appearance of yellowness, as a rule, is not an option for healthy glandular activity. Only in certain cases is this condition physiologically determined. As a rule, the changes are short-lived and are not accompanied by other alarming symptoms.

In other cases, the appearance of yellow discharge is a cause for concern and an immediate visit to the gynecologist. Among the diseases that can manifest as changes in the color of leucorrhoea are the following:

1. First of all, these are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In the case of the presence of one pathogenic microorganism, the risk of a concomitant infection increases significantly. Thus, with trichomoniasis, yellow foamy discharge with a greenish tint may be observed. In this case, it is mandatory to conduct an analysis to identify pathogens such as chlamydia, mycoplasma, ureaplasma and gonococci. In the latter case, the discharge becomes creamy and purulent in nature. Additional symptoms in this case are pain when urinating, severe itching in the external genital area and burning sensation in the vagina.

2. Nonspecific bacterial vaginitis. Inflammatory processes in the vagina can also be caused by opportunistic bacteria that normally live on the vaginal mucosa (for example, gardnerella). But if favorable conditions arise, for example, with a decrease in immunity or while taking antibacterial agents, they cause considerable harm. This situation is characterized by abundant yellow discharge. It should be remembered that the development of bacterial vaginitis can also be facilitated by poor personal hygiene.

3. Another normal inhabitant of the vaginal mucosa is a fungus of the genus Candida. In a healthy woman’s body, it is a component of the natural microflora in small quantities, but if the same conditions arise that promote its active reproduction, a very unpleasant disease can develop, candidiasis or, simply put, thrush. The discharge can be white, with a cheesy consistency, but sometimes it also takes on a yellowish tint. Especially in the case of other infections.

4. Vaginal discharge may also indicate “deeper” pathological processes. So, with erosion of the cervix with the addition of a staphylococcal infection, purulent cervicitis, they acquire a yellow tint. Inflammatory diseases of the uterus and its appendages can also provoke the release of a secretion of a similar color. It should be remembered that inflammation of this localization is dangerous not only due to purulent complications, general weakening of the body and the spread of infection, but also the risk of infertility.

Given the variety of reasons that can cause yellow discharge in women, any suspicion of a change in the color, smell or consistency of vaginal secretions should be examined by a specialist. This should also be done regularly once a year as a preventative measure.

Yellow vaginal discharge: diagnostic procedures

During a visit to a specialist, it may turn out that the observed discharge in a woman is physiologically determined and is not a symptom of any disease. This conclusion can be made only after a thorough history collection, a full examination and additional examinations. A yellow tint of discharge may appear due to the following non-pathological reasons:

taking oral contraceptives (birth control pills);
exposure to excessive emotional stress, exposure to prolonged stressful situations;
stay up to two months after childbirth;
various hormonal changes;
the first and last days of menstruation, as well as the period of ovulation;
the presence of previous sexual intercourse, accompanied by ejaculate entering the vagina.

Among the diagnostic procedures, in addition to examining the reproductive system itself, it is important to take a smear from the vagina to study such important indicators as the concentration of leukocytes, epithelial cells, and determination of flora, including pathogenic ones. In a non-detailed analysis, only the level of possible thrush pathogens can be determined. For special indications, material is collected and vaginal secretions are examined for the presence of STDs and other pathogenic microorganisms.

The following can be used as instrumental studies in gynecological practice:

1. Colposcopy is a research method that allows a detailed assessment of the condition of the mucous membrane of the vulva, vagina and cervix. It is used primarily in cases of suspected dysplasia or cervical cancer, to determine the need for a biopsy.

2. Ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs - there are two ways to apply the sensor: transabdominal and transvaginal. The first option is shown to assess the overall picture for girls who are not sexually active. The second is for the purpose of a detailed examination of the cervix and uterine cavity, fallopian tubes, ovaries and surrounding soft tissues.

3. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging may be indicated if other methods are insufficiently informative.

4. X-ray examination methods, for example, metrosalpingography, may also be prescribed.

An important component of diagnostic procedures is taking a smear for cytology in order to identify possible changes in mucosal cells. If there are suspicious results, taking into account the conclusion of colposcopy, a biopsy of vaginal and cervical tissue may be prescribed. Other methods of additional research are also used, depending on the prescription of the attending physician.

How is yellow discharge treated in women?

After conducting examinations and making a diagnosis, the doctor prescribes prescriptions, taking into account the individual characteristics of this particular patient. If necessary, the patient can be referred for consultation to other specialists, since problems in the reproductive system often occur not as independent diseases, but as a component of a cause-and-effect chain. So, after suffering a serious illness of any other localization, the body’s condition weakens as a whole, which increases the risk of developing most of the above diseases of the genital organs. In turn, a chronic focus of inflammation in the vagina, uterus or ovaries also has a detrimental effect on the body’s resistance, increasing the possibility, for example, of developing colds.

If a specific pathogen is detected, antibacterial, antiviral or antifungal therapy may be prescribed to get rid of yellow discharge. Drugs can be prescribed either in the form of tablets, intravenously or locally, for example, in the form of vaginal suppositories. Various anti-inflammatory and restorative agents can also be used.

As preventive measures to avoid the recurrence of such a symptom as yellow vaginal discharge, the following recommendations should be indicated:

lead a healthy lifestyle: give the body regular moderate physical activity and adhere to a balanced diet;
observe the rules of personal hygiene, while being careful with chemicals;
do not overcool;
wear comfortable underwear made from natural fabrics;
avoid questionable sexual relations;
be attentive to health: qualitatively treat any ailment at the initial stages;
if necessary, promptly replenish the deficiency of microelements and vitamins in the body.