Yellow discharge and itching in women

The female vagina is covered with multilayered flat epithelium, which is kept moist by constantly secreted secretion, which protects it from penetration of pathogenic microorganisms. Vaginal discharge is white, neutral odor. In a normal state, its acidic environment protects against the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria present in small quantities in its microflora, preventing their penetration into the deep layers of the walls. A change in the color of the discharge, the appearance of an unpleasant odor, itching indicate disorders in the sexual sphere.

Causes yellow discharge and itching

The appearance of yellow, abundant discharge is a signal to see a doctor, as these are signs of an inflammatory-infectious process or a venereal disease. Specifically, the causes may lie in infections:

• gonococcal; [ 1 ]
• trichomonas; [ 2 ]
• chlamydial; [ 3 ]
• others.

Such manifestations are accompanied by colpitis (inflammation of the external genitalia), [ 4 ] adnexitis (inflammatory process of the appendages), [ 5 ] allergies, bacterial vaginitis, erosion of the cervix. [ 6 ]

Risk factors

Indiscriminate sexual intercourse, unprotected sex, decreased immunity (local hypothermia plays a significant role in this), vitamin deficiency, vaginal wall injuries, antibiotic use, hormonal changes, and improper intimate hygiene contribute to the development of vaginal pathologies. Even gastrointestinal diseases leading to dysbacteriosis, pregnancy, and diabetes are risk factors.

Pathogenesis

When the protective functions of the vaginal mucosa decrease, the number of lactic acid bacteria (Doderlein bacilli) decreases, and leukocytes and pathogenic microbes appear in their contents. Gradually, the vaginal environment becomes alkaline, favorable for further reproduction of microorganisms.

Symptoms

What symptoms should alert you and serve as a signal of trouble in the sexual sphere? The first signs may be as follows:

• yellow discharge without odor and itching - may not yet indicate a disease if it appears after menstruation, during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The absence of odor and itching gives time to observe your condition and not worry too much;
• yellow discharge, itching and burning – the use of low-quality tampons, condoms, and personal hygiene products can cause an allergy to them, which manifests itself with exactly these symptoms;
• yellow-green discharge and itching are frequent companions of sexually transmitted infections and inflammation of the vaginal mucosa, fallopian tubes and ovaries; the presence of leukocytes colors purulent discharge green;
• white-yellow discharge and itching - this color could well be the norm in the middle of the menstrual cycle, if not for the itching. The appearance of an unpleasant odor in addition is a sure marker of the presence of an infection;
• profuse yellow discharge and itching are characteristic of bacterial vaginitis, and during intercourse there is also pain and burning; [ 7 ]
• yellow cheesy discharge and itching in women - acute salpingitis, oophoritis, adnexitis can cause this type of vaginal discharge. Another reason is vaginal candidiasis, accompanied by white flakes that tend to turn yellow on underwear; [ 8 ]
• yellow liquid discharge and itching - the presence of viruses is manifested by a liquid watery secretion, but the addition of bacteria colors it yellow;
• yellow discharge, itching, burning and redness - swelling of the vulva, burning in the perineum, genital area, painful sensations during urination against the background of yellow discharge indicate a venereal disease;
• itching and yellow discharge during pregnancy - in the early stages this may be evidence of an allergy to daily hygiene products (intimate gel, daily pads). Yellow discharge without pain and itching, not causing other unpleasant sensations, is quite acceptable, since this occurs due to a change in the composition of hormones.

Diagnostics yellow discharge and itching

A change in the color of vaginal discharge is a signal to see a gynecologist, who, in addition to clarifying the anamnesis, will examine the vagina and cervix on a gynecological chair using a speculum, perform a bimanual examination, take a smear, conduct cultural and cytological cultures, and determine the pH of the vaginal environment.

Other tests may also be required (Gram staining, Romanovsky-Giemsa staining, amine test), as well as urine and blood tests. Of the instrumental methods, ultrasound is most often in demand.

Differential diagnosis

There are many diseases of the genitourinary system that manifest themselves as yellow vaginal discharge. Differentiation is made between allergies, inflammatory diseases of the genitals and sexually transmitted infections:

• gonorrhea;
• herpes virus infection;
• bacterial vaginosis;
• candidal vulvovaginitis;
• mycosisplasmosis;
• syphilis;
• trachymoniasis;
• chlamydia.

Treatment yellow discharge and itching

In the treatment of diseases of the genital area, pharmaceutical preparations of antiaerobic action, eubiotics that normalize the microflora of the vaginal environment, immunostimulants, antiseptics and disinfectants are used. Both general and local therapy are used - vaginal ointments, creams, tablets, suppositories, if necessary, sanitation of the vagina and external genitalia (douching). In parallel, treatment of concomitant diseases is carried out, since inflammatory and infectious pathologies of the genital organs often occur against the background of gastritis, ulcers, hormonal changes, weakened immunity due to colds, acute respiratory viral infections.

