Yellow Discharge from Vagina

Seeing yellow discharge from vagina can be disquieting. The vagina’s normal flora doesn’t usually expel yellow discharge. So if a woman experiences this, it would definitely ring warning bells. A woman’s vagina normally discharges fluid that is odorless and whitish in color. This fluid will serve to keep the woman’s vagina clean and free from harmful bacteria and other microorganisms. At the onset of menstrual cycle, during sexual arousal and breastfeeding, this translucent type of white discharge may thicken.

If there is a yellow discharge from vagina, accompanied by itching or a foul odor and even pain in some cases, this would usually imply a possible infection or a more chronic underlying disease.

 Causes of Yellow Discharge from Vagina

• Gonorrhea – Gonorrhea is a disease caused by the infective bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhea. These bacteria often invade the moist areas of the vagina, penis, rectum, throat and even the eyes. This disease is usually sexually transmitted and when a woman acquires this disease she would suffer the symptoms of painful urination, blood in the urine, constant itching of the genitals and a yellow discharge from vagina. In gonorrhea, the cervix is the part that is primarily affected; however, if not given immediate medical attention, the bacteria would make its way to the fallopian tubes and the uterus making the condition even worse.

• Yeast infection – Yeast infection is the invasion and overgrowth of the yeast like fungus, Candida albicans, on the vaginal surface of women. This infection may be acquired due to constant use of undergarments made of lycra since this type of fabric gathers moisture, pregnancy, obesity, PMS, and sclerosis among others. The symptoms of this disease include dryness and redness of the vagina, irritating itchiness, and a vaginal discharge with the color ranging from white to yellowish, with a consistency like that of a milk curd.

• Trichomoniasis – Trichomoniasis is a vaginal disease caused by a parasitic microorganism. This disease may be acquired or transmitted through sexual intercourse with a person who already has the infection. Its symptoms include a strong foul smell from the vagina with a greenish to yellow discharge. Other than that, it could also cause severe itching and soreness during sexual intercourse.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Vaginal Diseases

Important laboratory tests should be undertaken by women ages 21 and above, especially those who are sexually active. One of these crucial tests is Pap smear wherein the walls and the insides of the vagina and cervix are examined for foreign microorganisms that pose a threat to the woman’s health.

The treatment for vaginal disease is dependent on the source or cause of the disease. If the infection is caused by bacteria, antibiotics are usually prescribed by doctors such as azithromycin and clindamycin. If the condition is traced to a fungal infection, antifungal medicines are recommended. Examples of these antifungal medications are miconazole, tetroconazole and fluconazole.

A yellow discharge from vagina is a clear indicator that an individual is suffering from a vaginal disease. A woman should seek immediate medical attention to remedy the problem.