What causes excessive and yellow vaginal discharge?

Generally, increased and yellowish vaginal discharge may be caused by improper clothing, special physiological periods, internal heat ("shang huo"), trichomonas vaginitis, cervicitis, and other factors. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Improper Clothing

Wearing tight, non-breathable underwear or pants for extended periods can raise temperature and humidity in the perineal area, creating favorable conditions for bacterial growth, leading to increased and yellowish vaginal discharge. Women should keep the perineal area dry and clean, and avoid wearing tight clothing for long durations.

2. Special Physiological Periods

During specific physiological periods such as ovulation or pregnancy, hormonal changes in the body can cause an increase in vaginal discharge, which may also appear yellowish. Women should ensure adequate rest during these periods and avoid excessive fatigue and emotional fluctuations.

3. Internal Heat ("Shang Huo")

Spicy diet, staying up late, and emotional stress may lead to "internal heat," resulting in excessive damp-heat in the body that disrupts the vaginal environment, causing increased yellowish discharge. This may be accompanied by symptoms such as dry mouth, bitter taste, and dark-colored urine. Women may take medications such as Longdan Xiegan Wan, Niuhuang Jiedu Pian, or Huanglian Shangqing Wan under medical guidance.

4. Trichomonas Vaginitis

Trichomonas vaginitis is caused by infection with Trichomonas vaginalis. The inflammation leads to congestion and swelling of the vaginal mucosa, resulting in increased yellow or yellow-green discharge. It is often accompanied by symptoms such as external genital itching, burning sensation, and pain during intercourse. Patients may use medications such as metronidazole tablets, ornidazole dispersible tablets, or clindamycin phosphate vaginal gel as directed by a physician.

5. Cervicitis

Cervicitis may result from early onset of sexual activity, hormonal imbalances, bacterial infections, or viral infections. Inflammation disrupts the normal vaginal flora, leading to increased discharge that appears yellow or grayish-white. It is commonly associated with symptoms such as genital itching, burning sensation, and lower back or sacral pain. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as cefixime dispersible tablets, Baofu Kang suppositories, or Zhi Dai Xiao Mi suppositories.

In daily life, women should maintain cleanliness and dryness of the external genital area, wear loose and breathable underwear, maintain healthy lifestyle habits, and avoid excessive fatigue and emotional stress to reduce the occurrence of abnormal vaginal discharge.