Top 3 Causes of Green Vaginal Discharge

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Vaginal discharge is normal, but if it’s green, that’s a sign of an infection, such as an STD.

Written by

Jessica B. White-Videa, DO, FACOG.

Ivonne Reynolds DO, LLC

Last updated May 25, 2023

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Most common questions

What does green vaginal discharge mean?

Causes

Next steps

Treatment

Prevention

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Written by

Jessica B. White-Videa, DO, FACOG.

Ivonne Reynolds DO, LLC

Last updated May 25, 2023

Green vaginal discharge quiz

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Green vaginal discharge is often a sign that you have a vaginal infection. Common culprits are a yeast infection or vaginosis, but it is also a common symptom of STDs, like trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia. You will likely have other symptoms like irritation or pain with urinating. Prescription or over-the-counter medications are usually needed to treat it.

3 most common causes

Yeast Infection

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Illustration of a health care worker swabbing an individual.

Vaginal trichomonas

Green vaginal discharge quiz

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Most common questions

Common causes of green vaginal discharge include vaginal infections such as yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and sexually transmitted infections. You should consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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Having green vaginal discharge is not necessarily an emergency. However, if there is a fever or severe pain that does not respond to over-the-counter medications, it may be necessary to go to the emergency room.

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Green vaginal discharge is often a sign of an infection, so it is recommended to call your doctor to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.

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Treatment for green vaginal discharge will depend on the underlying cause, but may involve anti-fungal creams, or antibiotics for possible infections.

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What does green vaginal discharge mean?

Vaginal discharge is normal. Its consistency changes throughout the month and is a key sign of ovulation. Some women naturally have more discharge than others. However, it is never normal to have green vaginal discharge.

Green vaginal discharge can be a sign of something relatively easy to treat, such as a yeast infection. Or it may be a sign of a sexually transmitted disease (STD). If you have a green vaginal discharge, it is very likely you will also have other symptoms, such as vaginal irritation and discomfort, pain with urination, and pelvic pain.

Most causes of green vaginal discharge are treated with over-the-counter or prescription medications.

Causes

1. Vaginal trichomonas

Pro Tip

Trichomoniasis is the most common cause of green discharge. But most women with trichomoniasis are asymptomatic. They only find out they have it during a routine PAP smear. —Dr. Jessica White-Videa

Symptoms

• Vaginal odor
• Vaginal itching or burning
• More than usual vaginal discharge

Vaginal trichomonas, also called trichomoniasis or “trich,” is a common STD caused by a parasite. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it affects over 2 million people per year. Only about 30% have symptoms.

You need a test to make sure you have vaginal trichomonas. If the test is positive, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic to treat the infection.

2. Yeast infection

Symptoms

• Cottage cheese-like discharge
• Yellow or green-tinged discharge
• Vaginal itching and discomfort
• Swelling of the external genitals
• Burning or pain when urinating

A yeast infection is a common vaginal infection caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida albicans.

Yeast infections can happen because you’re taking antibiotics or birth control pills, are pregnant, or have diabetes or a weakened immune system. These conditions can disturb the natural balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina.

Stress, sexual activity, living in a warm climate, and using perfumed soaps and other personal hygiene products can also raise your risk for yeast infection.

Over-the-counter and prescription anti-fungal creams and medications usually treat yeast infections.

3. Pelvic inflammatory disease

Symptoms

• Fever
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pelvic pain, including during sexual intercourse

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a general term for a bacterial infection of a woman’s reproductive organs. The major causes are two STDs called gonorrhea and chlamydia. But you can get PID from other bacteria commonly found in the rectal and vaginal area, including the one that causes bacterial vaginosis.

It’s important to talk to your doctor about any symptoms because untreated PID can cause infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and abdominal pain. Treatment includes antibiotics. If the cause is chlamydia or gonorrhea, your partner also needs to get treated.

Other possible causes

A number of conditions may also cause green vaginal discharge, though these are either rare or green vaginal discharge is not usually the defining symptom. They include bacterial vaginosis and a tampon that’s kept in for too long.

When to call the doctor

As soon as you notice green vaginal discharge, call your doctor to determine the cause.

