The condition of the female genital organs can be assessed by the nature and intensity of the secretions that are necessary for the normal functioning of the reproductive system. In the female vagina are secretory glands, which contribute to the secretion of mucus. It is important for the formation of beneficial microflora, as well as hydration of the mucosa.
If the mucus that is secreted from the vagina is transparent, without a pungent odor and in a small amount, then this is normal. But as soon as there is a discharge in women of a yellowish color or a different shade - this is alarming. Especially if this condition is also accompanied by itching, discomfort or pain in the perineum. All this is a harbinger of the pathological process or impaired functioning of the genital organs, requires specialist advice.
Kinds
Allocations in women depending on intensity can be divided into three main groups:
- scarce - the produced mucus is not enough to moisturize the vagina, because of which it dries up, and the walls may crack, during intercourse a woman feels discomfort due to friction (with hormonal failure, taking contraceptives on hormones, as well as age-related changes);
- natural - the vagina is moistened, which does not require additional lubrication during intercourse, a woman can completely do without daily routines and change her panties only once a day;
- abundant - a woman feels constant moisture in the vagina, often have to change underwear or constantly use daily pads, while this is not yellowish discharge, but transparent, odorless, which is considered a normal physiological condition of a woman.
You can also divide the selection depending on the consistency. They can be mucous and thick, watery, foamy and curdled. The color of the mucus from the vagina can be transparent, which is normal, white and loose (with thrush), bloody or brown (between periods indicates pathology), green or yellow (infection or inflammation).
Mucous discharge within normal limits
Odorless mucous yellow discharge is also the norm (along with transparent ones). If they do not cause discomfort in a woman, then this only means that the ovaries work normally. On average, a woman secretes a secret from the vagina in an amount of 2 ml. Its structure, consistency and even shade are directly related to the phase of the menstrual cycle, and not just anatomical features.
How does the quality of excreted mucus change depending on the day of the cycle?
From the first to the 7th day, monthly periods go directly, their duration and profusion depends on the individual characteristics of each woman. They can be either red, scarlet, or dark brown. As a rule, on the fifth day such discharge subsides, some pass completely.
From the 7th to the 14th day - this is the time of egg maturation - the smallest amount of mucus is secreted during this period, although it can be either white or yellow.
From the 14th to the 15th day, ovulation usually occurs. Estrogen reaches its maximum level, so it is possible to release a large amount of secretion (watery and thick) from the vagina. From the 16th to the 28th day, the female body prepares for menstruation, there are no secretions, but they can go plentifully immediately before menstruation.
Causes of natural secretions
Natural discharge of a yellowish or white tint creates a certain microenvironment in the vagina, in which the growth of pathogenic bacteria or microorganisms is blocked. Such discharge is odorless, most often they are watery in consistency. Abundantly excreted during sexual arousal and after sexual intercourse, as well as immediately before menstruation.
Also, the discharge is characteristic of each woman during the period of bearing the baby. Since it is during pregnancy that the hormonal background of the future mother is violated, which affects the secretion. Pathology is mucus immediately before birth, as well as the occurrence of an unpleasant odor or blood.
Causes of yellow discharge
An indicator of the health of a woman’s sexual sphere is the secret secreted from the vagina. Many different factors can affect its color, texture and quantity, from stress and overwork to allergies or taking certain medications.
Only a specialist can determine the pathology, but there are some disorders in the body of a woman, which are accompanied by certain symptoms:
- Bacterial vaginitis - accompanied by abundant yellowish discharge with a smell, since the microflora is disturbed, in which pathogenic bacteria actively multiply (pain during intercourse and not only, redness, itching of the external genital organs, weakness and frequent urination).
- Gonorrhea - in this case, the mucus is yellow-green in color, has an unpleasant odor, it is even possible to produce pus (fever, itching, weakness, nausea, enlarged lymph nodes).
- Endometritis - bright green or yellow discharge in large quantities, which indicates inflammation of the uterus (acute pain in the lower abdomen, fever, weakness, pain when going to the toilet, an increase in the uterus and painful periods in profuse form).
- Vaginosis - inflammation of the vaginal mucosa (may occur after treatment with antibiotics, after childbirth or infection).
- Endometriosis is an overgrowth of mucosal tissues, which is accompanied by yellowish discharge in women in between menstruation and pain with intercourse.
- Tumors that can form both on internal and external organs, which is accompanied by various secretions, including yellow.
- Pathology of the genitourinary system - then particles of urine appear on the panties (frequent urination, during which sharp pains are felt).
- Colpitis is an inflammatory process of the external genitalia (accompanied by pain and significant discomfort).
- Cervical erosion - there may be scanty discharge of a yellow tint.
Yellowish discharge during pregnancy
During the bearing of the baby, the hormonal background of the expectant mother changes significantly. Therefore, it is quite normal if a woman has discharge during this period, which may differ in consistency and intensity (depending on the period).
