What causes yellowish discharge on underwear?

Mar 21, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, yellowish discharge on underwear can be caused by hormonal changes, residual urine or feces, vulvitis, trichomoniasis vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis, and other related factors. The appropriate solution depends on the specific cause. It is important to maintain good personal hygiene, keep the vulva clean and dry, and change underwear frequently to help prevent the occurrence of related conditions.

Generally, yellowish discharge on underwear can be caused by hormonal changes, residual urine or feces, vulvitis, trichomonas vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis, and other reasons. The solution depends on the specific cause and prompt medical consultation is necessary for treatment as directed by a physician. Details are as follows:

1. Hormonal changes: During ovulation or certain phases of the menstrual cycle, cervical secretions may increase due to hormonal fluctuations, accompanied by changes in progesterone levels before ovulation, resulting in yellow discharge on underwear. This is a normal physiological phenomenon. No special treatment is required, and maintaining local hygiene is sufficient.

2. Residual urine or feces: Urine or feces are yellow in color and may cause yellowing of underwear if they come into contact with it. The female urethra is short and straight, so a small amount of urine may remain on underwear after urination, and components like urea in urine may oxidize and change color. Prompt cleaning of the perineal and anal surrounding skin is necessary to maintain dryness and cleanliness.

3. Vulvitis: Vulvitis is an inflammation of the vulvar skin or mucous membranes, possibly caused by bacterial, fungal, or viral infections. Inflammation leads to increased vulvar secretions, which may contain inflammatory exudates, causing yellow discharge on underwear, possibly accompanied by redness and swelling of the vulva. Antimicrobial medications such as metronidazole tablets, tinidazole tablets, and fluconazole capsules may be used under medical guidance.

4. Trichomonas vaginitis: Trichomonas vaginitis is caused by infection with Trichomonas vaginalis, transmitted through sexual contact. Trichomonads multiply in the vagina, causing increased frothy discharge, and yellowish secretions on underwear. Medications such as Kuyangshu Lotion, Compound Huangsong Lotion, and Sophora gel may be used as directed to treat the infection and kill parasites.

5. Bacterial vaginosis: Bacterial vaginosis results from an imbalance in the vaginal flora, primarily characterized by thin secretions with a fishy odor. Bacterial overgrowth in the vagina changes the color, texture, and odor of vaginal discharge, and may also be accompanied by vulvar itching. Antibiotic treatments such as clindamycin hydrochloride tablets, ornidazole dispersible tablets, and vaginal lactobacillus live capsules may be used under medical guidance.

Personal hygiene should be maintained in daily life, keeping the vulva clean and dry, and changing underwear frequently to help prevent related diseases.

References:

[1] Xie Xing, Kong Beihua, Duan Tao. Obstetrics and Gynecology [M]. 9th edition. Beijing: People's Medical Publishing House, 2018.

[2] Hu Yali, Shen Keng. Chinese Perinatal Medicine [M]. 3rd edition. Beijing: People's Medical Publishing House, 2019.

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