All females experience vaginal discharge or Leukorrhea (scientific term) through their reproductive years. It is a sticky and thick fluid secreted from the vagina. Some of the reasons that prompt the vaginal secretion to differ in every woman are hormonal changes, infections, and malignancy.
Leukorrhea or normal discharge is a defence mechanism to stabilize and balance the acidic chemicals in the vaginal environment. This whitish or sometimes yellowish secretion helps to preserve the vaginal tissues flexibility as well as protect it from infections.
Vaginal discharge may or may not display signs and symptoms of infection, but if they are green, yellow, white, brown, or grey with bad odour then it is wise to consult your doctor. Many women experience pain in the abdominal area, discomfort during intercourse, itching, or soreness. Treatments are planned according to the cause of this problem.
During pregnancy
Under normal conditions pale yellowish, odourless vaginal discharge is emitted during various pregnancy trimesters. This occurrence is a result of increased estrogen levels. However, if the fluid smells unpleasant and is frothy accompanied with irritation and itching then it may be due to vaginal infection.
Yellow vaginal discharge with unpleasant odour is caused due to several other infections. These diseases may include sexually transmitted disease or organic bacterial infections.
- Cervicitis – It is the swelling of cervix and most often caused by imbalance in the development of bacteria (bacterial vaginosis) in the vaginal lining. In several cases, it can be due to Pessary, Cervical cap, and allergy due to latex condoms/spermicides. Even STD’s like gonorrhoea, chlamydia, genital herpes, trichomoniasis and genital warts can cause cervicitis.
- Vulvovaginitis – It is an infection in the vagina and vulva. It affects every woman once in their lifetime. It is rooted by yeast, bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Several STD’s also causes vulvovaginitis as well as chemicals found in soaps, perfumes, and bubble baths. Even allergens and poor hygiene are the factors that trigger this condition. Symptoms are vaginal dryness, pain, brown/yellow fluid, foul-odour, discomfort, itching, and irritation in genital region.
- Chlamydia – This evil disease (STD) is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachmatis. It is commonly spread through sexual contact, so practice safe sex and condoms must be used to lessen the chances of getting infected with chlamydia. Loss of appetite, discharge from anus, eye-infection, infertility, and pain during urination are some of the symptoms.
- Gonorrhoea – It is transmitted sexually. It can also be spread through vagina, mouth, anus or penis contact. Symptoms include frequent urination, fever, sore throat, mouth lesions, yellow vaginal discharge, and pain during intercourse/urination.
- Trichomoniasis – This STD affects females, who are sexually active. Parasite Trichomonas vaginalis causes this disease. Greenish, yellow, foul, frothy vaginal discharge is experienced. Urination issues, uneasiness during libido, soreness, and irritation around the genital regions are the symptoms that appear within five to twenty-eight days after exposure.
Treatment for yellow discharge
In normal conditions, if you have yellow discharge without any above symptoms then do the following:
- Maintain good personal cleanliness
- Wear cotton clean under-wears
- Use high-quality hygiene products
- Be careful during libido and protect yourself
In case of, abnormal yellow vaginal discharge with foul odour accompanied with pain, itching, burning and urination issues needs to be instantly diagnosed by a doctor. The vaginal network is complex, which easily gets disrupted due to incorrect treatment and can take years to restore the micro-flora (good bacteria). This is the reason why you should not engage in self-medication, but take professional help.