Bright yellow discharge after surgery. When is yellow discharge in women considered normal?

For both women and girls of reproductive age, vaginal discharge is a natural physiological process. However, leucorrhoea can indicate not only health, but also the development of pathological processes in the body. In order to take timely measures and prevent the development of complications, a woman needs to understand where the norm ends and the disease begins. It should be borne in mind that even in the absence of disease, the condition of leucorrhoea is influenced by many factors, and primarily by the periods of the menstrual cycle. Various conditions can significantly change the appearance of vaginal secretions and their color - which is what women may pay attention to first. Let's consider when and under the influence of what factors yellow discharge appears, evaluate how common the causes are, and the treatment that can be used to eliminate the problem.

What is the norm and what are the reasons for the changes?

Natural vaginal secretion is transparent, sometimes white. However, given that the vaginal microflora mostly consists of lactobacilli, leucorrhoea with a sour odor is also not considered a pathology unless accompanied by other suspicious symptoms. In terms of consistency, they are considered natural without the inclusion of clots, the volume of which should not exceed 5 ml per day.

It should be remembered that both the volume and color of vaginal secretion can change before menstruation, against the background of sexual contact. It is not uncommon to discharge mucus with yellow or cream shades.

A woman may experience yellow, odorless discharge before her period, since, in accordance with physiological characteristics, during the period of ovulation the amount of leucorrhoea increases significantly against the background of an increase in progesterone levels. This hormone not only helps to increase the volume of mucus, but is also capable of provoking the formation of yellowish discharge in women, which under normal conditions is not accompanied by additional symptoms and disappears after two or three days. Everything becomes more complicated when problems arise in the genitourinary system - the body notifies women about them with yellow discharge after menstruation. If they occur after menstruation, this is usually a sign of exposure to infectious pathogens. There are many reasons for their appearance in women and girls, including:

Disturbed hormonal levels - in the presence of this problem, additional symptoms appear, in particular, a disruption in the interval between menstruation, a change in their duration and abundance.
Use of hormonal pharmaceuticals– with prolonged use, a woman may experience changes in the functionality of the reproductive system.
Stressful conditions, emotional overstrain - due to experiences, the production of adrenaline increases, as a result, the synthesis of hormones is suppressed and the level of concentration decreases, hence the disrupted menstrual cycle.

The presence of sexually transmitted infections - at the very beginning of the development of pathology, yellowish discharge becomes the first symptom of exposure to an infectious pathogen, which multiplies and begins to displace the normal vaginal microflora. The activity of pathogenic microorganisms is accompanied not only by yellow discharge with an unpleasant odor, but also by itching, burning sensation, swelling of the genitals and vulva.

It would not hurt to consider the pathological reasons why odorless yellow-green leucorrhoea is released in women carrying a child - usually this is a symptom of an infected abortion, as a result of which the fetus dies. Associated symptoms in this case include chills, increased temperature, and signs of an inflammatory process, as indicated by blood tests.

Yellowish discharge can also be observed after childbirth, although a common occurrence during this period is lochia, which is a bloody discharge that resembles normal menstruation. A yellowish tint may indicate an additional infection, although one should also take into account the fact that over time, the lochia themselves change color:

For about a week after birth, there is liquid red lochia, in which blood clots are observed.
During the second, often the third week, the lochia becomes dark red, brown or brown.
In the third or fourth week, lochia is bloody, and this period may also be accompanied by white-yellow discharge or whitish leucorrhoea.

The yellow color of the secretion in itself should not always alarm a woman, but it is imperative to see a gynecologist when the following are observed:

yellow mucous discharge with an unpleasant odor - it can be sour, fishy, putrid or onion;
vaginal itching appears;
pain is felt in the lower abdomen;
a burning sensation is felt when urinating;
the color becomes more intense or with shades - yellow-green, dark yellow, very bright;
During intercourse, noticeable discomfort is observed.

There is no point in being afraid of periodically occurring light yellow discharge if there are no side symptoms, but it must be remembered that the normal parameters for each girl or woman are individual.

What could this indicate?

If odorless yellow discharge is not accompanied by additional symptoms such as itching or burning, redness or swelling of the genitals, in most cases it can be perceived as a natural passing phenomenon. However, yellow discharge after the appearance of menstruation, observed for more than four days, accompanied by discomfort and other unpleasant symptoms, is a good reason to consult a gynecologist. The following conditions that accompany yellow discharge in women require special attention:

Adnexitis, which is an inflammatory process, the place of development of which is the uterine appendages. The disease provokes yellow discharge in women, the volume of which quite often becomes too abundant. With adnexitis, the leucorrhoea may contain a fair amount of pus, but when the pathology becomes chronic, the abundant discharge transforms into a daub, which can be secreted by the female vagina. Other symptoms gradually appear - lumbar and spinal pain, discomfort in the groin area during intercourse, frequent trips to the toilet for minor needs.
With bacterial vaginitis, when the vaginal walls are damaged by pathogenic microorganisms, yellow vaginal discharge is not accompanied by unpleasant odors, but it is accompanied by aching pain in the lower abdomen and a burning sensation in the vaginal area.
Salpingitis is a lesion of the fallopian tubes, and exacerbations may be accompanied by dark yellow discharge and pain in the side on which the inflammatory process is localized.
Allergic reactions can hardly be called a full-fledged pathology, but they can be accompanied by bright yellow discharge in women, irritation and redness of the genital organs, and their swelling. Typically, such situations arise when using synthetic underwear or pads with various impregnations.

If yellow, thick, odorless discharge appears, accompanied by the listed symptoms, it is necessary to undergo examination without self-medication in order to avoid various complications.