Dr. Rx

Important questions to ask your doctor: What is the underlying cause of this discharge? Should my partner be tested and treated? Should I be screened for other STDs? —Dr. White-Videa

Should I go to the ER for green vaginal discharge?

Your doctor should be able to treat most cases of green vaginal discharge. However, go to the emergency room if you have any of these signs of a more serious problem:

• Fever
• Severe pain that does not respond to over-the-counter medications
• Severe nausea and vomiting

Treatments

Pro Tip

When talking with your doctor, be very open and honest about your sexual history. —Dr. White-Videa

At-home care

• Use an over-the-counter, anti-fungal creams for suspected yeast infection.
• Use a cold compress, such as an ice pack wrapped in a washcloth, to alleviate discomfort due to itching or swelling

Other treatment options

• Prescription strength anti-fungal pills and creams
• Antibiotics for sexually transmitted infections

Prevention

• Avoid douching and the use of scented soaps to restore the balance of vaginal organisms.
• Use a condom during sexual intercourse to prevent STDs.
• Limit number of sexual partners.
• Replace or remove tampons after 4 to 8 hours, the FDA advises.

Jessica B. White-Videa, DO, FACOG.

Ivonne Reynolds DO, LLC

Dr. White-Videa is a board-certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist. She received her undergraduate degree in 2002, in Psychology from Barnard College in New York City . Dr. White-Videa then attended the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) starting in 2005. During that time, she participated in several medical mission trips and also mentored high school students who wanted to pursue car…

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Vaginal Itching and Burning

Some causes of vaginal itching or burning, such as yeast infections, are common and may be treated at home. But it’s still important to talk to a doctor to rule out other causes, such as infections and skin conditions.

Read more

What Causes Bloody Vaginal Discharge?

While there is an array of color and consistency to vaginal discharge, it’s quite common to have bloody vaginal discharge after your period. Other causes can relate to age, bacterial or yeast infections, or an STD.

Read more

Vaginal Discharge: What Different Colors & Odors Mean

A comprehensive guide to understanding vaginal discharge including colors, odors and causes.

Read more

Vaginal Swelling

A swollen vagina is often accompanied by other conditions, such pain, discharge, or itching, and can be caused by inflammation, obstruction, or trauma.

Read more

Vaginal Itching and Burning

Some causes of vaginal itching or burning, such as yeast infections, are common and may be treated at home. But it’s still important to talk to a doctor to rule out other causes, such as infections and skin conditions.

Read more

What Causes Bloody Vaginal Discharge?

While there is an array of color and consistency to vaginal discharge, it’s quite common to have bloody vaginal discharge after your period. Other causes can relate to age, bacterial or yeast infections, or an STD.

Read more

Vaginal Discharge: What Different Colors & Odors Mean

A comprehensive guide to understanding vaginal discharge including colors, odors and causes.

Read more

Vaginal Swelling

A swollen vagina is often accompanied by other conditions, such pain, discharge, or itching, and can be caused by inflammation, obstruction, or trauma.

Read more

Vaginal Itching and Burning

Some causes of vaginal itching or burning, such as yeast infections, are common and may be treated at home. But it’s still important to talk to a doctor to rule out other causes, such as infections and skin conditions.

Read more

What Causes Bloody Vaginal Discharge?

While there is an array of color and consistency to vaginal discharge, it’s quite common to have bloody vaginal discharge after your period. Other causes can relate to age, bacterial or yeast infections, or an STD.

Read more

Vaginal Discharge: What Different Colors & Odors Mean

A comprehensive guide to understanding vaginal discharge including colors, odors and causes.

Read more

Vaginal Swelling

A swollen vagina is often accompanied by other conditions, such pain, discharge, or itching, and can be caused by inflammation, obstruction, or trauma.

Read more

Vaginal Discharge Color Guide: What Is Normal?

Vaginal discharge is usually white or clear, but it can fluctuate throughout the month. Color changes typically aren’t cause for concern unless you’re experiencing other unusual symptoms.

Let’s be real: Many of us have experienced that moment when you pulled down your pants in the bathroom, saw a different color than usual, and asked, “Is that normal?”

This is often followed by questions like, “Is it the time of the month?” “What did I eat this week?” and even “How was the sex last night?”

