Why do I have a yellow discharge? Is yellow discharge normal?

Not all yellow vaginal discharge indicates an intimate infection - a discharge of this colour also occurs outside the ovulatory period. This is called cervical mucus. If it is not accompanied by any additional symptoms, it is a sign that the vaginal bacterial flora is in good condition. In contrast, if the discharge is associated with itching, burning sensation in the intimate area or a bad smell, it may indicate the presence of an infection. Sometime the discharge can arise from the cervix - this is called a cervical erosion which is non-sinister.

Although a whitish or clear discharge is common, you may also have a light-yellow discharge or a yellow stretchy discharge. In these cases, there is no cause for concern if you have no other symptoms. It is normal to have a yellow discharge during the menstrual cycle. Shortly after ovulation, a sticky or creamy discharge of a light-yellow colour may appear. Slight changes in colour and consistency during the cycle are perfectly normal. However, if a yellow discharge appears, accompanied by an unpleasant smell, itching or pain, you should contact your doctor. For this, at the end of the period or just after the end, the discharge may be brownish-yellow.

Throughout their lives, most women will experience various changes in the colour of their discharge. The causes of this can be anything from age to hormones, to where you are in your menstrual cycle. Over time, it will become clear what is healthy and normal for you. However, yellow discharge can be confusing as it can be both normal and abnormal. Read on some causes of yellow vaginal discharge, and in case of any concern, we recommend you contact your GP.

1. Yellow is the natural colour of your discharge

While whitish or clear is considered the most common discharge colour, for many women it can become a creamy yellow colour on contact with air. This is most likely to be the case just before your period. If yellow has always been your ‘normal’ discharge colour and you aren’t experiencing any side effects, then it is nothing to worry about. Instead, you can use that type of discharge as your baseline for making sure no other irregular changes occur. If you are unsure, it could be a good idea to keep a diary and track changes as they happen.

2. Your period is about to start

The predominant hormone before the period is progesterone. It makes the discharge thick, white or yellowish. If the yellow discharge before the period does not have an unpleasant smell or is not accompanied by other symptoms (e.g. itching or burning), it is part of a normal menstrual cycle. Watery or thick yellow discharge just before your period is also frequently caused by a small amount of blood getting into the mucus. Take it as a sign that your time of the month is on its way and keep your Always Daily Panty Liners to hand.

3. Your period just ended

It is possible to get a thick yellow discharge after your period. It thickens up at this time to stop any infections getting into the body and a mild creamy yellow or milky white colour is normal. Also, at this point in your cycle, your discharge may have a yellow or brown tinge to it. This happens if the lining and dead cells haven’t been cleaned out entirely during your period, so your body is a bit late in getting rid of the last bits. Yellow discharge after a period is often caused by menstrual blood mixing with normal discharge but can also be a sign of hormonal imbalance or infection. The presence of yellow discharge alone is not an immediate cause for concern. It is very important to pay attention to the amount, colour and consistency of the discharge, and whether it has an unpleasant odour or other accompanying symptoms.

4. You are pregnant

An increase in oestrogen can be a reason for yellow discharge, and when you are pregnant, this is one hormone that your body produces plenty of! Hormonal imbalances are common when you have a baby on the way, and they’re nothing to worry about. If you happen to be one of the women for whom this oestrogen increase causes greater volumes of yellow discharge, and there are no other negative symptoms, then just make sure you are well-equipped with Always Daily panty liners. They will give you the dry underwear feeling, every day.

5. You have bacterial vaginosis

We’re not about to get all technical on you, don’t worry. This just means that there is a whole host of bacteria living in your vagina on a normal day, but the balance between the different types needs to stay the same. Otherwise, the harmful bacteria become more dominant, and the perfect harmony around your vagina can get knocked off-kilter. The most common sign of this is developing yellow watery discharge, combined with a strong, fishy smell. If you are concerned you may have this, it is worth consulting a doctor.

6. You have a sexually transmitted infection, a yeast infection or other health problem

One of the reasons for yellow discharge can be a sexually transmitted infection. Other signs that this is the cause might include a change in the texture of your discharge to a thick, chunky fluid. You might also develop pain in the area and an urge to scratch, while the discharge can give off a bad smell. If any of these occur, please seek medical advice. Trichomoniasis is a particularly common STI where yellow or green discharge is likely, and you might also notice that it almost looks frothy, too. Yellow clumpy discharge, or thick yellow discharge that comes with a strong odour, burning pains, or other changes to your discharge, can also be caused by a yeast infection or might be a sign of something else going wrong down there. If you have any of these symptoms, it is advisable to see a doctor and get checked out as soon as possible. Generally, the sooner you go, the easier it is for these problems to be cleared up.

7. What are other reasons for yellow discharge?

Changes to your diet or any medication you take can have an impact on discharge colour. This should settle down within a few days though, so it only applies to short-term colour changes. Age can also be responsible for yellow discharge, as hormone levels change in the body, but this shouldn’t be cause for concern on its own.

If it seems that what you are experiencing is healthy, then yellow discharge treatment isn’t necessary – you can carry on life as normal! If the discharge is making you feel damp or uncomfortable, try an Always Daily pantyliner for that dry underwear feel. They absorb discharge and are so comfortable you'll forget you're wearing one. If you find that rather than being a natural creamy yellow, your discharge is a neon colour or has a yellow-green tinge – it could be a sign of an infection. Suppose the discharge is accompanied by other symptoms, such as a change in the discharge texture to lumpy or frothy, pain having sex or going to the toilet, swelling, or itching. In that case, we recommend you seek medical advice. Most causes can be cleared up quickly and simply with medication. In the meantime, consider using Always Daily pantyliners for that dry and fresh underwear feel, every day.