With scent and various shades

Yellow is a much more dangerous symptom than without it. Typically, this phenomenon indicates the presence of infectious processes in the reproductive system. The list of pathological signs includes vaginal itching and swelling of the pubic area. Most often diagnosed:

Trichomoniasis, in which foamy skin appears. Green discharge accompanies hyperemia of the labia, itching occurs, and during intercourse - severe pain attacks.
Penetration of chlamydia into the body causes abundant yellow discharge mixed with pus; during urination, a significant burning sensation occurs as the pathological process flows onto the mucous layer of the urinary ducts.
Colpitis is accompanied by thick yellow discharge with a greenish tint, sometimes mixed with blood.
With oophoritis, hormonal synthesis is disrupted and cycle disruptions are observed, resulting in a delay in menstruation and an increase in the cycle; yellow leucorrhoea can be too scanty or excessively abundant.
The presence of gonorrhea may be indicated by whitish, very light yellow discharge and itching, an admixture of pus and mucus in the leucorrhea, a burning sensation, soreness of the genitals, and too frequent urination accompanied by unpleasant sensations.

Erosion of the uterine cervix is the reason why yellow-brown leucorrhoea may appear. A brown tint indicates an admixture of blood, since erosion is accompanied by ulcers. Leucorrhoea indicates the occurrence of inflammatory processes.

It should be mentioned that yellow discharge after menopause can occur without pathology, although this is more of an exception to the rule. If menopause has occurred, but the discharge continues, has a yellowish tint and an unpleasant odor, a lack of estrogen can be suspected. Typically, this situation develops together with vaginitis or vaginosis against the background of disturbed vaginal microflora.

The presence of itching as evidence of candidiasis

Abundant yellow discharge with a cheesy consistency can be caused by the Candida fungus. The appearance of a rich sour odor combined with a yellow tint is a clear sign of a fungal pathology, which is called candidiasis. This fungus is found even in the vagina of a completely healthy woman in 5% of all cases. It is able to penetrate there from the intestines when personal hygiene measures are insufficient or there has been accidental sexual intercourse.

But even after penetrating the vaginal microflora, the fungus does not in all cases cause color changes with an odor in the mucous secretion and itching; usually symptoms appear with a decrease in immunity or hormonal changes, disruptions in metabolic processes, and often developing adnexitis or cystitis. Pathological mucous discharge in women as a symptom of candidiasis may appear after long-term use of antibiotics or contraceptives. Statistics show that most often candidiasis causes leucorrhoea with an unpleasant odor in women carrying a child, which is closely related to the hormonal changes in the body that occur during this period.

With this pathology, curdled liquid leucorrhoea of a yellowish color is usually observed in women; if the disease is advanced and in a severe stage, the consistency of the secreted mucus becomes thick, pasty, and color shades of the green spectrum are possible. Such discharge smells extremely unpleasant. As for itching, it can occur periodically or be present constantly; with prolonged physical exertion or during menstruation, it often noticeably intensifies.

Treatment methods and preventive measures

If yellowish, odorless discharge in women does not accompany pathological symptoms, and leucorrhoea itself of this shade appears periodically, there is no particular need to visit a specialist - except for your own peace of mind. But it won’t hurt to adjust your own habits in this case:

odorless discharge in women requires careful hygiene;
when choosing hygiene products, it is advisable to do without a large number of dyes and allergens, but in case of pregnancy, it is better to avoid using soap altogether, giving preference to warm water twice a day;
synthetic underwear should be abandoned in favor of breathable natural materials;
if during sexual intercourse various lubricants were used as experiments, it is better to return to earlier methods of protection;
Panty liners can also cause irritation and leucorrhoea; they should be chosen carefully; such products should not contain fragrances or dyes.

It should be understood that each person has his own individual concepts regarding shades and their intensity; accordingly, it is quite difficult to determine the pathology, relying solely on the external signs of vaginal secretion; without scrupulous research, even an experienced specialist will not always be able to make a diagnosis. Therefore, if the discharge clearly differs from the norm in its color, consistency, smell and volume, tests and examination are necessary, on the basis of which the treatment will be based. The examination, in turn, involves the selection of smears from the genital tract, vagina, ultrasound of the pelvis and organs located in it, and hysteroscopy. After receiving the results, a therapeutic regimen is developed that takes into account:

patient's age;
general health;
the severity of the disease that caused the appearance of leucorrhoea;
the presence of concomitant pathologies;
hormonal background;
individual drug intolerance.

Antimicrobial treatment is usually prescribed, douching is performed, and the vaginal microflora is normalized. In the presence of menopause, treatment requires the use of replacement therapy, which allows you to adjust hormonal levels and restore the functionality of the mucous layer of the genital tract. If there has been a pathology transmitted through sexual contact, it is necessary to treat the partner of the affected woman. Therapy also includes the use of immunomodulators, probiotics, desensitization of the body, and the administration of antimycotic substances. General strengthening and physiotherapeutic treatment is required.

There is no specific prevention in this case. General recommendations include the need to visit the gynecological office every six months, avoid hypothermia, and constantly maintain hygiene. Partners should be changed as rarely as possible and condoms should be used during sex.

Traditional medicine

Often, when leucorrhoea appears, victims use traditional medicine recipes for douching, preparing medicinal baths, tampons and suppositories. Doctors are not always skeptical, but they recommend resorting to the use of such drugs if certain conditions are met:

Traditional medicine should not be used as an independent treatment, but only as an additional way to enhance the effectiveness of traditional therapy.
Before using any prescription, you must first consult your doctor.
The possibility of individual intolerance to plant components should be taken into account, as well as contraindications to the ingredients should be taken into account.
When preparing herbal preparations at home, you should strictly adhere to the recipe - dosage and preparation steps.

