Green vaginal discharge: causes and prevention

Vaginal discharge is a combination of fluid, bacteria, and cells that are continuously shed from the vagina. This process is normal and helps keep the vagina healthy, moistened, and clean (NHS, 2021). It is normal for the appearance to vary throughout the month, and the colour usually varies between clear, off-white, and cloudy. A change in the colour, smell, or texture of vaginal discharge may indicate an infection or other problem that requires medical attention, such as discharge that is green, yellow, or brown in colour.

Table of Contents

• What is Green Vaginal Discharge?
• Symptoms of Green Vaginal Discharge
• Causes of Green Vaginal Discharge
• How is it diagnosed?
• When should you see a doctor?
• How to Prevent Green Vaginal Discharge
• Summary

What is green vaginal discharge? 

While slight variations in the colour of vaginal discharge can be harmless, green vaginal discharge is considered to be abnormal and is usually caused by an infection. In order to identify the cause, follow-up with a healthcare provider is required. While green discharge requires medical attention, in most cases it can be easily treated by antibiotics at a clinic or your GP. 

Symptoms of green vaginal discharge

As green vaginal discharge is usually a sign of infection, you may experience other symptoms of infection as well. For example, green vaginal discharge is often accompanied by an unpleasant odour, itching, or pain during urination or sex. Green vaginal discharge can also be accompanied by:

• Bleeding in between periods
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Discoloration or soreness in and around the vagina
• Nausea or fever

Causes of green vaginal discharge

Vaginal discharge is made by glands in the lining of the vagina and cervix. When an infection develops in these mucous membranes, the discharge may take on a different colour, texture, or smell. Green vaginal discharge is almost always caused by an infection in the vagina or cervix, which can have varying causes.

1. Green vaginal discharge due to bacterial vaginosis 

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common infection caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. The vagina naturally contains different bacteria which must stay in balance for optimal health. Sometimes “bad” bacteria in the vagina can grow too much, overpowering the “good” bacteria and causing unpleasant symptoms (CDC, 2022).

There are a number of factors that can upset the balance of good and bad bacteria in the vagina. These include douching, using scented soaps in and around the vagina, having multiple sex partners, and not using condoms.

Symptoms of BV include: 

• Fishy-smelling discharge
• Grey or green coloured discharge
• Vaginal itching/irritation
• A burning sensation while urinating

Source: CDC, 2022

BV can be treated with antibiotics and sometimes goes away on its own CDC, 2022. However, it is important to visit a doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of BV in order to rule out other causes, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs). 

2. Green vaginal discharge caused by STIs

Green vaginal discharge can also be caused by STIs. STIs can be transmitted during unprotected sex and may cause little to no symptoms.

If symptoms do appear, they may include:

• Changes in the colour and smell of vaginal discharge
• Pain or burning during urination or sex
• Itching or irritation in the genital area
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Bleeding between periods

STIs that may cause green discharge include: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Trichomoniasis.

Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2023, CDC, 2022. 

Are you experiencing green vaginal discharge and suspect it is due to an STI?

It is important to get tested and rule out potential infections. While chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and trichomoniasis can be easily treated with antibiotics, an STI that goes untreated long-term can have serious health effects, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, pregnancy complications, and infertility (CDC, 2022).

Homed-IQ’s Basic-4 STI Test checks for the three STIs and an other bacterial infection known to cause green vaginal discharge using a vaginal swab. With this test, you can identify if you have an infection and get prompt treatment. The test comes in a discreet package and includes everything you need to take a sample at home. After sending your sample to the laboratory, the results will be sent to you within a few days. Interested in performing a complete sexual health check? Try STI Test Comprehensive, a home test for 9 of the most common STIs. We also offer an HIV Test.

How Is It diagnosed?

If you notice green discharge, it’s important to speak to a healthcare provider. To determine the cause, your doctor may:

• Perform a vaginal swab for microscopic examination
• Use a pH test (a high vaginal pH may indicate BV)
• Conduct NAAT testing (nucleic acid amplification) for STIs
• Check for odor using an amine “whiff” test
• Take a detailed medical and sexual history

When should you see a doctor?

Early diagnosis can prevent complications like infertility, and chronic infections. You should consult a doctor if you experience:

• Green, yellow, or gray discharge
• Strong, unpleasant vaginal odor
• Itching, burning, or pain
• Bleeding between periods or after sex
• Pelvic pain or fever
• Suspected exposure to an STI

How to prevent green vaginal discharge?

Most infections that cause green vaginal discharge are treatable. However, preventing an infection in the first place can reduce the discomfort and worry that can be caused by changes in your vaginal health.

• To prevent STIs:
  • Use condoms during sexual contact
  • Get tested regularly
  • Limit number of sexual partners
• To prevent bacterial vaginosis (BV) and other vaginal infections:
  • Avoid washing the vagina internally (no douching)
  • Do not use soaps or scented products inside the vagina
  • Wash the vulva daily with lukewarm water
  • If using soap, choose fragrance-free products and avoid internal contact
• Maintaining the natural balance of vaginal bacteria supports long-term health

Source: CDC, 2022.

Summary

Green vaginal discharge is typically a sign of infection and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Common causes include bacterial vaginosis (BV) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and trichomoniasis. Accompanying symptoms can include itching, odour, pelvic pain, and bleeding between periods. While these infections are often easily treated with antibiotics, early diagnosis is important to prevent complications like pelvic inflammatory disease or infertility. Prevention involves safe sex practices, proper intimate hygiene, and regular testing. If green discharge occurs, medical attention is advised to determine the cause and begin treatment.

References

Centers for Disease Control. (2022, January 5). STD Facts – Bacterial Vaginosis. https://www.cdc.gov/std/bv/stdfact-bacterial-vaginosis.htm

Centers for Disease Control. (2022, April 12). Infertility & STDs. https://www.cdc.gov/std/infertility/default.htm

Centers for Disease Control. (2024, December 14). STD Facts – Trichomoniasis. https://www.cdc.gov/trichomoniasis/about/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/stdfact-trichomoniasis.htm

Cleveland Clinic. (2023, February 6). Chlamydia: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4023-chlamydia#symptoms-and-causes

NHS. (2021, November 18). Vaginal discharge. nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginal-discharge/?_ga=2.245087105.527758847.1679988763-1652938380.1679988763