1. What is vaginal discharge?
Normal vaginal discharge is a type of liquid and sticky mucus that can stretch into threads. It is clear white, like egg whites, or slightly cloudy, like fresh milk. The composition of vaginal discharge mainly consists of water, along with acetic acid, pyridine, squalene, and a mixture of various alcohols, glycols, ketones, and aldehydes.
When vaginal discharge exhibits abnormalities compared to the characteristics above, it is referred to as abnormal discharge or "khí hư" (abnormal vaginal secretion). Based on its consistency, texture, color, and odor, abnormal discharge can indicate various gynecological issues. Among them, yellow discharge is one of the most common phenomena.
2. What does yellow discharge indicate?
Vaginitis is the number one suspicion.
Yellow vaginal discharge is a common phenomenon in women, and the majority of cases are caused by vaginitis.
Bacterial Vaginosis: This is the most common and frequent type of vaginitis. The vaginal discharge associated with bacterial vaginosis typically presents as:
- Yellow in color.
- Thick like pus, sticking to underwear.
- Foul-smelling discharge, causing itching and burning sensations in the vagina.
This type of vaginitis is commonly seen in women who are sexually active. The primary cause of this condition is an imbalance in the vaginal microbiome and vaginal pH, which can result from overuse of antibiotics, excessive vaginal hygiene, etc., leading to the elimination of beneficial bacteria and allowing harmful bacteria to thrive.
Other contributing factors include pregnancy, cervical erosion, hormonal imbalances, and menopause, which can promote the growth of bacteria and cause infection.
Vaginitis due to Candida or Trichomonas: Vaginitis caused by yeast infections (Candida) can also lead to yellow vaginal discharge, but it will have additional distinct symptoms that make it easier to distinguish. If you have Candida vaginitis, the discharge is usually yellow or white and accompanied by strong symptoms such as:
- Itching and burning of the vulva and vagina.
- The discharge has a powdery texture, similar to curd, and increases before menstruation.
- Painful urination, burning sensations during urination, or during intercourse.
If you have Trichomonas vaginitis, the discharge will be yellow-green or gray, abundant, with foamy texture, and accompanied by itching of the vulva, pain during intercourse, and discomfort.
3. Other medical conditions that can cause yellow vaginal discharge
In addition to vaginitis, yellow vaginal discharge can also be caused by many other factors, some of the most common include:
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID):
Pelvic inflammatory disease typically occurs in women who have gonorrhea or other untreated infections, allowing bacteria to deeply invade the female reproductive system.
When suffering from PID, patients often show the following symptoms:
- Yellow-green discharge with a foul, strong odor.
- High fever, frequent nausea, and vomiting.
- Menstrual irregularities.
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain.
- Painful intercourse.
If not treated promptly, PID can cause deep damage to the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and affect a woman's ability to conceive.
Cervicitis:
Cervicitis often does not have many visible symptoms, but some possible signs include:
- Yellow discharge with pus and an unpleasant odor.
- Painful and frequent urination.
- Pain during intercourse.
Yellow Discharge Due to Gonorrhea: Gonorrhea is a very dangerous sexually transmitted disease, and if left untreated, it can lead to serious complications.
The symptoms of gonorrhea in women typically include:
- Increased yellow discharge, thick and sticky, with a lot of pus and a foul odor.
- Painful urination.
- Itching and burning sensations in the vagina.
If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to several issues such as:
- Infertility or difficulty conceiving in women.
- For pregnant women, gonorhea can be dangerous to the fetus, causing preterm birth, etc.
- Meningitis, pericarditis.
- Blood infection (sepsis).
Fibroids / Uterine Cancer, Cervical Cancer: When the discharge turns yellow-brown and has a foul odor, it is a characteristic sign of cancer in the gynecological area. Therefore, if you experience this symptom, it is crucial to see a gynecologist for examination, diagnosis, and timely treatment.
4. Some precautions when treating yellow vaginal discharge
The treatment of yellow vaginal discharge in women largely depends on the underlying cause of the condition. In addition to following the prescribed treatment plan, there are some important precautions to help minimize complications, speed up the healing process, and prevent recurrence:
- Never self-prescribe ointments or vaginal suppositories without knowing the exact cause of the issue.
- If there is excessive yellow discharge, it is advisable to avoid sexual intercourse and seek a gynecological examination as soon as possible.
- Yellow discharge can be a sign of many gynecological conditions. Therefore, the most effective approach is to consult a qualified doctor for an examination and receive a suitable treatment plan.
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The hospital is equipped with modern, advanced medical equipment and possesses many of the world's latest machines, helping to detect difficult and dangerous diseases in a short time and supporting the most effective diagnosis and treatment. The hospital’s environment is designed to hotel standards, offering patients comfort, friendliness, and peace of mind.
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