Generally, there are three types of discharge before a period. Having a watery, non-smelly, and yellow discharge before period is completely normal. The other two are a yellow, thick discharge and a yellow, smelly discharge. These can be symptoms of infections or some other problem. It is better to consult a doctor and have a checkup.

Possible Reasons for Yellow Discharge

In normal conditions, your vagina secretes a yellow discharge to retain moisture and hydration. A yellow discharge also happens before periods. Apart from that, a smelly and colored discharge may be a sign of an infection or other health troubles. Here's a list of possibilities why you're having a yellow discharge.

1. Upcoming periods

Yellow discharge before periods is quite common. If your period is due, then experiencing a watery, yellow, and odorless mucus is normal. Sometimes, the mucus may be mixed with a tinge of pre-menstrual blood. If you are on the contraceptive pill, then the discharge can also be a little brown in color. Before a period, the vagina produces more discharge than at other times. Unless there is a strong odor in it, there is no need to worry at all.

2. Sign of pregnancy

Pregnancy is another reason why a yellow vaginal discharge shows up. If this is the case, you may also have spotting before the periods. This happens when the fertilized ovum attaches itself to the uterine wall. As a result, the body heavily releases HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) hormone, which leads to the production of thick, yellow discharge.

3. Pelvic inflammatory disease

If a person has the pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), she may have a discharge, which is similar to the yellowish discharge before period, but with a strong smell. It can also be greenish in color and accompanied by fever, pain in the abdomen, nausea, and painful sex.

4. Sexually transmitted infection

The sexually transmitted infection (STI) may appear in various forms. The most prominent sign of an STI is a strong unpleasant odor following painful sex, redness, itching in the affected area, and colored discharge. In Bacterial Vaginosis, the discharge is yellow or grayish with a fishy smell. Cervicitis is the infection of the cervix that gives out a greenish or brownish discharge. A yellow, pus-like discharge can also be a symptom of Gonorrhea.

5. Vulvovaginitis

Vulvovaginitis is a condition that causes an inflammation of the vulva and inner walls of the vagina. This may happen due to a fungal, bacterial, or viral infection. Characterized by a strong odor and yellow discharge before period, vulvovaginitis also affects the anal region. Usually, it causes inflammation, irritation, pain during sex, and difficulty in passing the urine.

6. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

Sexually transmitted diseases, like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and genital herpes can have some very prominent symptoms. First of all, the mucus would be a bit frothy, bad-smelling, and yellow or green in color. It would be followed by sores around the vagina, painful urination, and inflammation. There can be itching and pain during sex.

Tips to Deal with the Yellow Discharge Before Periods

• Book an appointment

Consult a doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms: strong unusual smell, soreness, itching, burning or redness.

• ACV

Make a solution with equal amounts of water and apple cider vinegar (ACV). Wash your private parts twice a day to reduce the yellow mucus before periods. You can also mix a tablespoon of ACV in a glass of water and drink it every day.

• Neem

Neem leaves are a natural disinfectant. Boil some leaves in 1-2 cups of water. Strain the water and let it cool. Drink it regularly or use it as a vaginal wash.

• Fenugreek seeds

Fenugreek seeds are effective in balancing the pH and reducing the vaginal discharge. Roast some seeds and grind them. Add the powder in lukewarm water and wash your vagina with the solution.

• Indian gooseberry

Boil a tablespoon of dried gooseberry in some water. Sieve the solution and drink it on an empty stomach to reduce the yellow discharge before period.

Summary

A watery and non-smelly discharge is normal before periods. However, a strong smell and color can indicate an infection. It is advised to seek medical help from the doctor. In normal cases, the yellow discharge before menstruation can be treated at home with the help of ACV, or neem.