All content within this page has been reviewed and endorsed by
Dr David Nunns, Consultant Gynaecologist
What is ‘normal’ when it comes to discharge can vary a lot from woman to woman, and getting to know your body and your ‘normal’ is the best way to spot if anything is wrong. Most of the time your discharge will change a little throughout the month in colour and consistency, and that is completely fine. Some people may naturally have a creamy yellow discharge, for others it may be clear or white, but become more yellowish when exposed to the air. Again, completely normal. Knowing what your discharge looks like in a typical month, is the best way to know if there are any problems, so have a check when you are wiping after going to the toilet. Alternatively wearing Always liners allows you to clearly see the colour of your discharge on a white background. It is also a good way to stop any discharge from leaving any embarrassing or annoying stains.
However, there is one colour of discharge that can be a bit disconcerting, as it can be both normal and abnormal: yellow discharge. Why do we get it, what causes yellow discharge, and is it healthy? Well, depending on the cause, it might be your body’s way of telling you something is up – or it might be perfectly fine.
Confusing, right? Read on for a few alternative reasons as to why you could be experiencing this.
Yellow discharge is more likely to be problem if it is combined with:
There are a few steps you can take to help ensure your health down below, and increase the changes that any yellow discharge is nothing to worry about. 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.