As for recipes, here are the most popular ones used for vaginal douching for yellow discharge:

It is necessary to grind the oak bark, pour a large spoonful of the ingredient into a liter of boiled liquid and simmer over low heat for another 20 minutes. Douching is carried out after filtering and cooling the composition.
You can use eucalyptus by brewing two large spoons of crushed leaves in half a liter of boiling water. Then the product is boiled over low heat for 15 minutes, cooled and filtered.
A small spoon of crushed meadowsweet is poured into 200 ml of liquid brought to a boil and simmered over low heat for another 20 minutes, the product is cooled and filtered.
An excellent remedy for diseases affecting the vaginal mucosa is the color of calendula. To prepare the product, brew a large spoonful of the plant’s flowers in a cup of boiling water and leave it covered for half an hour, wrapping the container in a warm cloth. Then the product is filtered and used for douching.

To get rid of leucorrhoea, medicinal baths with extracts of pine or other coniferous trees are also well suited. Preparing such a bath is simple - add 150 grams of dry needles to three liters of liquid and cook the product over low heat for 40 minutes. Also, if you have profuse leucorrhoea, it is recommended to drink a dessert spoon of fresh nettle juice three times a day.

The main thing to remember when treating any pathology is the inadmissibility of self-medication.

Discharge from the genital organs is a natural process in a woman’s body and accompanies her throughout her life. The abundance, density, and shade of the secreted fluid can vary within established limits, and are due to the following reasons, such as the time of menstruation, breastfeeding, pregnancy, and hormone therapy. Yellowish vaginal discharge may also occur, but is this normal?

A significant number of women are bothered by yellow vaginal discharge. This is due to the fact that the shade of the discharge is predisposed to a natural shade and, on the contrary, talk about severe processes of inflammation, infections inside the vagina, spread through sexual intercourse.

The entire female half of society should learn to understand their secretions, when they are naturally yellowish in color, and where they are combined with pathological processes.

Experts prove that vaginal fluid has normal colors – transparent and white. This discharge is called leucorrhoea. It happens that discharge that is white takes on a yellow tint and is not associated with any inflammation. The basis for such changes are changes in hormones, the use of contraceptive drugs, and stressful situations.

When the discharge has no odor, it does not cause discomfort, and there is no itching, burning, or pain, then it is a natural shade of leucorrhoea. When these symptoms are disturbing, it means that an infectious inflammation has appeared, which passes during sexual intercourse and the inflammatory process.

It is considered natural that when, after sexual intercourse, the sperm remaining in the woman’s vagina is excreted in the form of yellowish clots.

Before menstruation, during pregnancy, during the period of ovulation, in a larger percentage of the female half, the excreted volume does not exceed the usual amount by much. It is worth paying due attention to the fact that when you are pregnant, you will need to be more careful about such changes, because the expectant mother’s body is significantly prone to infection during this period.

Pathology

An infection transmitted to each other through sexual contact is trichomoniasis.
The predominance of bacterial infection in the acute phase, for example, adnexitis, salpingitis - there is an infection on the uterine tubes.
The cervix is affected by erosion, the course of adnexitis and salpingitis is chronic.
The disease gonorrhea is represented by yellow purulent discharge, which has a bad odor, a burning sensation in the genitals and itching, and the volume of discharge is significant.

Pathologies of an infectious nature that occur during sexual contact are awakened by various microorganisms. They contribute to the process of inflammation, burning, and discomfort. Trichomoniasis is quite common.

Trichomonas

Trichomoniasis is an infectious disease. During its penetration into the body, foamy, copious discharge appears. They have a yellow-green color and a pungent odor. The disease is also accompanied by severe burning, itching of the genitals, and irritation. During this period, the woman knows for sure that this is not normal discharge, and the success of treatment depends on the timeliness of seeing a doctor.

Gonorrhea

This is a disease in which the vagina discharges a moderate amount of yellowish-white fluid and has a bad odor. Often during this infection, severe aching pain is felt when emptying the bladder, the stomach hurts, and blood may leak. Discharge is often accompanied by symptoms of adnexitis and salpingitis.

Candidiasis

Thrush is a thick, profuse discharge from the genitals. They resemble curd lumps of white or yellowish color. Thrush causes severe itching, redness, and swelling of the vagina.

All women have “good” bacteria in their vagina. Due to their vital activity, microflora and acidity are maintained at the required level, and the body is protected from infections. Often, the quantitative composition of bacteria can change due to poor intimate hygiene, metabolic disorders, etc., which leads to the proliferation of candida, or thrush, as well as vaginosis.

Vaginosis

In a patient with vaginosis, the discharge is abundant, has a gray-white tint, there is a bad smell (rotten fish), the itching of the genital organs on the outside is slight, and appears from time to time. Symptoms intensify after sex. Long-term prevalence of the disease is characterized by sticky discharge, which has a yellow-green tint.

During the examination, the doctor will see an even distribution of discharge on the walls of the vagina. Vaginosis poses a threat to a pregnant woman, possibly fetal rejection or premature birth. Bacteria, moving into the uterus, can cause an inflammatory process in its mucous membrane.

Chlamydia

In a woman with chlamydia, abundant fluid formations appear infrequently from the genitals. The color of chlamydia discharge is yellow. Examining a woman, the doctor can see how fluid is released from the cervix and flows down the vaginal lining. A woman is tormented by painful sensations in the abdomen below, during emptying of the bladder, when the Bartholin gland is enlarged and painful.

