Throughout their fertile age, starting from a year or two before puberty and ending after menopause, ladies experience menstrual cycles. The cycles normally take between 21 and 28 days. While this is a normal occurrence, the thickness and colour of the discharge will vary throughout the cycle. Additionally, the thickness and colour of the discharge are determined by the amount of oestrogen hormone circulating in the body. In some cases, ladies complain of yellow discharge before period.
Is It Normal to Have Yellow Discharge Before Period?
Under normal circumstances, it is normal for ladies to produce a discharge, which is white in colour and is odourless and stringy just before menses. This white discharge is not accompanied by a burning sensation while urinating.
However, if you notice a yellow discharge that is thick and has a foul smell, you probably have an infection in the virginal canal. In most cases, the infection is either fugal or bacterial. This yellow discharge is commonly accompanied by a number of other symptoms, including soreness and a burning sensation while urinating. You may also experience an itching sensation around the groin area. This is a confirmatory sign that you have an infection.
What Causes Yellow Discharge Before Period?
A yellow discharge from the vaginal tract, either after or before the period, is basically an indicator of an infection in the vaginal tract. The discharge normally has a foul smell and may be caused by an array of factors, including diseases and conditions. Depending on the symptoms that accompany the discharge, the yellow discharge may be a result of various things.
1. Cervicitis
This is the inflammation of the cervix. It may be caused by several sexually transmitted infections, including gonorrhoea, human papilloma virus, trichomoniasis, herpes virus and chlamydia. The condition may also be caused by increased growth of bacteria in the vaginal canal or as a result of cervical cap or an allergic reaction to birth control methods such as the latex on condoms or spermicides.
Symptoms:
- Vaginal bleeding
- A yellow discharge from the vagina
- Pain
- Fertility problems
2. Vulvovaginitis
This is the inflammation of the vagina and vulva, mainly because of an infection. The condition is common and can affect ladies across all age groups. It is mainly caused by viruses, bacteria and yeasts. The condition may also be a result of a sexually transmitted infection. Other things that can cause vulvovaginitis include poor hygiene, allergic reactions, and various chemicals in perfumes and soaps.
Symptoms:
- Brown or yellow vaginal discharge with a foul smell
- Dryness and pain in the vagina and urethra
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Itching and irritation in the genital area
3. Chlamydia
This is a disease that is caused by the chlamydia trachomatis family of bacteria. The infection is sexually transmitted and may be avoided by using condoms while having sex. Additionally, the ladies who are sexually active or have multiple sex partners should be screened for the disease at least once a year. This is because only about 30% of ladies with this condition display symptoms.
Symptoms:
- A yellow virginal discharge
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Fertility issues
- A painful sensation while urinating
- A discharge from the anus
- Loss of appetite
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
4. Bacterial Vaginosis
Basically, any healthy lady has an array of bacteria in her vaginal tract. Bacterial vaginosis is caused by overgrowth of any of the bacteria types in the vagina, particularly the Mobiluncus and Gardnerella bacteria. The amount of discharge associated with this condition varies from one lady to the other.
Symptoms:
- A greyish-yellow or greyish-white discharge accompanied by a fish-like smell
- A greyish-yellow discharge from the vagina after sexual intercourse
- The discharge is not accompanied by irritation or soreness
5. Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is among the commonest sexually transmitted diseases today. The infection may also lead to a yellowish discharge before period. It is caused by bacteria known as Neisseria gonorrhoea. Gonorrhoea is transmitted through any contact with the penis, anus, vagina and mouth of an infected person. The period taken for the symptoms of this infection to manifest will vary from one person to the other. However, the first symptoms will show about two and five days after infection.
Symptoms:
- Increased frequency of urination
- Lesions in the mouth
- Pain in the pelvic region
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- A yellow vaginal discharge
- Sore throat
- Pain and a burning sensation while urinating
- Fever, after the infection has spread to the stomach and the Fallopian tubes
- The vaginal area feels hot to touch
6. Trichomoniasis
This is another sexually transmitted disease that is very common. It is rampant in young ladies who are sexually active. It is caused by a single-celled protozoan, known as Trichomonas vaginalis. Again, the time taken for trichomoniasis symptoms to manifest will vary from one individual to the other. Basically, it will take between 5 and 28 days after infection for the first symptoms to manifest.
Symptoms:
- Strawberry cervix
- A greenish yellow discharge from the vagina with a strong, frothy, fish-like smell
- Discomfort during sexual intercourse
- Problems while urinating
- Soreness and irritation in the genital area
How to Prevent Yellow Discharge Before Period
The two most important preventive measures against light yellow discharge before period are preventing sexually transmitted infections and maintaining a good personal hygiene. While the body has a natural mechanism for cleaning the virginal tract, you should consider washing it thoroughly while having a bath. However, you should avoid using strong perfumes and soaps on the vaginal area. Such items will destroy the good bacteria in the vagina and promote the growth of bad bacteria. To maintain the level of healthy bacteria in the vaginal tract, you should regularly consume yogurt, containing lactobacilli bacteria. This is very helpful in preventing yeast and Candida infections.