'Yellow Discharge' Lip Gloss Has Everyone Talking About What's Normal Down There

Because celebrities aren't satisfied until they've conquered every creative outlet they can, we have another one peddling some products that we probably don't need. This time the celeb in question is rapper Sexxy Red, and the product is a line of lip gloss lovingly named Pound Town. Yes, you read that correctly, but that's just the tip of the iceberg on how, um, deep this line goes regarding shock value.

In September 2023, Sexxy Redd sat down with Interview Magazine to discuss her upcoming foray into cosmetics. "I got a lip gloss line dropping soon, y'all better shop with your girl," she told Interview. "I got all different flavors: Coochie Juice, Bootyhole Brown, Coochie Pink, Sex on My Period, Gonorrhea, Yellow Discharge, and Nut." Clearly, these names are meant to provoke, in addition to inducing a major "ick" factor, but the gloss that's getting the most attention is "Yellow Discharge." As Redd explained, the reason for the name is because "like girls be having yellow discharge." However, the internet has been quick to point out that yellow discharge isn't exactly common when it comes to vaginal hygiene, nor should it be normalized as such.

To get to the bottom of what's "normal" when it comes to vaginal discharge, what should concern you, and what should have you running to the doctor, Women.com exclusively spoke to sociologist, sexologist, author, and Good Vibes resident sex expert, Carol Queen, PhD, about all things discharge-related. Fun fact: Sexxy Redd is leading her fans astray.

According to Queen, it's not only inaccurate to say that all people with vulvas have yellow discharge, but also somewhat problematic. "For women, and others with vulvas and/or periods, vaginal discharge is very normal and it may look different and be present in different amounts throughout the menstrual cycle," says Queen.

Vaginal discharge has an entire spectrum of colors and each one is an indicator of what's happening in your body: ovulation, a period coming or going. Or maybe you got a little too rough during your last romp, you ate something that's impacting the color, or your discharge is simply letting you know that your vagina is cleaning house. It is, after all, a self-cleaning organ. 

Although yellow discharge alone isn't necessarily an indicator of an infection like bacterial vaginosis, it can be if it has a thick consistency and is accompanied by other symptoms, like itching or burning. For Sexxy Redd to make it seem like yellow discharge is a common occurrence for everyone is misleading. Unfortunately, we live in a culture where sexual health isn't talked about in a positive and informative way, and those of us who were privy to sex ed probably weren't taught enough, if anything at all. So when you have a celebrity spouting this kind of information about sexual health, the impact can be detrimental for those who don't know how their body works. 

Although vaginal discharge runs the gamut when it comes to color, the most common is a "creamy tone," says Queen, adding, "Which I don't think of as yellow, but maybe Sexxy Redd does?" According to Queen anything that's "clear, white-to-cream, or even pink-tinted in some cases, can be healthy and well within the range of normal." In other words, if your discharge isn't yellow, you're okay. 

That said, if your yellow discharge is accompanied by other symptoms, like pain, itching, or burning, that's a different story. that The pinkish appearance often can be attributed to someone's period being on its way in or out, leaving a bit of blood behind in the process. In some cases, pink can also be the result of ovulation, because a bit of bleeding can occur then too. If you've had rough sex, then that can cause pink in the discharge as well. "Using lubricant during this type of sex may help make [pink discharge] less likely," says Queen.

However, when it comes to blood in discharge, Queen notes that it's best to use condoms no matter how minimal it is. "Blood exposure is the most efficient way for some pathogens, including HIV, to pass between sex partners," says Queen. While you should be in the habit of practicing safe sex, especially if you're not fluid-bonded with a partner, if you see a bit of pink in your discharge, then reach for a condom. AIDS may no longer be the death sentence it once was, but it's still a virus you want to avoid if you can. 

While your discharge color alone may not be able to tell you something is off in your body, other noticeable symptoms will. "If any discharge, no matter what color it is, is accompanied by pain or itching, a noticeable change in a person's ordinary smell, or other vulvovaginal symptoms, see a doctor, because it could be indicative of a health issue," says Queen. "In fact, particularly if someone is sexually active with multiple partners — No shade! That is frisky! — or isn't certain whether their partner has other partners, or even knows that they do, getting STI tested at least a couple of times a year is a really good idea, as is using condoms." Although the general rule of thumb is to get tested for STIs once a year, as Queen points out, the more sexually active you are and the more partners you have, the more often you should be tested.

Being a responsible sexually active person means not only staying on top of your sexual health for yourself, but for your partners too. It also means being aware of when something isn't right and a health care professional should be contacted. If your discharge isn't yellow, that's not a reason to run to the doctor. Instead, that's an opportunity to educate yourself and understand your body better.