Yellow Discharge Before Period: Causes, Meaning & Remedies

Vaginal fluid or mucus is normal and helps it remain healthy? However, you should be concerned when you have an unusually colored vaginal discharge.

For example, light yellow, brownish yellow mucus with an unusual texture e.g. watery, creamy or thick yellow discharge can mean an infection and should be checked by your doctor.

Vaginal discharge is normal in women. It is a mucus or fluid that keeps the vagina moist and lubricated. The discharge is usually clear or white, or even thick and sticky. A normal vaginal discharge does not have a strong smell.

• However, it should be a concern when the discharge changes color to either brownish yellow or even creamy green.
• A yellowish color whether light or thick accompanied by a strong unpleasant odor with or without inflammation, calls for an urgent medical attention.

  

Is yellow discharge normal before a period?

Yes. A yellow discharge before your period is only considered normal when soreness, itchiness or inflammation is not part of it.

The reason for your yellowish vaginal discharge can in this case be a sign your period is about to start. Naturally, it is a slight blood mixed with mucus prompting you of your nearing period. This discharge has no odor.

Is it normal to have a yellow discharge before your period? A yellow-like discharge days before period can be an early pregnancy sign if noticed days after ovulation. It may start even a week before your next period.

Such a discharge especially when thick and smelly might be a sign of vaginal infections.

Thrush which is also known as Albicans Candida is the primary cause of vaginal infection in most women who complain of irritation and redness in their vagina accompanied by a slight yellow discharge.

Causes

As far as the vaginal discharge is normal, a fishy smelling yellow colored or brownish discharge in most cases is alarming.

A normal vaginal discharge does not cause itchiness, irritation or even inflammation. In case you are experiencing the above symptoms, then you need to visit your doctor to rule out the following possible causes.

1. Cervicitis

This is the inflammation of your cervix or uterus opening. Some Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) can be the cause.

The presence of a bacterial infection in the vagina in most cases may cause cervicitis. In other instances, it can be caused by unsterile medical procedures or even proper gynecological devices such as the use of intrauterine contraceptive.

Signs and symptoms of cervicitis include:

• Grayish or pale yellow vaginal discharge
• Pain during sex and urination
• Frequent urination
• Pelvic pain or abdominal pain

2. Vulvovaginitis

This is the inflammation of inner vaginal walls and the vulva. In most cases, it occurs as a result of a bacteria, virus and yeast infection. Vulvovaginitis occurs in women of all ages. Some of the symptoms of vulvovaginitis include the following.

• Inflammation around the vagina and anal area
• Irritation around the genital area
• Pin during sex and urination
• Strong-smelling vaginal discharge with a yellowish tinge to it.
• Itchiness

3. Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection. It occurs both in men and women. In women, its signs and symptoms may include the following.

• Burning sensation during urination
• Yellowish discharge before period (chlamydia discharge)
• Increased frequency of urination
• Yellowing of the eyes
• Pain during periods and sex
• Itching around the vagina

4. Bacterial vaginosis

Another possible cause of a light yellow vaginal discharge before period starts is bacterial vaginosis (BV). Bacterial vaginosis occurs when the bad bacteria overwhelms the good bacteria. Usually, a woman’s vagina contains beneficial bacteria and harmful bacteria.

In instances where the harmful bacterium outnumbers the important bacteria, inflammation occurs. It may be accompanied by fishy smell or simply a discharge that worsens during sexual intercourse.

The signs and symptoms to look out include the following:

• Yellow discharge or a thin, gray, white or green vaginal discharge.
• Fishy odor
• Absence of irritation

5. Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection affecting both men and women of all ages. It is also spread through contact with the mouth and anus.The following signs usually occur before a week after one has been infected.

• Yellowish discharge
• Pain during sex and urination
• Sore throat
• Mouth sores
• Abdominal pain and pelvic pain.

6. Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis affects both genders. It is transmitted sexually and in women, symptoms occur from between the seventh day and thirty days after one has been infected. A foul smelling yellow vaginal discharge after your period is over could be a sign of trichomoniasis. Here’s a summary of the signs you should look out for.

• Yellow discharge
• Fishy strong smell
• Genital sores
• Difficulties during urination

7. Vaginal yeast infection

The most common symptom of a vaginal yeast infection (candidiasis) is discharge. The discharge is usually thick and may appear curd-like. If you are experiencing a yellowish, cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge before menstruation starts, you may be suffering from a yeast infection.

