Changes in Vaginal Discharge Color: Causes and Concerns

Color of secretions

Hello, I noticed that the color of my discharge changed to yellow-green in mid-August, and it wasn't itchy.
I delayed seeking help until August 27 when I started experiencing slight itching, so I went to see a gynecologist.
After the examination, the doctor said that the discharge was excessive and serious, so they prescribed medication for three days and asked me to return for a follow-up on August 30.
During the second visit, the doctor did not perform another examination but gave me the same medication, stating that if there was no discharge after three days, I wouldn't need to return.
After completing the oral medication and using the vaginal suppository, it has now been three days.
The discharge was colorless and non-itchy yesterday and the day before, but this morning I noticed it has a slight yellow-green tint again and has a bit of a fishy odor.
Later, I checked my notes and realized that today is the first day I was expecting my period, but it hasn't arrived.
I would like to know if this discharge could be related to my menstrual cycle, or if it indicates that the vaginal inflammation has not been fully treated.

Jingwei, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/09/04

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

In mid-August, I noticed that my discharge changed to a yellow-green color and there was no itching.
I delayed seeking medical attention until August 27 when I started experiencing slight itching, at which point I visited a gynecologist.
After an internal examination, the doctor informed me that the discharge was excessive and quite serious, so they prescribed medication for three days and asked me to return for a follow-up on August 30.
During the second visit, the doctor did not perform another internal exam but provided me with the same medication, stating that if there was no discharge after three days, I would not need to return.
After completing the oral medication and using the vaginal suppositories, it has now been three days.
The discharge had no color and was not itchy yesterday and the day before, but this morning I noticed that the discharge had a slight yellow-green tint and a fishy odor.
Later, I checked my notes and realized that today is the first day my period is due, but it has not arrived.
I would like to know if this discharge is related to premenstrual changes, or if it indicates that the vaginal inflammation has not been fully treated.

Answer: The absence of color and itching in the discharge suggests that the vaginal inflammation has been treated.
However, the return of yellow-green discharge with a fishy odor indicates a potential risk of reinfection, so caution is advised.

Reply Date: 2018/09/04

More Info

Understanding changes in vaginal discharge color is crucial for identifying potential health issues, particularly infections. In your case, the yellow-green discharge you experienced, along with the itching, suggests a possible infection, likely bacterial vaginosis or a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as trichomoniasis. The fact that your doctor noted a significant amount of discharge during your examination indicates that there was indeed an underlying issue that required treatment.

The treatment you received, which included oral medication and vaginal suppositories, is standard for addressing such infections. The absence of itching and the change in discharge color to clear after treatment are positive signs, indicating that the initial infection may have been responding to the medication. However, the return of yellow-green discharge with a fishy odor is concerning, especially since it coincides with the expected onset of your menstrual period.

It is important to note that hormonal changes associated with your menstrual cycle can affect vaginal discharge. In some women, the discharge may become thicker or change color as menstruation approaches. However, the presence of a foul odor and the specific color change you described could also indicate that the infection has not fully resolved or that a new infection has developed.

Given that you are experiencing these symptoms again, it is advisable to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may want to perform another examination to determine if the infection persists or if there are other factors at play. It is also essential to communicate any new symptoms, such as changes in odor or consistency of discharge, as these can provide valuable information for diagnosis.

In summary, while some changes in discharge can be attributed to the menstrual cycle, the specific characteristics of your discharge—yellow-green color and odor—suggest that further evaluation is necessary. It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to vaginal health, as untreated infections can lead to more severe complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or issues with fertility in the long term. Therefore, I recommend scheduling an appointment with your gynecologist to discuss your symptoms and receive appropriate care.

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