What causes yellowish vaginal discharge in women?
Mar 18, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
When the body is dehydrated, urine becomes concentrated and mixes with vaginal discharge, causing it to appear yellow. Increase your daily water intake to ensure consumption of 1500-2000 milliliters of plain water to dilute urine, promote metabolism, and improve the color of discharge. Poor hygiene practices, such as not changing underwear promptly, not using appropriate sanitary products, or inadequate bathing, may lead to bacterial growth.
Yellowish vaginal discharge in women may be caused by factors such as insufficient water intake, poor hygiene, bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas vaginitis, or cervicitis. Management depends on the specific situation. If physical discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and follow medical advice for treatment.
1. Insufficient water intake: When the body is dehydrated, urine becomes concentrated and mixes with vaginal discharge, causing it to appear yellow. Increasing daily water intake to ensure consumption of 1500-2000 mL of water can dilute urine, promote metabolism, and improve the color of vaginal discharge.
2. Poor hygiene: Improper cleaning, such as not changing underwear regularly, using inappropriate sanitary products, or inadequate bathing, may lead to bacterial growth, causing yellowish discharge. Maintaining good hygiene by washing the vulva daily with warm water, frequently changing sanitary pads and underwear, and keeping the vulva clean and dry usually helps restore normal discharge color.
3. Bacterial vaginosis: Imbalance of the normal vaginal flora leads to overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria, causing inflammation. Symptoms include increased vaginal discharge that is yellow in color and has a fishy odor. It is recommended to use medications such as metronidazole suppositories, tinidazole tablets, or compound phellodendron liquid under a doctor's guidance to alleviate symptoms.
4. Trichomonas vaginitis: Caused by infection with Trichomonas vaginalis, this condition results in increased vaginal discharge that is yellow-green and frothy, often accompanied by itching of the vulva. Patients may use medications such as metronidazole tablets, tinidazole vaginal effervescent tablets, or Jie’eryin wash under medical supervision to relieve discomfort.
5. Cervicitis: Infection of the cervix by pathogens causes inflammation, which may stimulate the cervix, leading to increased and yellowish discharge, sometimes accompanied by contact bleeding. It is recommended to use medications such as Baofukang suppository, Kanggongyan tablets, or azithromycin dispersible tablets under a doctor's guidance for treatment.
In daily life, it is recommended to maintain adequate nutrition and keep the vulva clean and hygienic to prevent dysmenorrhea and other conditions. Avoid strenuous exercise and abdominal exposure to cold, which can reduce heavy menstrual bleeding and abdominal discomfort.
References:
[1] Hao Hongchao, Zhai Yanhong, Zhu Hongyuan, et al. Observations on the distribution characteristics of vaginal microecology in women with vaginitis[J]. Marker Immunological Analysis & Clinical, 2024, 31(04): 593-595+621.
[2] Han Shulan. Investigation on etiology and influencing factors of vaginitis in women[J]. Maternal and Child Health Care of China, 2018, 33(15): 3520-3522.