When a yeast infection becomes severe, you will experience a thick discharge that may be accompanied by intense itching, a swollen vaginal area and irritation. See a doctor for treatment if you think the creamy yellow discharge is a sign of candidiasis.

Yellow discharge and missed period

A yellow discharge after a missed period could be as a result of a contraceptive method you are using or a sign of pregnancy. Women mostly on the pill may miss their periods, or even those using other methods of contraceptives.

The yellow discharge becomes a pregnancy sign when one is not on any contraceptive method but notices a watery yellow discharge from their vagina after a missed period. Taking a pregnancy test will save you a lot of headache in case no period occurs.

Could I be pregnant?

If at all, the yellow vaginal discharge is not accompanied by soreness and irritability or even itchiness, it becomes normal. Most women experience pain in their vulva with a slight yellow discharge before their periods, which is also normal in the absence of a fishy smell.

Some women experience a yellow discharge when they are undergoing a premenstrual syndrome (PMS). After the start of your period, almost all premenstrual symptoms usually go away.

In such instances, the yellow discharge could mean that there is a little blood in the discharge, a sign that your periods are on the way. You will also notice that even after your days into your period, the yellow discharge never goes away completely until some days after.

Is it a sign of pregnancy?

Is yellow discharge a sign of pregnancy? The yellow discharge does not necessarily signify that you are pregnant. Although in rare cases it can be a pregnancy sign as a result of implantation bleeding (spotting as a consequence of an egg attaching itself to the uterine walls after fertilization) which occurs before a missed period.

In case you have a yellow discharge and missed period, it is advisable to have a pregnancy test just a week after your missed period.

In instances where you have a brownish-yellow vaginal discharge before your period, visit your doctor to determine the underlying cause.

A missed period followed by unusual vaginal discharges is in most cases a sign of an infection.

Light yellow color

A light yellow discharge can in most cases be part of premenstrual symptoms. The light colored discharge, in this case, indicates that there is a presence of little blood and that your periods may be on the way.

You might experience cramps even before your periods, which is normal. The light yellow discharge might be present even after your periods have begun, which is also normal.

Watery yellow

Before your period your vagina is likely to produce up to 35 times more discharge during ovulation. You vagina mucus in this stage is more watery and not sticky. Just before your period, a slightly yellow colored water-like discharge may appear.

The watery yellow discharge before menstruation directly signifies the presence of little blood, which indicates commencement of your period in a few days. If this is your case, then expect the discharge even days into your period.

Creamy yellow vaginal discharge

The vagina is a self-cleaning organ. However, a creamy yellow discharge might be the main sign of a yeast infection. A yeast infection discharge is usually thick, creamy and slightly yellow.

The discharge may or not be accompanied by smell, but the vaginal itching is common. Yeast infections are treatable; quickly get in contact with your doctor if you note a creamy yellowish discharge from your vagina.

Brownish yellow discharge

In most instances where blood remains in your uterus after a period, you may notice a brownish yellow discharge. The discharge usually takes at most two days to fully disappear.

You may also see a brownish discharge in incidences where contraceptives especially pills reduce the amount of hormone estrogen (responsible for ovulation).

This hormone alters the proper or normal functioning of the body hence thick brownish yellow vaginal discharge after period is over or after a missed period.

Implantation bleeding can also be a chief reason for brownish yellow discharge. This occurs right before your periods but my also occur a couple of days or weeks after period if you will be having early ovulation spotting.

In the case of underlying health problems such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), expect to note a brownish yellow discharge as a result.

In other cases, women transiting from child-bearing age to menopause can experience a brownish yellow vaginal discharge as a result of hormonal changes in their body as such a period.

Progesterone and Estrogen which are two hormones of menstrual cycle decrease in level altering the ovulation cycle leading to a brownish yellow vaginal discharge.

Is it a sign of pregnancy?

A brownish yellow discharge can also occur when an egg is attaching itself to the uterine wall after fertilization. In such cases, it can be a sign of pregnancy.

It is, however, good to take a pregnancy test to rule out other causes of a brownish discharge. Bacterial vaginosis which is as a result of an imbalance in the good and bad bacteria’s in the vagina can also be a reason behind a thick brown, yellow discharge before pregnancy or anytime during your cycle.

Light brown

A light brownish discharge before a period in most instances signifies a sexually transmitted infection such as gonorrhea. However to be sure of this infection, watch out for signs of irritation, itchiness, and pain during sex.

Vaginitis which is termed as inflammation of the vaginal tissue can be a cause of your light brownish discharge just before your periods. For vaginitis look out for a bad smell, severe pain, and itchiness in the vaginal area.

