Yellowish discharge: know the causes and treatments
Vaginal discharge is a problem that bothers women. It is the popular name for increased vaginal secretion, which may or may not be the clue to a gynecological problem.
First, it is necessary to keep in mind that not every vaginal discharge implies an illness. The physiological secretion is normal and can vary according to the hormonal influences, period of the menstrual cycle, organic and even psychological. The glands in the cervix produce a clear, fluid, odorless mucus, and these secretions can become white or yellowish in contact with the air.
But if you have noticed any change in the color of normal secretion, this may be the clue to a gynecological problem. When some factor is in imbalance, it is common to have inflammatory processes, and the discharge indicates that there is an infectious process in place.
In general, yellowish vaginal discharge appears to be associated with other symptoms such as itching, burning, and feeling of discomfort. If you notice any changes or the presence of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical help.
Causes of discharge
if the discharge is physiological (in the premenstrual period, pregnancy, hot weather), the secretion is nothing more than a natural defense of the body, so it does not need treatment .
There is also the possibility of local trauma (after intercourse, for example). In this case, the need for treatment varies according to the case. As each situation is particular, it is imperative to consult a gynecologist whenever you notice any change, whether in the color, smell or flow of vaginal discharge.
If the problem is really pathological, there may be several causes: transmission through sexual intercourse, low immunity, tight clothing and lack of ventilation on site, among other factors.
Most Common Problems
In the case of yellowing discharge, the most common problems are bacterial vaginosis. It is an imbalance in the normal vaginal flora, with a decrease in the concentration of lactobacilli and a predominance of one species of bacteria over the others. The problem does not always show symptoms, but is usually characterized by yellowish, white or gray vaginal discharge with unpleasant odor, burning on urination and itching. It is not a sexually transmitted infection, but it can be triggered after intercourse in predisposed women.
Another very common cause of yellowing is Trichomoniasis, an infection caused by a protozoan that has the human being as the only host. In men, the problem is usually asymptomatic, while in women it usually causes abundant yellow or greenish-yellow discharge, with an unpleasant odor. Inflammatory symptoms are also common in the vagina, such as redness and burning. Its transmission happens through unprotected sexual intercourse.
Finally, vulvovaginal candidiasis is another fairly common problem that may have yellowish or whitish discharge. The disease is a genital infection caused by the increase of a fungus that is part of the normal flora of the female intimate region. Symptoms usually appear when low immunity and, in addition to discharge, among the symptoms are intense itching, burning and irritation of the genitals.
How to avoid the problem
Avoid very tight and thick clothes in the heat.
Give preference to cotton panties rather than synthetic fabrics.
Sleep without panties.
Avoid using too much soap on the spot.
Do not make vaginal douches.
Most importantly, always use a condom.
Treatment
If, even with the preventative measures the yellowish discharge appears, consult your doctor. As the problem may arise for different reasons, it is impossible to specify the proper treatment without a medical diagnosis.
Among the most common forms of treatment are oral medications, antifungal creams and ointments and antibiotics. The doses and remedies are specific to each type of problem.