Many of these colors are common and not a reflection of illness. But even if you know you’re in the clear, what do these colors actually mean?

Well, wonder no longer. We put together a color guide that’s not only medically accurate, but also fun to look at.

And even though there’s usually nothing to worry about, there’s also information on consulting a professional if you’re concerned.

Vaginal discharge is the medical term for fluid that comes from the vagina, and it’s an amazing thing.

It’s how your body gets rid of dead vaginal skin cells, bacteria, and secretions from your cervix and vagina to help protect your vaginal and urinary tracts from infection. It also keeps your vaginal tissues lubricated and clean.

Your hormones impact the amount and consistency of vaginal discharge, which is why you may have different amounts at certain times, like before menstruation, during pregnancy, or while using hormonal birth control.

Red or brown bloody discharge is common during menstruation. Colors might range from cherry red at the beginning of your period to rusty brown.

Some people have irregular periods and spotting. Others experience spotting due to their birth control method or hormonal changes.

If you see red throughout the month, it could be a sign of an underlying health condition, like an infection.

A variety of white shades of discharge, from eggshell to cream, can be common. Unless your discharge is accompanied by certain textures or smells, don’t fret too much.

White discharge can occur for many of the same reasons as clear discharge. It’s simply natural lubrication, keeping your vaginal tissue healthy and minimizing friction during sexual activity.

Very light yellow discharge is more common than you might think. Sometimes the color is daffodil yellow. Other times it’s more of a greener chartreuse.

This color is usually a sign of an infection, but if you know you’re probably in the clear (as in it’s a one-off occurrence), what you eat could affect the color.

Some people report this color change occurring whenever they take new vitamins or try certain foods.

Pink discharge, ranging from a very light blush to the deep pink of a sunset, is often just a sign of the beginning of your menstrual period.

Some people may periodically experience light bleeding after penetration with fingers, a sex toy, or a penis, which can result in pink discharge.

Clear discharge, which can also be whitish, is usually OK. It may have an egg-white like consistency. It’s also the go-to discharge a healthy body expels to rebalance itself — because the vagina is a self-cleaning organ.

During arousal, blood vessels in that vagina dilate and fluid passes through them, causing an increase in clear, watery discharge.

If it’s around day 14 of your menstrual cycle, you’re probably ovulating and producing cervical mucus.

If you have a reason to suspect pregnancy, this can also cause a change in hormones and increase how much discharge you have.

When white turns to gray, like storm clouds or exhaust, consult a doctor or other healthcare professional. It could be a sign of bacterial vaginosis (BV), which is a common overgrowth of bacteria.

Your clinician will likely prescribe antibacterial ointments or oral antibiotics.

Yup, healthy vaginal discharge has a smell. The smell comes from the combination of cells and organisms in it. Tack on sweat from neighboring groin glands, too.

Just like the amount of vaginal discharge secreted is dependent on hormones, so is the smell. This is why you might notice it smells different throughout the month. Sometimes you might not smell it at all.

Unless the smell is overly strong or unpleasant, it’s usually NBD.

If it bothers you, washing the area with warm water and changing your underwear daily can help keep the smell to a minimum.

If you’re worried about your discharge color, amount, or other symptoms, your body is pretty good at letting you know.

It’ll send some pretty specific cues, like itching, pain, and burning during urination, to tell you to get a downstairs checkup.

Consult a healthcare professional if you’re concerned about sexually transmitted infections or if your discharge is accompanied by these symptoms or signs:

• itching
• pain
• burning sensation during urination
• strong, foul odor
• frothy texture
• thick, cottage cheese texture
• gray color
• bleeding that’s unrelated to menstruation

Sometimes these conditions can be eliminated based on your individual circumstances.

Gonorrhea and chlamydia, for example, can generally be eliminated if you’ve never engaged in partnered sexual contact.

Although the chart below is a starting point, it’s always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional if you’re unable to pinpoint a cause, or if you’re unsure of your health status.

Healthy discharge helps keep the vagina clean, ward off infections, and provide lubrication. It changes with your body’s needs.

It’s also important to keep in mind that a range of shades and amounts of vaginal discharge is considered typical and varies from person to person.

