Green Discharge: Top 5 Causes and Treatment Options

What Does Green Discharge Mean?

Normal vaginal discharge has a clear or white color and a mild scent. It cleans the vagina and keeps its pH stable.

Green discharge tells a different story. It often appears when there is extra bacteria, inflammation, or an infection. 

The green color comes from white blood cells and excess fluid. If the discharge has a strong smell or causes discomfort, the problem is more urgent.

What Causes Green Vaginal Discharge?

Bacterial Vaginosis

BV appears when helpful bacteria drop and harmful bacteria rise. This imbalance may cause a gray-green or yellow-green discharge with a strong odor. Mild irritation can appear too.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

• Trichomoniasis often creates a bright green or yellow-green discharge with a noticeable smell and discomfort during sex or urination.
• Gonorrhea may cause green discharge, pelvic pressure, or pain during urination.
• Chlamydia rarely causes a green discharge alone, but mixed infections may lead to a light green or yellow-green shade.

Cervicitis or Pelvic Inflammation

Inflammation of the cervix can produce thick or cloudy green discharge. Women may also feel discomfort during sex or pressure in the lower belly.

Cervicitis or Pelvic Inflammation

Inflammation of the cervix can produce thick or cloudy green discharge. Women may also feel discomfort during sex or pressure in the lower belly.

Vaginal Foreign Object

A forgotten tampon or small object inside the vagina can trap bacteria and create a strong smell with green discharge. Pieces of a condom or toilet paper can cause the same problem. Removal usually helps fast, but odor or pain may require a doctor's visit.

Other Less Common Causes

Some cases come from hormone shifts or irritation from soaps, sprays, or scented pads. Tight clothes or trapped moisture can disturb the vaginal pH and lead to a light green color. These cases often stay mild but still need attention if the color does not clear.

You can Vaginal Infection Symptom Checker to see what your symptoms align with. But remember, this tool is not a substitude to a medical diagnosis.

Green Discharge in Different Situations

Green Discharge During Pregnancy

Pregnancy shifts hormone levels and the vaginal pH. A green color during pregnancy usually points to infection and needs quick attention to protect both mother and baby.

Light Green Discharge Without Odor or Itch

This may reflect a mild pH shift or irritation from a product. If it lasts more than two or three days or becomes stronger, a doctor should check it.

Green Discharge After Your Period

Old menstrual blood sometimes mixes with mucus and forms a green tint. This often clears on its own. However, a strong odor or discomfort can point to an infection.

Green Discharge Before Your Period

Hormone changes before menstruation may disturb the pH and cause a slight green color. A thick texture or sharp smell, however, usually points to infection.

Green Discharge After Sex

Sex can change the natural balance or move bacteria higher in the vagina. Green discharge after sex usually means infection, especially if you notice pain or odor.

When to See a Doctor

A doctor visit is important if green discharge lasts longer than a few days, returns often, or appears with odor or discomfort. Pain, fever, and bleeding also require quick care.

If an STI is confirmed, a partner should also receive testing and care to prevent the infection from returning.

How Doctors Diagnose and Treat Green Discharge

How Doctors Diagnose Green Discharge

Doctors begin by asking about symptoms, sexual activity, and any new products you use that might irritate the vagina.
A pelvic exam helps them check the vagina and cervix for inflammation, odor, or unusual discharge.

They may also:

• Test the vaginal pH
• Take a swab sample for lab testing
• Screen for infections when needed

These tests reveal whether the discharge comes from a bacterial imbalance, a sexually transmitted infection, yeast overgrowth, or irritation, helping the doctor choose the right treatment.

Treatment Options Based on the Cause

Treatment depends on what the tests show. Each cause requires a different approach to stop symptoms and prevent complications.

• Bacterial imbalances are treated by restoring healthy vaginal flora.
• Sexually transmitted infections are treated quickly to remove the infection and protect partners.
• Yeast overgrowth is addressed by reducing inflammation and restoring balance.
• Irritation from products or allergies improves once the trigger is removed.

Targeted treatment works faster and prevents the infection or imbalance from returning, which is why seeing a doctor is the safest option.

What You Should NOT Do

Some actions can make green discharge worse or hide the real cause.

• Do not place household products inside the vagina, even if they seem natural or harmless.
• Do not use scented pads, douches, sprays, or wipes, as they disturb the natural balance and increase irritation.
• Do not start random treatments without proper testing, since the wrong approach may hide symptoms.
• Do not ignore symptoms that return after sex or after your period, because repeated episodes often signal a deeper issue that needs medical care.