3 minutes read3 minutes readIf you’re experiencing some unusual discharge, there might be cause for concern. Unusual discharge can often indicate an issue with your sexual health.
Discharge can be various colours, from grey to brown to completely clear. However, some unwanted conditions can often be accompanied by yellow discharge.
What might these be? Let’s find out!
What is discharge?
“Discharge” is a general term that refers to substances that are secreted unprompted from the genitals.
In women, vaginal discharge is a natural part of the vagina’s self-cleaning process. Vaginal discharge is usually made up of fluid and mucus that keeps the vagina clean and moist, and protects it from infection.
In men, discharge can include things like pre-ejaculate and ejaculate, which are released from the tip of the penis as a result of arousal and orgasm.
In some cases, vaginal discharge can be yellow, such as during menstruation or early pregnancy. Heavy flows of vaginal fluid, when they come in contact with the air, may take on a yellowish hue as a result of oxidation.
This is also the case with discharge experienced by men. Smegma, a secretion of skin and sweat that coagulates under the foreskin, can also oxidise when exposed to the air, giving it a yellowish tinge.
However, you will want to investigate if you’re experiencing unusual discharge (i.e., discharge you wouldn’t normally experience).
What STIs cause yellow discharge?
Certain STIs can cause yellow discharge from the genitals. You should consider getting tested if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms.
Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea
Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea are bacterial STIs that infect the urinary tract. These infections often cause:
- Pain during sex
- Pain during urination
- Discomfort and itching in the genital region
- An unusual discharge from the genitals that can be yellow, green, or white in colour
Both of these infections are notoriously difficult to confirm by symptoms alone. Most people who get Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea infections do not know that they have them. Getting tested is the only way to know you have one of these STIs.
Bacterial Vaginosis
While not technically an STI, Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) can be spread from person to person during sex.
BV can result from an overgrowth of Gardnerella bacteria in your vagina. While most people with an overgrowth of bacteria do not experience any symptoms, in women, it causes a discharge that can be yellow, grey, or green in colour with a consistency like cottage cheese.
Trichomonas
Unlike the above examples, Trichomonas is an STI caused by a parasite. During sex, this parasite sets up shop in your urinary tract, causing itching and discomfort in the genital area, and pain during sex and urination.
Another tell-tale sign of a Trichomonas infection is its discharge, which can be white, yellow, or green in colour, with a thin and frothy consistency. It also often has a foul, fish-like smell.
What else could cause yellow discharge?
Yellow discharge isn’t only caused by STIs. Here are a few other conditions that may be causing it:
- Vaginitis: An umbrella term that’s used to describe several conditions that cause inflammation or irritation of the vagina, like yeast infections and UTIs, some of which can cause some yellow discharge.
- Cervicitis: A condition where the cervix becomes inflamed caused by allergies or bacterial overgrowth.
- Urethritis: The inflammation of the urethra caused by bacterial infections.
- Balanitis: The inflammation of the head of the penis, often caused by allergies or poor hygiene.
Antibiotics: Some medications can affect the balance of flora in the vagina, resulting in a change of colour.
Final thoughts
If there is an unusual discharge coming from your genitals, it may be an STI. Protect your sexual health by getting tested with Better2Know today.
Try our Comfort Screen, which tests for all the infections that tend to cause genital discharge. Click the button below to book your screen.