Other pathologies

With colpitis, inflammation occurs due to the passage of various microorganisms into the vagina, which cause pain. These include Trichomonas, candida, streptococcus, chlamydia. Colpitis causes the following symptoms:

foamy formations of the secreted liquid of a yellowish tint;
they have a bad smell;
the labia and vagina swell;
in the perineal area the woman is bothered by a burning sensation and itching.

Various yellow shades of discharge can appear when the genital organs are swollen inside and outside. A frequent symptom is the formation of a fistula, which connects the genital tract with the intestines and urinary canal. An ulcer manifests itself from the formation of a low-quality tumor. A bad odor in the secreted fluid and a bright yellow tint is associated with a malignant tumor in the bladder.

It happens that yellow fluid appears due to erosion on the cervix. With erosion, an inflammatory process occurs. Often, after sexual contact, blood is released. Also, during the period of inflammation of internal organs, the characteristics of leucorrhoea may change.

These diseases should be treated immediately and can lead to serious problems and infertility.

Prevention and treatment

The main cause of bacterial damage to the genital organs is dysbacteriosis. It appears due to untimely or poor-quality hygienic care of the genitals, frequent douching, uncontrolled use of antibiotics and hormonal drugs, and sex without contraception.

Preventive measures for yellow discharge are aimed at:

cure diseases in the female body;
taking medications under the supervision of a doctor;
high-quality hygiene of the intimate area;
protection against infections transmitted through sexual contact;
It is recommended that a woman wear loose underwear;
wash off with a shower.

Scented sanitary pads and products used to treat the perineum should not be used. You should not walk around in things that are tight to your body.

Twice a day you need to wash your genitals with warm water. To eliminate itching and odor, you should use a liquid made from soda - dilute 1 tablespoon of soda with 1 liter of water. After finishing the procedure, you need to dry the perineum well with a towel.

Yellow vaginal discharge, contrary to the belief of many women, there may be the norm. It's all about the individual characteristics of the body. The nature, including the color of the discharge, is influenced by many factors: the woman’s age, hormonal levels, health status, phase of the menstrual cycle, sexual activity, and so on. It is believed that the color of the discharge can vary from completely clear to white or yellowish.

It should be noted that often white vaginal discharge forms yellow marks on underwear or sanitary pads. In this case, the cause is simply their oxidation in air.

How to distinguish normal discharge from pathological ones?

There are a number of criteria that distinguish normal discharge from pathological ones:

Color. Normally, vaginal discharge should be clear, but a variation of the norm may be whitish or yellowish. Any other colors are a sign of disease.
Consistency. The discharge should be homogeneous, mucous or creamy, without inclusions, lumps, grains, and so on.
Smell . Each woman’s vaginal discharge has an individual odor; it may be slightly sour, but not obviously unpleasant, pungent, or strong.
Quantity. Normally, no more than 2-3 milliliters of mucus should be released per day. This means that there should either be no wet spot on the laundry at all or its size should not exceed 1-2 centimeters. Increased vaginal discharge can be observed against the background of sexual arousal, after sexual intercourse, and also in the middle of the cycle against the background of ovulation.
Irritation . Normal vaginal discharge should not cause irritation of the mucous membrane or skin, be accompanied by itching, burning or other discomfort, cause pain when urinating, and so on.

If these conditions are met, the discharge can be considered normal. Otherwise, it is better to undergo a preventive examination by a gynecologist.

What if yellow vaginal discharge is a symptom?

As a rule, profuse yellow vaginal discharge is a sign of an inflammatory process. Options may vary:

inflammation of the vaginal mucosa (),
cervix (),
fallopian tubes or ovaries (, oopharitis,).

In these cases, the discharge contains a large number of dead leukocytes, as well as bacteria and their waste products.

Also, yellow vaginal discharge can accompany a number of infectious diseases, the causative agents of which are sexually transmitted:, and so on. in such cases, in addition to discharge, other symptoms may appear: such as burning, pain and discomfort when urinating, and so on.

In such cases, timely treatment will help avoid progression of the disease and the appearance of new symptoms.

What to do if yellow vaginal discharge appears?

If vaginal discharge causes any suspicion or concern, the only correct option is to contact a gynecologist. He will conduct an initial examination and take a sample of vaginal discharge for microscopy. This will allow us to determine the composition of the vaginal microflora, which means we can say with confidence: there is some kind of disease or not.

Such an examination can be carried out in different clinics, but in such situations, efficiency is important. The examination needs to be completed as quickly as possible, and the “Your Doctor” service will help you make an appointment as soon as possible.

They occur both normally and in various diseases. But women should be able to distinguish normal leucorrhoea from those caused by pathology. This is necessary in order to receive timely consultation for examination and prescribing treatment in case of detection of diseases.

The most common cause of concern and suspicion regarding infectious diseases is yellow discharge.

Causes of yellow discharge in women

In some diseases of the female genital area, the patient experiences abundant yellow discharge. They are accompanied by an unpleasant odor.

The following reasons for the appearance of yellow discharge are identified:

. This disease is infectious. There is no inflammatory process in the body. With vaginosis, adverse changes are observed in the lactoflora of the vagina, which protects the woman’s internal organs from damage. Bacteria in the vagina actively multiply, which is why yellow discharge appears in women. The smell of vaginal secretions may vary. The discharge often smells like fish or onions. This disease poses a significant danger to pregnant women. Vaginosis increases the risk of premature birth and miscarriage. The disease does not spare even women who are in late pregnancy. In addition, pathogenic bacteria penetrate the uterus, causing endometritis. Vaginosis is common in women who have recently given birth.