Medicines

Depending on the pathogen identified in the laboratory, antibiotics are prescribed. For example, in case of mycoplasmosis, it may be ofloxacin.

Ofloxacin - refers to fluoroquinolones. Uncomplicated gonorrhea requires a single dose of 400 mg, more severe cases - twice a day for 2 tablets, the duration of the course is determined by the doctor. The antibiotic is contraindicated in case of allergy to its components, epilepsy, after traumatic brain injury, inflammation of the brain, strokes. Not prescribed to children, adolescents, pregnant and lactating women.

Ofloxacin can cause urticaria, fever, tachycardia, headache, dizziness, sleep disturbances, nausea, abdominal and epigastric pain, convulsions, visual disturbances, malaise, fatigue.

Lomexin is effective in treating candidiasis, vulvovaginitis, colpitis, and mixed vaginal infections. Soft capsules with broad-spectrum antifungal action. Insert deep into the vagina at night in a lying position, and a slight burning sensation may be felt. Repeat use should be done after 3 days if symptoms persist. Stop if an allergic reaction occurs. Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or in children.

Side effects are unlikely other than those mentioned.

Fluomizin - actively fights vulvitis, fungal infections, gardnerella. Vaginal tablets are inserted deep into the vagina at night while lying on your back and bending your legs for 6 days. They can be used to treat pregnant and lactating women, but are not prescribed to children. Can cause vaginal dryness, burning, swelling, itching. Contraindicated in case of vaginal epithelial ulcers, hypersensitivity to the components of the product.

Gynoflor – restores vaginal microflora after drug treatment, eliminates vaginal dysbacteriosis. For treatment, one tablet is administered before bedtime per day (6-12 days), for prevention – 1 tablet 1-2 times per week.

The drug has contraindications for cancer patients, endometriosis, vaginal bleeding of unknown origin, sensitivity to the active or auxiliary substances, girls who have not reached puberty.

Side effects are rare and include local burning, a feeling of heat, swelling, and itching.

Dalacin - suppositories, ointment - antibiotic. Daily dose 100g for 3 days. Not used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Side effects may include urticaria, rash.

Vitamins

For the health of the female reproductive system, such vitamins as A, C, E, D, group B, especially vitamin B6, play an important role, as it regulates hormone levels and normalizes metabolism. Women need to ensure that they are present in food products, and also take them additionally, preferably as part of vitamin and mineral complexes.

Physiotherapy treatment

In case of gynecological diseases that provoke yellow discharge, UHF can be used, for example, in case of colpitis, UV irradiation of the vulva, electrolytic cauterization (vaginitis), electrophoresis, darsonvalization. Physiotherapeutic treatment is not carried out in case of malignant neoplasms, systemic blood diseases, hypertension of the third degree, elevated temperature.

Folk remedies

Many women resort to folk methods of treating discharge. It mainly consists of using herbs that have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, bactericidal effects. Mistletoe (a tablespoon per glass of boiling water), oak bark (tincture), and a decoction of St. John's wort are suitable for this. With their help, as well as a solution of soda and potassium permanganate, douching and douching are carried out. You can put tampons soaked in herbal decoctions (chamomile, calendula, sage, eucalyptus leaves).

Homeopathy

Homeopathic treatment of vaginal discharge diagnoses consists of using suppositories prepared from the essences of various plants that have a healing effect. The principle of their production consists of soaking the raw materials in 95% alcohol in a ratio of 1:2 for a day, adding olive oil boiled for 6-8 hours in a water bath (the same volume) and combining the ingredients with the base (beeswax, cocoa butter, lanolin). A candle is obtained by pouring into molds.

Complications and consequences

Vaginal infections have an adverse effect on women's health, lead to chronic inflammatory processes of the female genital organs, infertility, neoplasms, including malignant ones, complicate the course of pregnancy, negatively affect the intrauterine development of the fetus and even lead to its death.

Prevention

The list of preventive measures includes taking care of your body's cleanliness, using high-quality hygiene products, condoms, and natural underwear. The key to sexual health is a regular partner. Particular caution should be exercised in baths and saunas to avoid infection and hypothermia. It is also important to start treating pathologies in a timely manner.

Organizing a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition helps to increase the body's defenses and resist inflammatory and infectious diseases.

Forecast

The prognosis for vaginal diseases of the genital organs is favorable in most cases if therapy is started on time.