Have you noticed yellow vaginal discharge and wondered whether it’s normal or something to be concerned about? Vaginal discharge naturally changes in colour and texture throughout the menstrual cycle, and in many cases, a yellow tint is harmless. However, it can sometimes point to an underlying infection that requires medical attention. Understanding the difference can help you know when to relax, and when to see a doctor.

Table of Contents

• Is yellow vaginal discharge normal?
• What are the causes of yellow vaginal discharge?
• What should you do if you have unusual yellow vaginal discharge?
• What is the discharge like before your period when you are pregnant?
• Summary

Is yellow vaginal discharge normal?

Yellow vaginal discharge without odor can often be harmless, caused by hormonal fluctuations or slight irritation of the vaginal lining. It can also occur due to a small amount of blood mixing with regular discharge, particularly around your period. This is usually normal. However, yellow discharge may sometimes indicate the early stages of an infection, even without symptoms like itching or odor. If additional symptoms such as itching, burning during urination, or a foul smell develop, it may requires medical attention.

What are the causes of yellow vaginal discharge?

Yellow discharge can have several different causes. Some are harmless, while others are linked to infections that require treatment. Common causes include:

Menstruation

Yellow vaginal discharge is normal for many women before their menstrual cycle. During this time the body produces more discharge than normal in preparation for ovulation. The change in colour is usually caused by small amounts of blood mixing with regular discharge, making it appear yellow. Yellow discharge from menstruation is no cause for concern and will usually go away in a few days.

Symptoms of menstruation-related discharge may include:

• No odor, pain, or irritation
• Slightly yellow discharge
• Small traces of old blood mixed with discharge

Source: Hersh, 2019

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Yellow discharge is often associated with sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis. These infections can cause abnormal discharge that may be yellow or green in color.

Symptoms of STIs that affect vaginal discharge may include:

• Pelvic or abdominal discomfort (in some cases)
• Yellow, green, or unusual vaginal discharge
• Burning or pain during urination
• Itching or irritation in the genital area
• Pain during sex
• An unpleasant or strong vaginal odor

Source: Hersh, 2019

If you suspect that the changes in your vaginal discharge may be caused by an STI, consider getting tested. Homed-IQ’s Basic-4 STI Test checks for the most common STIs that cause changes in discharge including gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis. Looking to test for a complete range of STIs? The STI Test Comprehensive checks for eight bacterial and viral STIs.

Related: What does discharge from an STI look like?

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Yellow vaginal discharge can also be a sign of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection of the reproductive organs. PID occurs when bacteria (often from an untreated STI such as chlamydia or gonorrhea) spread from the vagina or cervix to the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries (Mayo Clinic, 2022). 

Symptoms of PID may include:

• Yellow, green, or foul-smelling discharge
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Bleeding between periods or after sex
• Fever
• Pain when urinating

If left untreated, PID can cause infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain. For this reason, it’s important to get tested and treated promptly for STIs to prevent complications like PID.

Source: Mayo Clinic, 2022. 

Bacterial vaginosis (BV)

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is another common cause of unusual discharge. The vagina naturally contains both “good” and “bad” bacteria. BV develops when harmful bacteria overgrow and upset this balance.

Risk factors include having multiple sexual partners, douching, or using perfumed products around the vagina.

Symptoms of BV include:

• Yellow or grayish discharge
• A fishy or unpleasant odor
• Itching or burning during urination

Prevention tips include avoiding scented products, not douching, practicing safe sex, and wearing breathable cotton underwear. If you experience persistent yellow discharge with odor but test negative for STIs, ask your doctor about BV.

Source: NHS, 2022

What should you do if you have unusual yellow vaginal discharge?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause:

• STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis are treated with prescription antibiotics.
• BV is usually treated with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor.
• PID requires medical treatment to prevent complications.

If you notice yellow discharge with other symptoms such as itching, burning, pelvic pain, or an unpleasant odor, it’s a good idea to get tested for STIs. Testing can be done at your GP’s office, at a sexual health clinic, or with a certified home test. Self-tests like those offered by Homed-IQ provide discreet, lab-certified results that can be discussed with your GP to ensure you receive the right treatment.

What is the discharge like before your period when you are pregnant?

Before the period, discharge in early pregnancy can be white to milky and creamy, often referred to as “leukorrhea.” It is usually odorless or mildly scented and occurs due to increased hormones like progesterone. A change in discharge can be an early sign of pregnancy (Sharkey, L., & Marcin, A., 2025).

Summary

Yellow vaginal discharge can sometimes be normal, especially before your period, when small amounts of old blood mix with normal discharge. However, it may also signal infections such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). If discharge is persistent, foul-smelling, or accompanied by symptoms like itching, pain, or burning, it’s important to get tested and seek medical advice.

References

Hersh, E. (2019, March 29). What causes yellow discharge before your period? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/yellow-discharge-before-period

NHS. (2021, November 18). Vaginal discharge. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginal-discharge/

NHS. (2022, October 28). Bacterial vaginosis. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bacterial-vaginosis/

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2022, April 30). Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594

Sharkey, L., & Marcin, A. (2025, June 17). White discharge before period: What causes it? Healthline. Medically reviewed by P. Patel, MD. Retrieved August 29, 2025, from https://www.healthline.com/health/white-discharge-before-period#white-discharge

All HOMED-IQ content is reviewed by medical specialists