Question: The discharge that I have when I'm not menstruating is kind of thick and quite yellow. It has a jelly like consistency but I don't feel anything wrong. I don't have a yeast infection and I don't feel any itching or irritation. What's up with it?

Answer: A yellow discharge could indicate the presence of an infection. The normal and healthy vaginal fluids can be watery or very elastic and vary in color from clear to whitish, and may have a slight yellowish tint. The production of these vaginal fluids begins a year or two prior to a girl's first menstrual period. This fluid is the vagina's way of keeping itself clean; the vagina is self-cleaning. These fluids may dry on and be visible on a teen or woman’s underwear. There should be a musky but pleasant scent. If your vaginal fluids have suddenly changed, that could indicate the presence of an infection or irritation.

A yellowish discharge that may be accompanied by a foul or "fishy" odor can be an indication of a trichomonas infection. You can read more about vaginal infections and their symptoms on the page about Vaginitis in the Health section.

You should probably seek a doctor's advice on this just to be sure you are healthy, and to put your mind at ease. For your own benefit, you should not avoid getting a yearly gynecological exam, even if you are teenager.