Key takeaways
- You may notice your vaginal discharge changes throughout your cycle, and generally speaking, slightly yellow discharge is harmless and healthy.
- However, when it’s accompanied by symptoms like a foul smell, burning, itching, and pain or discomfort, yellow discharge could be a sign of an infection.
- Tracking your discharge (its color, volume, and odor) is the best way to know what is normal for your body and to spot when something isn’t quite right.
What is yellow vaginal discharge?
You might have noticed discharge in your underwear before. The fluid, which can sometimes appear sticky, creamy, or watery and be translucent or white, is totally natural and one of the ways your vagina stays clean, lubricated, and protected from harmful bacteria. But what if you notice a change in the color of your discharge?
Although whitish or clear discharge is typical, you might also experience a creamy yellow discharge. If this light yellow discharge is your usual color and you have no other symptoms — such as a foul or fishy smell, itching, or pain — then there’s no need for concern. But if you do have symptoms, then read on to find out what they might signal and when to speak to a doctor.
Is yellow discharge normal?
It’s normal to notice some yellow discharge in certain situations and at certain points in your cycle. You might see a sticky or creamy, pale yellow discharge during the middle of your cycle, just after ovulation. As your period gets closer, it may turn pink or brownish as a little bit of blood mixes in. As your period winds down, the color may change from red to brown again and eventually to a brownish-yellow or pink. This type of discharge typically lasts a few days and is just the last of your period leaving your uterus. If you’d like to learn more about your discharge and what it means then track your cycle using an app like Flo.
Slight changes in the color and texture of your discharge throughout your cycle can be normal. However, if you experience yellow discharge with odor, itching, tenderness, pelvic pain, or pain while peeing, then you should get it checked out by your health care professional.