What causes yellow vaginal discharge and how is it treated?

Everything you need to know about odd-coloured discharge and when it’s time to see a GP.

Discharge is normal for all women so it’s likely you’ll be acquainted with what yours usually looks like. But if you’re looking down and seeing yellow discharge, how concerned should you be?

Well, first up, know that the NHS says ‘clear and white’ discharge is normal. Any discharge other than that, such as pink discharge or yellow discharge, might have an underlying cause that needs addressing.

‘Normal vaginal discharge can vary in colour from clear to milky white,’ says Valentina Milanova, a women’s health expert and founder of leading gynaecological health company Daye. ‘The hue and consistency may change based on the individual’s menstrual cycle, hormonal changes, or activities like sexual intercourse. Normal vaginal discharge usually has an inoffensive odour and the consistency can range from thin and sticky to thick and gooey depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle.’

What is yellow discharge?

Discharge is a fluid or mucus that keeps the vagina clean and moist, and protects it from infection. ‘First, there is a wide variation in the normal, and many of the symptoms associated with vaginal abnormality are found in well women,’ write the authors of a research paper looking at whether vaginal symptoms are ever ‘normal’. They noted that, in some cases, yellow discharge was seen in up to 10% of women.

However, the colour of our discharge often indicate what’s going on in our reproductive organs. ‘Maintaining a healthy vagina is down to millions of different types of microbes called bacteria which are collectively called the vaginal microbiome. Unlike the gut microbiome which thrives on many different types of bacteria, it is accepted that the vaginal microbiome depends on a small number of friendly bacteria known as lactobacilli which protect vaginal health,’ says consultant gynaecologist Dr Jo Bailey.

‘Yellow discharge can be a sign that something isn’t quite right – that there is an imbalance, and this can be due to a number of different things.’

Is yellow discharge normal?

‘Yellow discharge can be seen as a variation of normal discharge, especially if it’s light in colour and not accompanied by other symptoms,’ says Milanova. However, ‘if the discharge is a darker yellow or green-tinged, especially if it’s thick, chunky, or accompanied by a foul odour, it could be a sign of an infection.’

What causes yellow discharge?

Typically, yellow discharge is associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV) – an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina – or trichomoniasis, an infection caused by the passing of a parasite during sexual contact.

‘BV is the most common cause of vaginal discharge in women aged 15–44 years old. Some women mistake it for thrush so it’s important to get a proper diagnosis. It is not classified as a sexually transmitted infection and may occur for all sorts of reasons, such as having an IUD fitted or leaving tampons in for too long,’ says Dr Bailey.

The main symptoms which distinguish a yellow discharge from BV are its distinct ‘fishy’ odour, an abnormal discharge, usually white or grey, and discomfort, soreness or itching, Dr Bailey explains.

What STD has yellow discharge?

Other possible causes include chlamydia and gonorrhoea, says Milanova. Studies suggest that around 50% of women with chlamydia have yellow discharge, so if you have yellow discharge it’s vital to get checked.

How long does yellow discharge last?

If your yellow discharge is a result of an STD, BV or thrush, it will last until you seek treatment. ‘If your discharge has a slight yellow tinge, common with ovulation, it will last for a day or so. If it lasts longer than five days, see a doctor,’ says Dr Bailey.

When should you see a doctor about yellow discharge?

‘You should see a doctor if you have yellow, green, or foul-smelling discharge, especially if accompanied by itching, burning, pelvic pain, fever, or painful urination,’ says Milanova. ‘Getting tested and properly treated is important, as untreated infections can lead to serious complications like pelvic inflammatory disease. Additionally, if you’ve tried managing it at home without improvement or if you’re concerned for any reason, seeking medical advice is always a good step.’

How to treat yellow discharge?

Managing yellow discharge starts with understanding its cause. For mild cases without other symptoms, maintaining good vaginal hygiene and wearing breathable cotton underwear may help balance the microbiome and prevent any longterm discomfort.

‘Avoid douching or using scented products, as these can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina. If the discharge is due to an infection, treatment will depend on the specific cause, such as antibiotics for bacterial infections or antifungals for yeast infections,’ says Milanova. Dr Bailey adds: ‘There is good evidence that taking a probiotic with the correct species and strains of Lactobacillus will support your vaginal microbiome, too.’

For anyone concerned about yellow discharge, talk to your GP. You can also try Daye’s diagnostic tampon which can spot and diagnose STDs and other infections at yourdaye.com.

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