Most women experience normal vaginal discharge that varies throughout the menstrual cycle. Vaginal cells produce normal bacteria and fluids--about a teaspoon a day--that is white or transparent, thick to thin, and odorless. However, if the color of vaginal discharge changes and is accompanied by other symptoms such as a foul odor, itching, discomfort, pain, rash or sores, prompt medical attention is advised.
After Menstrual Period (Brown)
Brown discharge may occur a day or two following the menstrual period. This is the body’s way of cleaning out the vagina and shedding old blood. Discharge that is dark brown or discolored is a common condition and should not raise concern if no other symptoms are present.
Dysfunctional Endometrial Elimination (Brown)
Spotting blood or brown discharge during mid-cycle may be a case of dysfunctional endometrial elimination. In other words, the menstrual period is later than usual. Apart from being inconvenient, there should be no concern of serious medical issues.
Early Pregnancy (Brown)
Sometimes early in pregnancy there may be spotting or a brownish discharge at the time a period would normally come. If this occurs after a woman engaged in sex without birth control, a pregnancy test should be taken to confirm that the discharge is due to early pregnancy.
Perimenopause/Menopause (Brown)
As women approach menopause, they begin to have irregular cycles. During menopause, women no longer have a period; however, women may experience light bleeding or brownish spotting. A condition during menopause known as atrophy can also cause a brown discharge. Atrophy occurs when the blood vessels within the uterine lining become weak and spontaneously burst, causing brown spotting.
Certain Diseases (Brown)
Brown discharge that is accompanied with other symptoms such as pain, depression, vaginal dryness, pain with intercourse, frequent urination, infertility, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, burning, itching, rash, hot to touch, mouth ulcers and loss of appetite should cause concern. Some common conditions causing these symptoms include cervical cancer, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), and sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea, chlamydia or vaginal warts.
Infection (Yellow)
Yellow vaginal discharge may indicate an infection such as a yeast infection. If the consistency of the discharge is also thick or clumpy like cottage cheese and has a foul odor, then medical attention is necessary.
Cervicitis (Yellow)
Cervicitis is inflammation of the cervix, which is the end of the uterus. One main symptom of cervicitis is yellow vaginal discharge. Cervicitis is most often caused by an infection. However, in a few cases it may be due to a diaphragm, an allergy to spermicides or condoms, or exposure to a chemical. Cervicitis is very common, according to Medline Plus, affecting more than half of all women at some point during their adult lives. Risky sexual behavior increases the chances of cervicitis, though the condition is treatable with medication.
Vulvovaginitis (Yellow)
Vulvovaginitis is an inflammation or infection of the vulva and vagina. This condition causes yellow vaginal discharge, among other symptoms. Vulvovaginitis is a common condition that affects women of all ages. It is caused by bacteria, yeasts, viruses, some sexually transmitted diseases, and various chemicals found in bubble baths, soaps and perfumes. Environmental factors such as poor hygiene and allergens may also cause this condition. Vulvovaginitis is treatable with oral or topical antibiotics.
Gonorrhea (Yellow)
Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted disease and is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhea. Yellow vaginal discharge is one of the main symptoms. Anyone who has any type of sex can catch gonorrhea. The infection can be spread by contact with the mouth, vagina, penis or anus. A single dose, or 125 mg, of ceftriaxone, or a single dose, or 400 mg, of cefixime taken by mouth are the recommended antibiotic treatments, according to MedlinePlus.
Chlamydia (Yellow)
Chlamydia is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. Yellow vaginal discharge is one of the main symptoms accompanying this disease. Once identified, Chlamydia is treatable with antibiotics.
