Yellow discharge: what it can be and how to treat it

The presence of yellow discharge is not an immediate indication of a problem, especially if it has a light yellow color. This type of discharge is normal in some women who experience thicker discharge, especially during ovulation.

However, if the yellowish discharge is accompanied by a foul smell or other symptoms such as itching in the genital area or pain when urinating it can also be indicative of an infection.

Thus, whenever there is any doubt about discharge, it is very important to consult a gynecologist to identify the problem and start the most appropriate treatment, which can be quite different according to the cause of the discharge.

1. Candidiasis

Candidiasis is another very common infection that arises from the excessive growth of the fungus Candida albicans inside the vagina and which leads to the appearance of a yellowish discharge. Candidiasis is usually more common in women who have weakened immune systems or who have been treated with antibiotics.

Other symptoms that may also indicate candidiasis include very light yellow discharge, but with small clots, reminiscent of curdled cheese, intense itching and burning during intercourse.

What to do: A good way to eliminate excess fungi and fight candidiasis is to keep the vaginal area very clean and use cotton panties to allow the skin to breathe. In addition, it is also advisable to consult the gynecologist to start using a vaginal antifungal ointment, such as Fluconazole or Clotrimazole, which helps to relieve symptoms more quickly. See which ointments are most used and other tips to fight candidiasis.

2. Sexually transmitted diseases

STDs are relatively common infections that can arise in women who have unprotected sexual contact, especially when you have more than one partner. Some STDs such as trichomoniasis or chlamydia can cause the appearance of discharge that varies in color between yellow, gray and greenish.

In addition to the discharge, there may also be other symptoms such as itching in the genital region, pain when urinating and intense redness, for example.

What to do: When a sexually transmitted disease is suspected, consult the gynecologist to confirm the infection and start the most appropriate treatment, which often includes the use of antibiotics. Check out a list of the main STDs and how they are treated.

3. Urethritis

Inflammation of the urethra, known scientifically as urethritis, can happen due to trauma to the urethra or due to an infection, and is therefore more common in women who have recurrent urinary infections or who do not have proper hygiene.

In these cases, the discharge may have a greenish-yellow color and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as burning when urinating, difficulty in starting the stream of urine and itching in the region, for example.

What to do: consult the gynecologist to confirm the diagnosis and start treatment with an antibiotic, such as Azithromycin or Ceftriaxone. Check out what other remedies can be used in the treatment.

4. Pelvic inflammatory disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID, is an infection of the female reproductive organs that usually begins in the vagina and progresses to the uterus, causing a yellowish discharge and other symptoms such as fever above 38ºC, pain in the belly and even vaginal bleeding.

What to do: It is very important to consult the gynecologist if there is suspicion of PID, as it is usually necessary to start treatment with antibiotics for about 2 weeks. During treatment, sexual intercourse should also be avoided to facilitate recovery. Understand more about how this infection is treated.

Yellow discharge in pregnancy

During pregnancy, yellow discharge can also be caused by trichomoniasis, which can result in premature birth or low birth weight. See what are the possible causes of discharge in pregnancy and when it can be serious.

Thus, it is important that the woman consult the gynecologist or obstetrician so that the best treatment can be done, which can be done with the use of Metronidazole or Tinidazole, for example.

Important tips during treatment

Although treatment may vary according to the cause of the discharge, there are some tips that can be important in any case. One of these tips is that the partner must also undergo treatment, even if he does not show symptoms, to prevent the person from being infected again.

In addition, it is further recommended:

• Use condoms to not contaminate the partner; Avoid making vaginal showers because the showers remove the bacterial layer of the intimate area responsible for protecting this region from infections; Avoid using perfumes or intimate hygiene sprays , as they alter the vaginal pH; Wear cotton underwear, because cotton does not cause irritation; Avoid wearing tight pants or shorts, preferring to use skirts or dresses to allow airing the region.

Another tip for treating yellow discharge is to avoid tampons, preferring the outer ones.