Vaginal discharge, like menstrual blood, acts as a "barometer" of women's health. It changes throughout the menstrual cycle. For example, during ovulation, discharge usually increases and becomes clear, while at other times it is less, thicker, and white or milky white.
However, vaginal discharge is not always "white" and can sometimes show some minor abnormalities.
Does yellow vaginal discharge indicate a gynecological disease?
First, let's understand the function of vaginal discharge.
Vaginal discharge helps maintain a moist environment in the vagina, reducing friction, preventing injury, and providing some protection against bacterial invasion. When the body is attacked by pathogens, it sends out certain signals.
Many people have experienced the panic of "yellowish vaginal discharge," but this doesn't necessarily indicate a gynecological disease. During pregnancy or ovulation, due to hormonal changes, vaginal discharge often becomes more abundant and thicker, and may even turn yellowish; this is generally nothing to worry about.
However, if yellow discharge is accompanied by an odor and itching in the private area, then a further gynecological examination should be performed.
What gynecological diseases are indicated by abnormal vaginal discharge?
1. Yellowish-green whitish discharge
If you find that your vaginal discharge has turned yellowish-green, is foamy, has a foul odor, and you experience vaginal itching, you may have trichomoniasis.
Trichomoniasis is mainly transmitted through sexual activity. Everyone should take precautions during sexual intercourse. Once an infection is detected, both the infected person and their partner need to be treated simultaneously for the infection to be effective; otherwise, cross-infection may occur.
2. Grayish-white discharge
Bacterial vaginal infections can cause vaginal discharge to turn gray and have a strong, fishy odor. This can easily affect daily work and life. It is recommended to go to the hospital as soon as possible for diagnosis to determine which bacteria is causing the infection and to use appropriate medication for treatment to resolve the problem quickly.
3. Cottage cheese -like leukorrhea
Normal vaginal discharge typically has two states: clear and egg-white-like, or thick and white. However, some women find that their discharge has a cottage cheese-like texture, often accompanied by vulvar itching and an irresistible urge to scratch. If these symptoms occur, it's important to be alert, as it may indicate a yeast infection.
4. Excessive vaginal discharge causes underwear to be frequently wet.
Normally, vaginal discharge is not excessive. Even if it increases during ovulation, it won't last long. If you find that you have a lot of vaginal discharge lately, often soaking your underwear and needing to wear panty liners to avoid embarrassment, you should pay attention. It could be caused by some gynecological conditions, such as submucosal fibroids leading to an increase in the endometrium and glandular tissue, resulting in increased secretions.
Regardless of whether it is uterine fibroids or not, excessive vaginal discharge that affects daily life and work is abnormal. Whether or not there is an odor, you should go to the hospital in time to find out the cause and treat the symptoms as soon as possible.