But your vaginal discharge is also a reflection of your overall health. If discharge occurs unexpectedly or changes significantly in color, consistency, amount, or smell, consult a healthcare professional.

Likewise, if your discharge is accompanied by an itch or pelvic pain, it’s time to consult a clinician.

Read this article in Spanish.

Sarah Aswell is a freelance writer who lives in Missoula, Montana, with her husband and two daughters. Her writing has appeared in publications that include The New Yorker, McSweeney’s, National Lampoon, and Reductress. You can reach out to her on Twitter.

Yellow or green vaginal discharge in women

Yellow or green vaginal discharge, especially if they are abundant and accompanied by an unpleasant odor, is a sign of the development of a pathological process and a serious reason to consult a gynecologist.

Any change in the discharge, which is normally clear to milky white in color and practically odorless, should alert the woman. Discoloration of normal discharge to yellow, yellow-green or green, sometimes frothy, accompanied by an unpleasant (for example, fishy) odor, itching and burning in the vagina and vulva, pain in the pelvic area, dysuria, pain during intercourse – signs of infection or inflammation that requires treatment.

Discoloration, consistency or smell of discharge may be caused by infections, many of which are sexually transmitted (chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis). In some cases, a woman may have several types of such infections.

Bacterial vaginosis

This disease is characterized by signs such as a change in the smell of discharge to fish (especially after intercourse or during menstruation), a change in the color of the discharge to gray, yellow or greenish, itching and burning in the vagina and vulva (rare) . Often, bacterial vaginosis is asymptomatic, so it is very important to undergo regular preventive examinations by a gynecologist. The disease occurs due to a violation of the natural balance of lactobacilli in the vagina, this is the most common cause of pathological discharge in women of reproductive age (before menopause). The risk is higher in women who are sexually active, who have multiple sexual partners (the disease is not sexually transmitted, the risk increases due to a violation of the microflora of the vagina and an increased likelihood of bacterial reproduction), who do not use contraceptives such as condoms, who use douching, and also in pregnant women against the background of hormonal changes. In some cases, bacterial vaginosis resolves without treatment, but more often requires the use of antibiotic therapy. In most cases, a course of antibiotics is sufficient to achieve treatment success, but sometimes a second course of drugs is required. Treatment does not guarantee the absence of the disease in the future, according to statistics, more than 70% of women experience bacterial vaginosis again.

Pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis (whether symptomatic or not) are given drugs that are safe to use during pregnancy. Refusal of treatment can cause complications of pregnancy: premature birth or the birth of a child with a weight below the average.

Timely referral to a gynecologist for diagnosis and treatment of this condition is very important, as BV is associated with negative obstetric and gynecological outcomes, including increased susceptibility to STIs (especially HIV), complications after operations such as hysterectomy. In addition, the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis are similar to those of other vaginal infections, so you need to see a doctor for differential diagnosis and treatment.

The disease is not fully understood, so there is no reliable way to avoid BV. Risk reduction is facilitated by: avoiding douching, limiting the number of sexual partners, using condoms, good personal hygiene, wearing cotton underwear.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. You can become infected with it, including during anal or oral sex, the use of common devices to satisfy sexual needs. The risk group includes people under 25 years of age, women with multiple sexual partners, women who previously had chlamydia, pregnant women. Often the infection does not show any symptoms, so people with chlamydia, not knowing that they are infected, do not take action and pass the infection on. The spread of the disease can only be reduced by regular examinations by a gynecologist, which, unfortunately, many women neglect. Meanwhile, in women, the complications of chlamydia are much more severe than in men – inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs, pregnancy complications (premature birth, transmission of infection to the newborn), reactive arthritis, increased risk of HIV infection.

Symptoms of chlamydia (if present) are similar to those of cervicitis (inflammation in the cervix) and urinary tract infections: white, yellow or gray vaginal discharge, sometimes with an unpleasant odor, frequent urination, dysuria, pus in the urine, itching and burning in the vagina and vulva, intermenstrual bleeding, painful menstruation, discomfort and pain during intercourse, pain in the lower abdomen. Chlamydia can affect not only the reproductive organs, so along with the above symptoms, you need to pay attention to pain in the anus, mucus secretion, bleeding from the anus, sore throat, conjunctivitis.

