Does Green Vaginal Discharge Mean an STD? Causes Explained

Vaginal discharge is an important health indicator for every woman. While fluctuations in consistency and volume are expected throughout the menstrual cycle, a distinct change in colour, specifically green vaginal discharge, is a clinically significant sign.

Unlike other variations, a green vaginal discharge is rarely physiological. It almost always points to an underlying infection, bacterial imbalance, or inflammatory response that requires medical intervention. Understanding the specific causes behind this symptom is the first step toward effective treatment and recovery.

So, here’s a guide to help you understand the medical reasons behind green discharge, the difference between STIs and non-sexual causes, and the necessary steps for treatment.

Need a medical opinion? If you have noticed this symptom and need a diagnosis, consult with an experienced gynaecologist for a private, professional assessment.

Is Green Vaginal Discharge Normal?

The short answer is no.

Healthy vaginal discharge typically ranges from clear to milky white or pale yellow, depending on your hydration levels and the phase of your menstrual cycle. Green vaginal discharge falls outside this healthy spectrum.

Biologically, the green colouration is usually caused by the presence of a large number of white blood cells (neutrophils) and inflammatory enzymes. This is the body's immune response to an invading pathogen, such as bacteria or a parasite. 

Therefore, green discharge is classified as a symptom of an active infection rather than a normal bodily function, and it requires a medical check-up to identify the specific pathogen responsible.

What are the Main Causes of Green Discharge?

While the colour green is startling, the causes are well-known to doctors. Here are the three most common causes of green discharge:

1. Trichomoniasis (The Most Common Cause)

Trichomoniasis (often called "Trich") is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a tiny parasite. It is responsible for the majority of cases involving green discharge.

• What it looks like: The discharge is often frothy (bubbly), yellow-green, and thin.

• Other symptoms: It usually comes with a strong, unpleasant "fishy" smell, itching around the vagina, and pain while urinating.

• How you get it: It is transmitted through sexual contact.

2. Gonorrhea or Chlamydia

These are bacterial STIs. While they often show no symptoms at all (which is why they are tricky), when they do show symptoms, they can cause discharge to change colour.

• What it looks like: The discharge may be more cloudy, thick, and yellow-green.

• Other symptoms: Pelvic pain, bleeding between periods, or pain during sex.

3. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

Bacterial Vaginosis isn't technically an STD; it is an imbalance of your natural vaginal bacteria.

• What it looks like: Usually, BV causes grey or white discharge, but in some severe cases, it can appear as a greenish white discharge.

• The Smell: The hallmark of BV is a strong fishy odour that gets worse after sex or periods.

What If I Have Light Green Discharge Without Odor or Itching?

This is a very common question we get: "I have light green discharge without odour or itching, so surely it can't be an infection, right?"

The quick response to this is: Yes, it can still be an infection.

While infections like Trichomoniasis usually smell bad and itch, they don't always follow the rules. In the early stages of an infection, or depending on your unique body chemistry, you might experience the colour change without the other uncomfortable symptoms.

• Gonorrhea, in particular, can cause a change in discharge colour without causing immediate itching or a strong smell.

• Foreign Objects: Sometimes, a forgotten tampon or a piece of a condom stuck inside the vagina can cause the body to produce green mucus as a reaction. This might not itch immediately, but it can lead to a serious infection like Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).

Do not ignore the colour just because you aren't itching. Green is a "go to the doctor" signal, regardless of how you feel.

Green Discharge Pregnancy: Is It Dangerous?

Pregnancy brings a lot of changes to vaginal discharge (leukorrhea), usually making it heavier and milkier. However, noticing green discharge pregnancy symptoms is a matter of concern.

If you are pregnant and see green fluid,  here is what you need to know:

1. It Could Be an Infection (Trichomoniasis or BV). While common, infections like Trichomoniasis or Bacterial Vaginosis are not harmless during pregnancy

2. The Risk: Unlike some minor issues, these infections can cross the amniotic membrane and infect the baby.

3. The Consequence: If left untreated, the inflammation can trigger the uterus to contract, leading to preterm labour (going into labour too early) or low birth weight.

