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Yellow Vaginal Discharge, No Odor: When Should You Seek Medical Assistance?

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Written by Elizabeth Buescher, Gynecologist













Yellow vaginal discharge no odor may not pose a major health threat if it occurs before or after period, or during pregnancy. On the other hand, if the underlying cause is a forgotten tampon, a sexually transmitted disease, bacterial vaginosis, or even cervical/vaginal cancer, yellow discharge no odor should be a reason of concern.
Keep reading to see when you should seek medical assistance if you’re experiencing yellow odorless vaginal discharge.

Yellow Discharge No Odor: Normal or Not?

Vaginal discharge is a normal part of the vagina’s self-cleaning system. The discharge usually has no smell, appears to be clear or whitish, and has a thin, fluid-like consistency that resembles uncooked egg whites. Depending on the time in your menstrual cycle, consistency may vary from thin and stretchy to thick and “creamy.”
If, instead of whitish mucus, your vagina produces

If, instead of whitish mucus, your vagina produces light yellow discharge, this shouldn’t be a cause of concern unless the abnormal mucus is accompanied by a number of other symptoms, such as a foul odor (which some women describe as sour smelling or fishy), itching, or redness. If you notice your discharge going from white to light yellow before or close to the end of your period, but goes away once the period stops, then you shouldn’t probably be concerned. Moreover, if the change in color occurs just a few weeks before your delivery date, then you shouldn’t be concerned.

Yellow Discharge with Odor: Most Common Causes

If you have noticed a thick yellow discharge with a fishy odor, then you should seek medical help immediately, especially if it happens during pregnancy. The most common causes of yellow smelly discharge include:

1. bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is usually produced by an imbalance in the growth of bacteria that are normally present in the vagina. Usual symptoms include a cloudy or light yellow discharge with odor. Depending on the severity of the BV, the discharge might be a greenish yellow, and it may sometimes come without odor.

2. trichomoniasis

Usually a sexually transmitted disease, trichomoniasis produces a yellow-green vaginal discharge with a foul odor, which may be accompanied by itching, redness and soreness of the vulva. The discharge is usually thick and frothy, with a consistency similar to cottage cheese. Many women infected with the Trichomonas vaginalis parasite report no itching, but experience discomfort during urination or intercourse.

3. gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a STD that’s caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which may not produce any symptoms in up to half of infected women. Common symptoms of gonorrhea include yellow discharge odor, frequent urination, burning at urination, redness and swelling of the vulva, as well as burning and itching of the genital area.

4.chlamydia

Similar to gonorrhea, Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease that’s caused by an infection with the Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. Symptoms are similar to gonorrhea, and might also include symptoms of urinary tract infection if the urethra is involved. Chlamydia produces yellow vaginal discharge that’s thick and sour smelling, and it usually occurs in slightly larger amounts than normally.

5. yeast Infection

Yeast infection is caused by the overgrowth of fungi in the vaginal flora, and specifically of Candida albicans, a fungus that produces a white, thick vaginal discharge with odor. Sometimes, the discharge may be light yellow instead of white, and it can be accompanied by itching, redness and swelling of the vulva, although many women do not experience these symptoms as well.

If you notice a sudden change in the color, smell or consistency of your vaginal discharge, especially while pregnant, you should call your doctor immediately and investigate the underlying cause. Treating the root cause on time can help prevent further complications, which is of utmost importance if you’re pregnant.

Read also:
Green Vaginal Discharge – Questions and Answers
Complete Guide to Yellow Vaginal Discharge: What Do You Need to Know?
Light Yellow Vaginal Discharge: When Should You Be Concerned?
Thick Yellow Discharge: Normal or Not?