The normal secret produced during pregnancy is odorless, light yellow in color, which are not accompanied by pain and discomfort.
But if the yellowish discharge in the early stages of pregnancy has a dark shade, an unpleasant odor, a woman feels itching in the perineum, pain in the lower abdomen and when going to the toilet, then this may indicate pathology. This may be inflammation, which developed against a background of reduced protective functions of the body, as is often the case during the period of gestation. It can also be an infection introduced into the vagina, inflammation of the tubes or ovaries, sexually transmitted diseases or Escherichia coli.
It is important to go through all the examinations at the stage of pregnancy planning to minimize the possible development of pathology in the fetus and to avoid the threat of miscarriage or premature birth.
Yellow discharge after abortion
Yellowish discharge can also be observed in women for several months (maximum six) after abortion. Since small vessels are damaged during the intervention, there may be blood impurities in the mucus secreted. At the slightest change in color, smell or consistency of secretions, you should consult a doctor, because after surgery there is a big risk of developing inflammatory processes.
In addition, after an abortion, the protective functions of a woman noticeably decrease. It is during this period that pathologies and the penetration of infection are possible not only in the female genital organs, but also in the intestine and urinary tract. Therefore, within six months after abortion by artificial means, it is important to monitor the state of health and the nature of the secreted secretion from the vagina.
Discharges in inflammatory diseases of the female genital organs
If yellowish, odorless discharge does not cause concern, then as soon as they change their color to darker or discomfort, itching and burning appear, then you should consult a doctor. Since this may indicate the development of inflammatory processes in the female genital organs and requires immediate treatment.
The inflammatory processes that are accompanied by yellow excreted mucus include:
- Adnexitis is an inflammation of the appendages of the ovaries (pain not only in the lower abdomen, but also in the lower back, as well as during urination, during menstruation and making love), yellow mucus with an admixture of pus.
- Salpingitis - inflammation of the pipes (pain when going to the toilet, since inflammation quickly affects the organs of the genitourinary system), a secret from the vagina of a yellow hue with an admixture of blood.
- Sexually transmitted diseases - trichomoniasis, mycoplasmosis, chlamydia, gonorrhea (mucus is liberated, has a bright yellow tint, has an unpleasant odor).
- Bacterial vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina (abundantly secreted yellow secret of a pungent odor).
When is it necessary to see a doctor?
Slight yellow discharge, not accompanied by discomfort or itching, should not cause concern in women. Mucus can be secreted in a larger volume immediately before menstruation. This is a normal physiological process that occurs in the body of each representative of the weaker sex.
But as soon as yellowish discharge and itching appear in the perineum, discomfort during intercourse or urination, as well as lumps of different colors appear in the mucus, this indicates a deviation from the norm. Consultation with a doctor who not only conducts a visual examination, but also takes a smear to examine the microflora, in this case is mandatory. If necessary, a bacterial sowing is taken, which will not only determine the type of bacteria, but also reveal the sensitivity to certain drugs that will be required for treatment.
Contact a gynecologist if yellow secretions with a smell appear if you have the following symptoms:
- menstrual irregularities;
- soreness or revealed pathologies of the mammary glands, since diseases of the female genital organs are often associated with a violation of the hormonal background in the body;
- pain in the lower abdomen and in the lower back;
- itching and burning in the vagina;
- pain during sexual intercourse and during urination.
How to treat?
In case of yellowish discharge and certain symptoms, treatment is not worth it yourself. Only a doctor can diagnose pathology and prescribe therapy. Most often in this case, antimicrobials, antibiotics, if necessary, various ointments and creams are prescribed, which will relieve inflammation and discomfort in the perineum.
In the presence of a fungal infection, that is, thrush, treatment is carried out not only local, but also a number of oral agents are prescribed to normalize the intestines. In the complex are drugs that enhance the protective functions of the body. Baths with herbal solution or douching also take place in the treatment of various diseases of the female genital organs.
Neoplasms are treated conservatively or through surgery. It all depends on the nature of the pathology and the speed of its development.
Alternative methods should be used only after consulting a specialist, as they can complicate therapy and disrupt the microflora in the vagina.
How to prevent?
Dysbacteriosis, which is one of the main causes of the development of various female diseases, accompanied by yellowish discharge, is most often the result of improper care or non-compliance with hygiene rules. Frequent douching, taking antibiotics or hormones without the control of a doctor, as well as unprotected sex - all this can disrupt the vaginal microflora and cause not only inflammation, but also various diseases.
It is important to follow the rules of hygiene, take medications only as directed by a doctor, avoid unprotected sex and treat endocrine diseases in a timely manner, which can lead to disruption of the female genital organs.
Output
The body of each woman is individual. And those representatives of the fair sex, who carefully monitor the state of their female health, know what yellowish discharge is normal for them, and when it indicates violations. Any changes should not be ignored.