4. It Could Be Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM). Greenish fluid isn't always infection-related; it could be amniotic fluid.

5. The Danger: If your water breaks early and the fluid is green, it might indicate meconium staining (meaning the baby has passed stool inside the womb). This is a sign of fetal distress.

Do not wait. Because both infection and membrane rupture pose serious risks to the baby, this requires urgent medical care. Consult a gynaecologist immediately to rule out PROM or prescribe pregnancy-safe antibiotics to clear the infection before it affects the pregnancy.

Can You Have Green Discharge Without Having Sex?

This is a huge source of anxiety for young women who are not sexually active or who haven't had sex in a long time. Can I get a green discharge if I am a virgin?

While rare, it is possible.

• Severe BV: As mentioned, bacterial imbalances can happen without sex. Factors like douching, scented soaps, or sitting in damp clothes can trigger BV, which might look greenish-white.

• Hygiene Issues: Incorrect wiping (back to front) can transfer bacteria from the anus to the vagina, leading to infections that change discharge colour.

• Rare Infections: Certain rare bacterial infections unrelated to sex can cause purulent (pus-like) discharge, which looks green.

However, if you are sexually active, an STI is the most probable cause, and you should prioritise getting tested.

How is Green Vaginal Discharge Treated?

Green vaginal discharge is very easy to treat once we know the cause.

1. Diagnosis: A doctor will take a simple swab of the discharge.

2. Medication:

   • For Trichomoniasis: You will be given a specific antibiotic (usually Metronidazole or Tinidazole). Your partner must be treated as well, or you will just pass the infection back and forth.

   • For Gonorrhea/Chlamydia: A course of antibiotics is prescribed.

   • For BV: Probiotics and antibiotics help restore the balance.

Do not try to "scrub" the infection away. Douching or using Dettol/Savlon in the vaginal area will kill the good bacteria and make the green discharge worse.

When to See a Gynaecologist?

You should book an appointment immediately if you see green discharge. It is not a symptom that you can "wait and watch." Specifically, see a doctor if:

• The discharge is green, yellow-green, or greyish-green.

• You have light green discharge without odour or itching that persists for more than 2 days.

• You have pelvic pain or fever.

• You are pregnant.

• You have had unprotected sex recently.

Your health is worth the 15-minute checkup. Ignoring it can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which can affect your fertility in the future.

Need a diagnosis without the awkwardness? Book a call with our Pinky Promise expert here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can green discharge go away on its own?

No. If the cause is an infection like Trichomoniasis or Gonorrhea, it will not cure itself. The bacteria or parasites will remain in your body until treated with antibiotics. Waiting can lead to more serious complications like infertility.

Q: Is green discharge a sign of miscarriage?

Generally, no. Miscarriage usually involves bright red bleeding, clotting, and cramping. Green discharge is a sign of infection. However, a severe, untreated infection can lead to pregnancy complications, so it should be treated fast.

Q: Can I use over-the-counter (OTC) creams for green discharge?

No. Most OTC creams sold in pharmacies are antifungal medications designed for yeast infections (thrush). Since green vaginal discharge is caused by bacteria or parasites (like Trichomoniasis), antifungal creams will not work. Using the wrong medication can delay proper treatment and may even irritate the infected tissue further. You need specific antibiotics prescribed by a doctor.

Q: Does green discharge affect my future fertility?

If treated promptly, it usually has no long-term effect on fertility. However, if infections like Gonorrhea or Chlamydia are left untreated for a long time, the bacteria can travel up into the uterus and fallopian tubes, causing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). PID can cause scarring that makes it difficult to get pregnant later. This is why early testing is important.

Q: Should I stop my medication if my period starts?

No. You should continue taking your prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed, even if you are menstruating. Stopping the course early or pausing it can cause the infection to return, often stronger than before (antibiotic resistance). Use pads instead of tampons during this time to avoid further irritation.