Chlamydia is diagnosed using the Nucleic Acid Amplification Technique (NAAT), and a gynecologist may take a vaginal swab, cervical swab, or urine sample to test for Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria in the laboratory. Treatment of chlamydia is carried out with antibiotics (the duration of the course is determined by the doctor), which should never be stopped. During this time, you should abstain from sexual activity, try to tell all sexual partners that you have the infection, and get tested for other STIs, including HIV/AIDS, syphilis, herpes, and gonorrhea.

To reduce your risk of chlamydia, use condoms, have sex with a partner you know you have, and generally practice safer sex.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a parasitic disease caused by the vaginal Trichomonas Trichomonas vaginalis, also belongs to STIs, is highly contagious. Like chlamydia, trichomoniasis is often asymptomatic and therefore difficult to detect and treat (unless a woman has regular pelvic exams). Women are more prone to trichomoniasis than men, the risk increases if the rules of safe sex are ignored (refusal to use condoms) and if there are several sexual partners.

Symptoms of trichomoniasis include watery (sometimes frothy), profuse white, yellow or green discharge with an unpleasant odor, irritation and itching of the genitals, pain and burning during urination, pain during intimacy.

Diagnosis of the disease includes an examination by a gynecologist and a laboratory examination of a sample of discharge. Treatment is carried out with drugs with antiprotozoal and antimicrobial action for 5-7 days (infected and his partner / s). At this time, it is necessary to give up alcohol, since the interaction of drugs with it can cause side effects (nausea, vomiting, heart palpitations). After completing the course of treatment, you should refrain from intimacy for a week to avoid re-infection.

In pregnant women, treatment of trichomoniasis is carried out according to the same principle, failure to treat it can lead to complications such as premature birth (before 37 weeks of pregnancy) and low birth weight of the newborn.

Prevention of trichomoniasis includes the use of condoms, regular check-ups for sexually transmitted diseases, adherence to doctor’s recommendations for treating an identified infection, choosing a relationship with one sexual partner.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by gonococci (Neisseria gonorrhoeae). People who often change sexual partners and ignore the rules of safe sex are at high risk of the disease. The disease can be asymptomatic, so those infected do not immediately seek help and continue to infect their partners, unaware that they are sick.

If symptoms of gonorrhea are present, you may notice white or yellow vaginal discharge, pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis, pain and burning when urinating, intermenstrual bleeding, sore throat (if you practice oral sex).

Diagnosis of gonorrhea includes questioning the patient about symptoms, intimacy and sexual preferences, gynecological examination, urinalysis and a sample of secretions from the cervix, bacteriological culture from the throat or anus. Antibacterial therapy is prescribed for treatment (including the partner). After completing the course of treatment, you should refrain from intimacy for a week, as well as be tested for other sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV / AIDS, syphilis, herpes and chlamydia. Prevention of the disease is similar to the prevention of any STD.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Occurs when an infection (including STIs) enters the upper reproductive system (uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries) or the small pelvis (pelvioperitonitis). The risk of PID is higher in women with STIs (gonorrhea or chlamydia), who have had PID before, in sexually active women under 25 years of age, with multiple sexual partners, as well as after an abortion, complicated childbirth, insertion of an intrauterine device, gynecological operations. Without treatment, PID can lead to complications such as chronic pelvic pain syndrome, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy.

Symptoms of the disease can be either mild or appear abruptly and suddenly. These include pain in the lower abdomen, yellow or green discharge with an unpleasant odor, nausea or vomiting, fever, pain during intimacy and urination, irregular periods, intermenstrual bleeding.

The diagnosis of PID is established on the basis of anamnesis, gynecological examination, determination of signs of infection and inflammation, and ultrasound results. Antibacterial therapy is prescribed for treatment. The earlier PID is treated, the less likely it is to develop complications.

Prevention of PID: avoid douching to reduce the chances of bacteria from entering the uterus and fallopian tubes from the vagina (the link between douching and PID is not definitively proven, however, it is definitely worth avoiding this method, as douching can provoke infection or yeast growth or bacteria), practice safe sex and use a condom.

Author:

Amelicheva Alena Aleksandrovna
medical editor

Publication date: February 8, 2022

Update date: September 6, 2022

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