Colpitis. This disease belongs to the infectious-inflammatory diseases. Colpitis also affects the vaginal mucosa. The causative agents of the pathology are the following harmful microorganisms: staphylococcus, . This disease mainly affects young women. But sometimes it also occurs in young children and elderly patients. With colpitis, the vaginal secretion turns yellow or greenish. Yellow discharge in women is accompanied by an unpleasant odor. This disease also causes other symptoms: swelling of the labia and vaginal mucosa. Patients often experience a burning sensation in the perineal area.
Adnexitis and salpingitis. , with salpingitis, the fallopian tubes are affected. Diseases often develop simultaneously, so they need to be treated comprehensively. In the acute form of the pathology, the discharge has a thick consistency, and vaginal secretions are released abundantly. In the chronic form of the disease, the discharge is quite scanty. They usually take on a yellow tint. A woman experiences discomfort during sexual intercourse. But the most dangerous complication of adnexitis and salpingitis is infertility.

Thick yellow discharge

The consistency of the discharge changes if there is a purulent infection in the body. There is an opinion: with a prolonged inflammatory process, yellow discharge in women becomes thicker. This rule applies to various sexually transmitted infections:

Trichomoniasis. With this disease, the condition of the genitourinary system worsens, the patient develops thick yellow discharge. The causative agent of the disease is. With trichomoniasis, a woman experiences burning and itching in the area of the reproductive organs.
. This infection is sexually transmitted. At an early stage of the disease, yellow discharge is observed. They are not accompanied by a pungent odor. But the disease gradually progresses, pus appears in the vaginal secretion, and the discharge acquires a foul odor.
. The disease is caused by chlamydia. The discharge may contain small clots. Chlamydia often spreads to the rectum and affects the urethra.
. The causative agents of the disease are small bacteria present on the mucous membrane of the female organs and genital tract.

Thick yellow discharge in women may appear after an abortion. A woman needs to pay attention to the shade and consistency of the mucous secretion, this will reduce the likelihood of developing an inflammatory disease.

Sometimes blood clots are found in vaginal secretions, and the color of the discharge turns brown. In this case, you need to urgently contact a specialist. Bloody discharge from the genital tract often indicates the presence of cancer.

Causes of discharge in healthy patients

Yellow discharge does not necessarily signal any pathology. There is a mucous layer in the vagina and cervix. It contains a large number of glands, from which a mucous secretion is secreted.

It represents a special and delicate environment for the female body. The composition and condition of the vaginal flora largely depends on the age of the woman, the process of the menstrual cycle, the functioning of the immune system and even climate conditions.

To maintain a normal and healthy environment, it is necessary to regularly observe hygiene measures and monitor the quality of the underwear used. After all, the fragile microflora of the vagina requires careful care. It is populated by various bacteria, microorganisms and fungi, which provide protection to the walls of both the uterus and the vagina itself from negative environmental factors that are pathogenic in nature.

Any vaginal discharge is an absolute norm in the functioning of the female body. It is thanks to them that the female genital organs are protected and are able to undergo cleansing processes.

Any attempts to eliminate the appearance of mucous discharge, especially on your own - without medical advice, not only make no sense, but also carry a certain health risk.

The complete absence of mucous secretions indicates a disruption of the protective layer, which increases the risk of various infections entering the vagina.

The secreted mucus, the amount of which may vary depending on the stage of the cycle, maintains the normal state of the microflora. The first discharge appears in adolescence with the onset of the first menstruation. But before the start of menstruation, girls should not have any discharge.

Otherwise, the presence of mucus before puberty is a reason to consult a gynecologist, since such manifestations may indicate pathological conditions of the body or infection with subsequent inflammatory processes.

The normal composition of mucus is the presence of coccal bacteria, fungi and even viruses, which are absolutely harmless, but in an unfavorable environment they acquire the ability to actively reproduce, which leads to the formation of inflammation.

Thus, the selections include:

Mucus that fills the cervical canal - it is secreted from the glands attached to the cervix and performs a protective function; cellular epithelium of the uterus - epithelial cells are capable of constant renewal, while old ones, gradually descending into the vaginal cavity, are excreted from the body.
Microorganisms - this component of mucus is represented by a cluster of various bacteria, lactic acid and coccal, as well as special acidophilus Dederlein bacilli and plasma - myco- and urea-, in small quantities.
The presence of pathogenic bacteria may also be possible, but in the absence of inflammation, their number remains unchanged, which eliminates the risk of any complications.

According to gynecologists, the normal discharge rate in a completely healthy female body should be scanty, colorless (transparent) and not have a specific odor. But due to the physiology of each individual woman, yellow discharge may appear.

Changes in the typical color of the discharge indicate the beginning of the inflammatory process. Such changes in the body are a kind of signal to consult a gynecologist, but in no case should you engage in self-diagnosis.

Sometimes, the symptoms of different diseases alternate with each other, so it is easy to confuse the signs of diseases, based only on changes in the color of vaginal discharge.

The discharge is yellow and odorless. Is there any reason to sound the alarm?

The presence of clear yellow discharge does not always mean the presence of any pathology. Pale and scanty mucous formations are considered normal. Even brighter yellow discharge can be considered normal if it occurs on the eve of your period.

There is no need to sound the alarm without unnecessary reasons. Inflammatory processes, in addition to the pronounced yellowness of the discharge, are usually accompanied by a specific odor, pungent and unpleasant. During infection, the discharge also becomes more abundant, and the genitals and the skin around them become covered with a reddish irritation, causing discomfort.