Greenish yellow fluid

Mayo clinic notes that “Yeast infections are caused by a fungus that causes vaginal inflammation as well as vaginal itching and a whitish discharge.”

Yeast infections are in most cases is accompanied by thick white mucus. Most women are experiencing a green; yellow discharge usually tends to think of yeast infection which might not be the case.

The most common cause of a greenish yellow discharge right before or even after your period is Trichomoniasis.This is a condition as a result of a sexually transmitted organism that thrives in warm moist areas like a vagina or even in wet clothes.

With trichomoniasis infection, look out for signs such as itchiness, thick frothy green- yellow discharge, and inflammation of the vagina.A visit to your doctor for tests and examinations is highly recommended in such a case.

Smelly yellow discharge; what should I do?

Once you notice a smelly yellow vaginal discharge, whether light or thick it is advisable to seek medical help from your doctor.

In most cases, a smelly yellow discharge is a sign of an infection of either bacteria of fungal nature. For your doctor to make a proper diagnosis, you must provide full related history.

Do not feel uncomfortable if your doctor touches on your sex history; it is one way of determining the causative organism. Also, expect to undergo several tests and examinations.

Treatment

Your doctor will consider several treatment options after making a proper diagnosis of your case. Expect to carry home antibiotics in the event of an infection.

Antibiotics are also in the form of a tablet that you will be prompted to insert into your vagina for a prescribed number of days.

In the case of inflammations, your doctor might opt to prescribe antibiotics in the form of cream.Vaginal creams are soothing thus reducing pain associated with urination.

In case you are diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis, your doctor may prescribe metronidazole which is a drug of choice in such case. Your doctor might also add an injection to your treatment as a booster to the whole treatment regime.

If your doctor makes a diagnosis of a yeast infection, you are likely to have a prescription of anti-fungal oral drugs together with creams.

In case that you do notice any improvement in your symptoms, revisit your doctor for more examinations. Yeast infections tend to reoccur.

Do not be surprised when your doctor sends you home without medications despite your yellow vaginal discharge.

In instances that a woman is approaching menopause, a lot of hormonal changes occur, which leads to the presence of a yellowish discharge on your lines.

Slightly after menopause, the yellow fluid disappears entirely and what you will notice is a normal vaginal discharge although in small quantity.

Contraceptives may change the nature and even the color of your vaginal discharge. Once your doctor identifies such, you might be forced to change into a more convenient contraceptive other than what you are using.

Also, note that your doctor may not find it necessary to treat your sexual partner unless a diagnosis of a sexually transmitted disease is made.

A reason why your doctor will want a contact treatment with your partner will be in a case of recurrent yeast infection. You will then be treated with your partner along with doctors’ advice which you should adhere to until confirmed free of such diseases.

Notably, 99% conditions that cause abnormal vaginal discharge respond to drugs within a few days. Only rare instances of Vaginitis after menopause take time to respond because of the scheduled hormonal therapy. Your obligation in treatment is to correctly follow instructions on your medication and adhere to self-care remedies as given in this article.

Home remedies

While vaginal discharge is normal, a yellow discharge might indicate several things as seen above. Before raising an alarm, here are the seven most efficient brownish- yellow vaginal discharge remedies you should try

1. Apple cider Vinegar (ACV)

Apple cider vinegar is a widely known home remedy for several ailments. Its acidic nature enables it to restore the vagina’s standard conditions. It is also powerful in encouraging the growth of good vaginal bacteria by preventing the growth of infection causing –bacteria.

What you need

• Apple cider vinegar
• Clean drinking water

Preparation

• Take equal parts of vinegar and water
• Wash your vagina at least twice daily for five days
• Alternatively consume a table spoon of Apple cider vinegar with drinking water once daily.

2. Fig

Fig has been known for centuries to flush out toxins which alter the normal functioning of the body. Fig also speeds up the wound healing process and subsidies inflammations

What you need

1. Fig
2. Honey
3. Clean water
4. Sieve

Preparation

Take at least three fig barks in cold drinking water overnight.

1. Grind the figs the following morning; add them to clean water and drink before a meal. Adding honey is ok, just to sweeten
2. Alternatively, you can grind the fig barks into fine powder mix with water and use the solution to wash your vagina daily.

3. Okra

Okra is an all -time remedy capable of expelling mucus from your body, thus reducing the frequency together with the amount of thick vaginal discharge.

