It might come as a shock if you spot this discharge on your underwear or when you wipe. But don't panic — here's everything you need to know ...
What does it look like? Anything from the slightest tinge to saturated yellow — think off-white to sunflower bright.
Is it a problem? It all depends on the shade as well as whether you've got any other symptoms. A slight yellowness to your discharge — without any other symptoms usually isn't cause for concerns. In fact, white vaginal discharge often appears more yellowish when it dries, especially when compared to a white pantyliner or underwear.
But if it's a stronger hue, excessive, or you have other symptoms, it could be a sign of an infection.
Several sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea can cause yellow discharge. Pelvic inflammatory disease, which is an infection of the uterus, ovaries, and uterine tubes, can cause it too. But don't panic! These can all be treated if taken care of timely.
Other signs to watch for include itching, burning, swelling, or redness around the vagina; pain when peeing or having sex; an unpleasant smell to your discharge; frothy or foamy discharge; bleeding during sex/between periods; poison in your lower belly; and/or a fever.
However, STIs often don't have any symptoms at all. So don't ignore it if a change in discharge is the only thing you've noticed.
What can you do? If you have any worrying symptoms and/or yellow discharge that's excessive or more than off-white, get checked out by a medical professional. Rest assured, all of the above conditions can be treated, but not addressing them can lead to complications. It can be stressful to talk about these symptoms, but taking care of it as soon as possible is the best way to take care of yourself — and you deserve it!
Anything else it might be? Candidiasis (yeast infection) can sometimes cause a yellowish discharge. But it's more typically associated with white, clumpy discharge — a bit like cottage cheese.