Yellow vaginal female secretion is a fluid that comes from the mucus that flows down the cervix and the blood vessel system. Such discharge, which is considered normal, does not cause inconvenience, has no odor and disappears on its own after a couple of days.

The main thing is that when this kind of discharge appears, carefully follow hygiene procedures to avoid the occurrence of rashes and unpleasant irritation in the intimate area.

The reasons for the occurrence of such discharge include:

an increase in the total volume due to the rapid onset of menstruation, a few days before birth or within a few days after birth;
changes in a woman’s hormonal levels due to age-related characteristics;
active use ;
changing the usual means for intimate hygiene, pads, tampons and condoms, can also cause the appearance of questionable discharge;
the body may react to synthetic underwear with yellow discharge;
Negative factors for the occurrence of yellow discharge include the possible presence of diseases of the mammary glands.

At what point should you worry?

An urgent visit to a gynecologist is necessary in the following cases:

If ;
when diagnosing breast diseases, which is often associated with hormonal imbalances that affect the condition of all organs;
if during sexual intercourse painful sensations are felt in the perineum, also continuing after the completion of the act;
aching pain in the lower abdomen, radiating to the lumbar region;

Video about what kind of discharge should alert women? Gynecology

Diagnostic methods for discharge. Treatment options

During the examination, the gynecologist takes a smear from the genital organs for laboratory tests, which make it possible to understand whether the vaginal microflora is normal and whether there are any infectious diseases.
It is prescribed to assess the condition of the internal genital organs, the uterus, its endometrium, and the ovaries.
They must give in, since an untreated infection can lead to serious complications.

The examination will cost from 2000 rubles.

To treat many gynecological problems associated with yellow discharge, you do not need to go to the hospital. Patients successfully get rid of unpleasant symptoms at home, following all the recommendations and instructions of the gynecologist.

As a rule, vaginal suppositories, tablets and creams are prescribed that restore healthy vaginal microflora, as well as antibiotics, which are selected strictly based on test results. Many infectious agents are sensitive only to certain groups of antibiotics; a course of treatment with incorrectly selected drugs can not only be ineffective, but also cause harm to health.

For example, in the treatment of trichomoniasis and tinidazole, and in the treatment of infections caused by chlamydia, other drugs are used - doxycyline or azithromycin.

When treated with antibiotics, medications are additionally prescribed to enhance immunity and improve the body's resistance. Surgery is usually not required. The sexual partner should also undergo treatment at the same time. During menopause, the doctor may prescribe hormonal medications, under the influence of which the vaginal mucosa returns to normal.

The patient needs to analyze her diet. Poor nutrition can cause imbalance in the intimate sphere. You should completely avoid fast food, fatty foods and canned foods. Vegetable juices with the addition of herbs - parsley, spinach, sorrel - are useful. Juices even out the pH balance of the vagina.

However, store-bought fruit juices are harmful because they contain large amounts of sugar. Eat more berries, especially sour ones: viburnum, barberry. A real storehouse of vitamins - and blueberries.

Intimate hygiene must be carried out competently. It is harmful to wash yourself more than twice a day - this washes away the protective layer of the genital mucosa. Instead of soap, it is better to use special products that contain lactic acid.

Drink more vegetable juices. Particularly useful.
Drinking boiled water with lemon juice remarkably restores the pH balance of the intimate sphere. It is better to drink acidified water in the morning.
You can make baths from water at room temperature. It is necessary to pour cooled boiled water into a basin and sit in it. The procedure takes 20 minutes.
Prepare a decoction of pine needles as follows - pour 150 g of pine needles into 3 liters of water, bring to a boil and cook for 40 minutes, then strain. Add the decoction to warm water for baths.
For excessive yellow discharge, as well as painful menstruation, drink a dessert spoon 3 times a day.

Video How to treat discharge?

Vaginal discharge is divided into physiological, normal for a certain age and stage of the menstrual cycle, and pathological associated with genital diseases. It is impossible to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe a course of treatment based on a single symptom, but the appearance of a discharge different from the norm gives reason to contact a gynecologist and undergo an examination.

Normal the discharge consists of a mixture of mucus, dead epithelium and microbial cells, the secretion of the Bartholin glands located in the vestibule of the vagina. They contain glycogen, a nutrient for beneficial microflora, and lactic acid, a waste product of lactobacilli. Glycogen levels are highest on the day of ovulation. Normally, there is clear or whitish discharge, the consistency is mucous, with small lumps or homogeneous, without an unpleasant odor, in a volume of up to 4-5 ml per day.

Beli

Copious vaginal discharge or scanty, but atypical in character or smell, is called leucorrhoea. Leucorrhoea creates a constant feeling of wetness, burning and itching in the perineal area. Reasons copious discharge - inflammatory processes ( , ); infectious diseases of the urogenital organs, nonspecific or STDs; tumors or injuries of the internal genitalia; allergic reactions to latex, spermicidal lubricants, underwear and hygiene products for intimate areas.

By origin, vaginal discharge is distinguished, uterine and tubal (watery, large in volume) and cervical (thick, scanty).

Leucorrhoea with pus is a symptom of inflammation,bloody ones are often associated with the development of a tumor; curdled or white flakes are characteristic of thrush; orange and greenish with a putrid odor - for gardnerellosis (bacterial vaginosis);foaming ones appear with trichomoniasis.