What you need

1. Okra
2. Clean water
3. Honey
4. Sieve
5. Knife

Preparation

1. Take about 300 grams of okras and wash them in clean water
2. Chop them into small pieces by use of a clean knife.
3. Boil the okra pieces in about a liter of water for approximately 30
4. Sieve the solution using a clean sieve
5. Drink daily for at least five days. You are allowed to add honey to sweeten

4. Neem

Its antiseptic properties make it among the best, brownish- yellow vaginal discharge remedies common in the world today. It also known to sooth irritations and completely depletes the bad smell which is mostly accompanied by the brownish – yellow vaginal discharge.

What you need

1. Neem
2. Clean drinking water
3. Sieve

Preparations

1. Take a handful of neem leaves and bring to boil in two cups of water.
2. Sieve the mixture and allow it to cool
3. Use the mixture to rinse your vagina daily
4. Repeat the same procedure for at least three weeks.

5. Saffron

Saffron contains both antioxidant and antiseptic properties. Apart from this it also boosts immunity which in return stimulates the healing process. A healthy immune system helps the body fight infections including those in the vagina.

What you need

1. Saffron
2. Honey
3. Clean drinking water
4. Sieve

Preparation

1. Boil two teaspoons of saffron in a quarter cup of drinking water, until the water reduces.
2. Take a third of the solution and add to a glass of water.
3. Drink on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning.
4. Take this mixture daily for at least a week.

6. Indian gooseberry (Amla)

The Indian gooseberry is rich in vitamin C which helps boost your immunity against infections. It also has antiseptic properties that help fight harmful bacteria in the body that may cause yellow mucus before menstruation.

What you need

1. Indian gooseberry
2. Clean drinking water
3. Sieve and honey

Preparations

1. Bring to boil a tablespoon of dried gooseberry roots, for 10 minutes.
2. Separate the juice from the roots by sieving
3. You can add honey to sweeten the juice
4. Drink this juice daily, preferably on an empty  stomach every morning for  at least one week

7. Fenugreek seeds

Fenugreek seed can balance your vagina’s PH (acidity and alkalinity).Besides this fenugreek can also be used to manage estrogen levels until normality, usually during puberty. It is for these reasons that fenugreek comes in handy as one of the best brownish- yellow vaginal discharge remedies widely used.

What you need

1. Fenugreek seeds
2. Clean drinking water

Preparation

1. Add enough fenugreek seeds into a cup of warm water, leave overnight
2. Use the liquid after sieving to rinse your vagina
3. Use at least twice days for two weeks.

Prevention

After reading the above-provided information, you might be in a better place to distinguish between a normal discharge and an abnormal one.

You now know that if a discharge is yellow with a fishy smell that would be a sign of an infection of a bacterial or fungal origin. On another hand, if the discharge is creamy- white without any odor or irritation, then that is normal.

The main steps to preventing yellow discharge before and after period lie in safe sex and proper vaginal hygiene. Here is how to;

• Increase you probiotics consumption for a healthy vagina.Probiotics are essential against candida and fungal infections because they contain lactobacillus which is a good bacteria.
• Avoid using soap on your vagina.Soaps contain chemicals that deplete the good bacteria in the vagina.
• Avoid wearing tight undergarments which cause sweat hence a favorable environment for the rearing of harmful vaginal bacteria.
• Always wash your genitals with enough clean water.
• Drink more water to enable the body to flush out harmful bacteria through urine.
• Wash your undergarments in warm water, and the sun dry them
• Avoid sex with multiple partners, or use protection unless you are in monogamous relationship
• Always wear clean underwear each day.
• Always keep your pubic hair trimmed to avoid trapping sweat which can be a favorable environment for breeding of bacteria.
• Avoid douching; this depletes good bacteria off your vagina.
• Control intake of sugar and processed foods. Excessive intake of sugar lowers your body immunity, making it less irresistible against infections.
• Avoid caffeinated drinks as they increase vaginal discharge.

RECOMMENDED READ: Yellow discharge after period

If you ever experience a yellow discharge after your period, chances are your body is trying to expel remains of blood from your uterus. However, you should note that this occurs immediately after your period and lasts not more than two days afterward. If a yellow discharge after period occurs differently from what is explained here, then you are advised to seek medical attention for other diagnoses.

See more on the causes, treatments and remedies of yellow vaginal discharge after period ends.

References

• STI and vaginal infection CDC treatment recommendation (accessed July 2017): https://quizlet.com/159236610/sti-vaginal-infections-cdc-treatment-recommendations-flash-cards/