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Health

Yellow discharge and itching in women

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 22.09.2022
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The woman's vagina is covered with stratified squamous epithelium, which, with the help of a constantly secreted secret, is kept moist, which protects it from the penetration of pathogens. The vaginal discharge is white in color and has a neutral odor. In the normal state, its acidic environment protects against the reproduction of pathogenic bacteria present in small quantities in its microflora, and prevents their penetration into the deep layers of the walls. A change in the color of the discharge, the appearance of an unpleasant odor, itching indicates violations in the genital area.

Causes of the yellow discharge and itching

The appearance of abundant yellow discharge is a signal to consult a doctor, as these are signs of an inflammatory-infectious process or a sexually transmitted 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 genital organs),  [4]adnexitis (inflammatory process of the appendages),  [5]allergies, bacterial vaginitis, cervical erosion. [6]

Risk factors

Contribute to the development of vaginal pathologies promiscuous sexual intercourse, unprotected sex, reduced immunity (local hypothermia plays a significant role in this), beriberi, injuries of the vaginal walls, antibiotics, hormonal changes, improper intimate hygiene. Risk factors are even diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to dysbacteriosis, pregnancy, diabetes.

Pathogenesis

With a decrease in the protective functions of the vaginal mucosa, the number of lactic acid bacteria (Doderlein sticks) 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 and serve as a signal of trouble in the genital area? The first signs may include the following:

  • yellow discharge, odorless and itchy - may not yet speak of a disease if they appear after menstruation, during the period of bearing or breastfeeding a child. The absence of smell and itching give time to observe your condition and not worry too much;
  • yellow discharge, itching and burning - the use of low-quality tampons, condoms, personal hygiene products can cause an allergy to them, manifested by just such symptoms;
  • yellow-green discharge and itching are frequent companions of genital infections and inflammation of the mucous membrane of the vagina, fallopian tubes and ovaries, the presence of leukocytes stains 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 itching. The appearance of an unpleasant odor in addition is a sure marker of the presence of an infection;
  • abundant yellow discharge and itching are inherent in bacterial vaginitis, and during intercourse there is also pain, burning; [7]
  • yellow curdled discharge and itching in women - an acute course of salpingitis, oophoritis, adnexitis can give such a character to the vaginal discharge. Another reason is vaginal candidiasis, accompanied by white flakes that tend to turn yellow on linen; [8]
  • yellow liquid discharge and itching - the presence of viruses is manifested by a liquid watery secret, but the addition of bacteria turns it yellow;
  • yellow discharge, itching, burning and redness - swelling of the vulva, burning in the perineum, genital area, pain during urination against the background of yellow discharge indicate a sexually transmitted 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, which does not cause other unpleasant sensations, is quite acceptable, because this happens due to a change in the composition of hormones.

Diagnostics of the yellow discharge and itching

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

Other tests may be needed (Gram stain, Romanovsky-Giemsa stain, 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 urogenital area, manifested by yellow vaginal discharge. Differentiation is carried out between allergies, inflammatory diseases of the genital organs and sexually transmitted infections:

  • gonorrhea;
  • herpes virus infection;
  • bacterial vaginosis;
  • vulvovaginal candidiasis;
  • mycoplasmosis;
  • syphilis;
  • trachymoniasis;
  • chlamydia.

Treatment of the yellow discharge and itching

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

Medications

Depending on the pathogen determined by the laboratory, antibiotics are prescribed. So, with mycoplasmosis, it can be ofloxacin.

Ofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone. Uncomplicated gonorrhea requires a single dose of 400 mg, more severe cases - twice a day, 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 intended for 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 - effective in the treatment of candidiasis, vulvovaginitis, colpitis, mixed vaginal infections. Broad spectrum antifungal softgels. It is injected deep into the vagina at night in the supine position, while a slight burning sensation may be felt. Re-application should be done after 3 days if symptoms persist. If an allergic reaction occurs, discontinue use. Do not use during the bearing and feeding of the child, children.

Side effects are unlikely other than those mentioned.

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

Gynoflor - restores the microflora of the vagina after drug treatment, eliminates vaginal dysbacteriosis. For treatment, one tablet per day is administered at bedtime (6-12 days), for the purpose of prevention - 1 pc. 1-2 times a week.

The drug has contraindications for cancer patients, with endometriosis, vaginal bleeding of unknown nature, sensitivity to active or excipients, girls who have not reached puberty.

Side effects are rare and are expressed in local burning, sensation of heat, swelling, itching.

Dalacin - suppositories, ointment - antibiotic. The daily norm is 100g in a course of 3 days. Not applicable during pregnancy and lactation. A side effect is possible in the form of urticaria, rash.

Vitamins

For the health of the female genital area, vitamins such as A, C, E, D, group B, especially vitamin B6, play an important role. It regulates the level of hormones, normalizes metabolism. Women need to make sure that they are present in food, and also take them additionally, preferably as part of vitamin and mineral complexes.

Physiotherapy treatment

For gynecological diseases that provoke yellow discharge, UHF can be used, for example, for colpitis, UV irradiation of the vulva, electrolyte cauterization (vaginitis), electrophoresis, darsonvalization. Physiotherapy treatment is not carried out for malignant neoplasms, systemic blood diseases, grade III hypertension, elevated temperature.

Alternative Treatment

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

Homeopathy

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

Complications and consequences

Vaginal infections adversely affect 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 the cleanliness of your body, the use of high-quality hygiene products, condoms, and natural linen. The key to sexual health is a permanent partner. Special care must be taken in baths, saunas, so as not to pick up an infection, not to overcool. It is also important to start the treatment of pathologies on time.

The organization of a healthy lifestyle, good nutrition helps to increase the body's defenses, resists inflammatory and infectious diseases.

Forecast

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

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