Leucorrhoea may appear after long courses of contraceptives, after douching with antiseptics; for constipation and a static lifestyle, leading to stagnation of venous blood in the pelvis. Prolapse of the vaginal walls, microtrauma of the genitals after sexual intercourse, and ruptures of the perineum also cause the formation of leucorrhoea.

Mucus discharge is normal

The first mucous discharge is observed in newborn girls, the appearance of secretion is associated with residual amounts of maternal hormones. After 3-4 weeks, the discharge disappears and appears again by the age of 8-11 years, when the production of own estrogens increases. Mucus is secreted periodically, looks like raw egg white or rice water, has a sour smell, color - white with a yellowish tint.

Next, during puberty, cyclic vaginal discharge appears. The beginning of the cycle is considered the first day of menstruation; in the 1st half of the cycle and until its middle, which coincides with ovulation, there is less discharge. They are mucous or watery, homogeneous, possibly with small lumps. In the middle of the cycle - mucous and abundant, viscous consistency, possibly beige or brownish tint.

After ovulation Jelly-like discharge, similar to jelly. The content of lactic acid, which is produced by lactobacilli, increases in them, and the discharge acquires a sour odor. Increased acidity protects the vaginal mucosa, which during this time period is more loose and vulnerable to infection. Before menstruation, the volume of mucous discharge increases again.

Discharge during pregnancy liquid and abundant, whitish or transparent. Before childbirth, the cervix dilates, and the cervical plug comes out in the form of a rather large clot of mucus, possibly mixed with scarlet blood. Usually the release of the plug coincides with the first contractions. If there is more vaginal secretion than usual, then you should go to the gynecologist: perhaps amniotic fluid is “leaking.”

The presence of liquid blood or bloody clots in the discharge suggests an ectopic pregnancy, a threat of miscarriage pregnancy, atypical position (presentation) or placental abruption. All options are dangerous; at any moment they can be complicated by bleeding and result in death. A pregnant woman who notices the appearance of scarlet blood from the vagina should immediately lie down, then immediately call an ambulance.

White discharge

During puberty, vaginal discharge may be a consequence of inflammation intestines, bladder, uterus or ovaries. These episodes contain pain associated with urination, intestinal colic or pulling sensations in the lower abdomen and lumbar region. The temperature may rise, a blood test will show signs of inflammation (leukocytosis, increased ESR): then treatment for inflammation will be needed.

10-12 months before the onset of the first menstruation, the vaginal mucosa reacts to hormonal changes and liquid, transparent or white discharge is formed, the color of very diluted milk, odorless or sour. No measures need to be taken if there are no complaints of burning or itching in the perineum, and the discharge does not take on a cheesy appearance.

After the onset of sexual activity, the consistency and composition of the discharge changes, the reason is the addition of the partner’s microflora, which is different in composition from the vaginal flora. It takes time to adapt, different in each case, and the situation will return to normal again. During the adaptation period, the volume of secretion increases, the discharge becomes more liquid, with a pale yellowish or whitish tint. A change in sexual partner is almost always associated with a change in the nature of vaginal discharge.

After unprotected sexual intercourse, the discharge normally first takes the form of yellowish or white clots, and after 5-8 hours the secretion turns into liquid and abundant. After protected intercourse, white and thick discharge appears, resembling lubricant.

Taking contraceptives or breastfeeding reduces normal secretion: vaginal discharge is scanty and thick, white or yellowish in color.

gives white curdled discharge, abundant, sour in smell. Sometimes the discharge resembles yellowish curd lumps or white flakes. The disease is accompanied by itching and swelling of the genitals, irritation of the skin of the perineum. The development of candidiasis is a sign of decreased immunity.

curdled white coating in the vagina due to thrush

Thrush is often combined with STDs(, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis) and, manifests itself in metabolic diseases (diabetes mellitus) and tumors. Candidiasis definitely requires treatment.

Video: vaginal discharge - normal and pathological

Yellow and green discharge

“Colored” vaginal discharge occurs with STDs, bacterial vaginosis (gardnerellosis), and nonspecific genital inflammation.

With STDs, leucorrhoea is always accompanied by pain and burning associated with urination.

: when examining the vagina, visible yellow discharge, emerging from the cervical canal and flowing down the walls of the vagina. Leucorrhoea is accompanied by pain in the lower back and lower abdomen, and enlargement of the Bartholin glands. The diagnosis is confirmed by PCR analysis.

: leucorrhoea profuse, foamy, greenish or yellowish, with a pungent putrid odor. They can flow onto the perineum, inner thighs and cause skin irritation.

: the volume of discharge is moderate, color yellowish-white. May be accompanied by bleeding that does not correspond to the cycle, pain of the “lowered belt” type - lower back, lower abdomen, inner thighs. With gonorrhea, a putrid smell of leucorrhoea is often encountered; a change in their color from grayish-white to yellow indicates the transition of the acute stage of the disease to the chronic stage.

: Leucorrhoea profuse, grayish-white, with the smell of rotting fish. Sticky, yellow-green and even orange discharge is typical for an untreated, long-term disease. The itching is not severe, it occurs periodically. All symptoms worsen immediately after sexual intercourse.

Nonspecific vaginitis(colpitis): with this disease, leucorrhoea is the main symptom. The type of vaginal discharge varies depending on the severity of the process. When the vagina is inflamed, the secretion becomes acidic in reaction, viscous and stretchy in consistency, or copious and liquid, and loses transparency. Leukocytes give a cloudy white tint,the yellowish-green color is due to the presence of pus,yellowish-pink – blood. At the initial stages of inflammation, serous leucorrhoea is liquid, watery; then they transform into purulent ones - thick, green, with a strong putrefactive odor.

and adnexitis: inflammation of the fallopian tubes and ovaries. They may manifest themselves as specific complications caused by an ascending venereal infection with an STD, or “ordinary” inflammation of the internal genitalia. Discharge is always accompanied by abdominal pain; in the acute period - periodic, cramping and strong, in the chronic stage - medium and low intensity, constant, dull, pulling.

Let's summarize. Causes of yellow and green leucorrhoea:

foamy discharge is a characteristic sign of an STD;
copious discharge is typical for the acute stage of colpitis, adnexitis and salpingitis;
scanty leucorrhoea - for chronic adnexitis and salpingitis.

Brown and pink discharge

Associated with the presence of blood in vaginal discharge; may appear for physiological or pathological reasons.

Physiological reasons:

Small brown ones pink or scarlet discharge in the middle of the cycle: the laundry does not get dirty, the color is visible only on sanitary napkins or toilet paper. Secretion signals that ovulation has taken place, which helps plan pregnancy.
Pinkish and brownish discharge– the norm for the end of menstruation, when complete rejection of the endometrium has occurred and the proliferation phase (growth of new endometrium) begins.
Bloody discharge while taking hormonal drugs. If they continue for more than three cycles, then it is worth changing the contraceptive and being examined by a gynecologist.
Cervical mucus discharge mixed with bright blood- in pregnant women before childbirth.

Pathological causes

Pathological causes may be: sexually transmitted diseases (gonorrhea), endometritis, uterine tumors, endometrial hyperplasia, polyposis, cervical erosion, endometriosis.

For gonorrhea the infection rises from the vagina upward, affecting the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Appearance blood in the form of veinsamong mucopurulent discharge and intermenstrual bleeding are signs of an ascending gonococcal infection. A confirmed diagnosis is made after the test, which must be positive for gonorrhea, or after the detection of gonococci in it.

– inflammation of the functional uterine layer, which is updated after each menstrual cycle. Brown leucorrhoea, associated with endometritis, appear before and after menstruation; it is also possible to discharge brownish mucus in the middle of the cycle. Almost always, inflammation of the endometrium is combined with its hyperplasia (proliferation) and menstrual bleeding, often the cycle is shortened. Heavy bleeding leads to anemia, the hemoglobin content drops to 50-70 g/l (the norm for women is 120-140 g/l). The woman feels constant fatigue, shortness of breath and dizziness appear even with minor physical effort.

Endometrial hyperplasia is considered a precancerous condition.

To return the endometrium to normal, you must first cure the inflammation. The course of antibiotics lasts at least 3 months, drugs are prescribed for 3 menstrual cycles.

Endometriosis – overgrowth of glandular tissue (endometrium) in the cervix and muscular layer of the uterus (myometrium), fallopian tubes, ovaries, and abdominal organs. Endometrial cells end up in unusual places during abortion, during instrumental examinations of the uterus, during childbirth and during the return of menstrual mass. Endometriosis spreads i, leads to numerous local inflammations and formation adhesions; common complication - infertility.

Typical nagging pains during menstruation, bloody discharge from all foci of endometrial growths. At colposcopy small multiple nodules or cysts, bluish or red stripes are visible on the cervix. Bloody brown leucorrhoea becomes lighter after menstruation, its volume decreases during this period and increases again before the next menstruation. Endometriosis of the abdominal organs is a common cause of internal bleeding and subsequent surgery (laparotomy).

Cervical erosion: violation of the integrity of the mucous membrane; during examination, acetic acid, 3-5% solution, is used to determine the boundaries of erosion. After smearing the surface with acid, erosion is visible as a whitish spot on a pink background. When erosion occurs, small bloody discharge appears, and its amount increases after sexual intercourse.

Bloody discharge due to cancer

Endometrial hyperplasia accompanied by spotting brown or bloody discharge before and after menstruation. Acyclic uterine bleeding is possible: it lasts for a long time, up to several weeks or even months, and leads to anemia. The disease develops due to hormonal imbalance, problems with lipid and carbohydrate metabolism (obesity, diabetes), hypertension, after gynecological operations, with a hereditary predisposition, as a consequence of STDs - after inflammation of the uterus, with endometritis.

For treatment, combined estrogen/progestin drugs are used; in case of severe bleeding, endometrial curettage is used. A biopsy is required to assess the degree of cellular atypia and proliferation of glandular tissue. If cancer is suspected, the examination is repeated.

Polyps in the uterus– these are elongated growths of the endometrium, symptoms of polyposis often become brown discharge and postmenstrual bleeding. There may be discomfort during sexual intercourse, and immediately after it there may be spotting brownish discharge. The causes of the formation of polyps are considered to be an imbalance of estrogens and gestagens, inflammation of the endometrium and cervical canal. Small polyps are discovered by chance; large ones (more than 2 cm) are manifested by pain in the form of contractions and increased menstrual blood loss. The main complication is infertility; the transition of polyposis to a malignant tumor has not been proven.

Tumors in the uterus in the later stages they are manifested by bleeding, in the early period – by spotting vaginal brown discharge. Tumors of the uterus are divided into benign(polyps, fibroids and fibroids) and malignant(endometrial cancer and myosarcoma, cervical cancer). Leucorrhoea with pus and scarlet blood, possibly foul-smelling, is characteristic of the disintegration of a tumor; with cervical cancer, thick discharge appears, scanty, streaked with blood. Submucosal fibromatous nodes always produce severe bleeding, that is, they are clinically malignant. Cervical cancer quickly metastasizes, spreading to the pelvic lymph nodes, liver and lungs, and can spread to the vaginal walls.