5 URGENT Reasons Your Vaginal Discharge Might Be Green (And What To Do Today)

The appearance of green vaginal discharge is a significant and immediate indicator that something is amiss with your vaginal health, and it is crucial to understand its meaning. As of December 12, 2025, medical consensus is clear: unlike clear or white discharge, a greenish hue is rarely normal and typically signals an underlying infection that demands prompt medical evaluation and treatment. This color change is often a direct result of your body's inflammatory response to pathogens, and ignoring it can lead to complications and the potential spread of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). This article will break down the most common causes of green discharge, explain the associated symptoms, and provide a clear, actionable guide on what steps you need to take right now to protect your health. Understanding the difference between a normal change and an abnormal symptom is the first step toward effective treatment and maintaining a healthy vaginal microbiome.

The Anatomy of Abnormal Discharge: Why the Color Green Appears

Vaginal discharge is a natural and necessary part of the female reproductive system, serving to clean and protect the vagina from infection. Normal discharge is usually clear, milky white, or slightly yellow and can vary in consistency throughout the menstrual cycle. The color green, however, is a major red flag. The greenish tint in discharge is primarily caused by an inflammatory response. When harmful bacteria, parasites, or other pathogens invade the vaginal area, the body sends white blood cells (immune cells) to fight the infection. The accumulation of these immune cells and the breakdown of the infectious agents can result in the discharge taking on a yellow-green, frothy, or sometimes gray-green color. This change in color is often accompanied by an unpleasant, foul, or fishy odor due to the imbalance in the vaginal pH level.

1. The #1 Cause: Trichomoniasis (Trich)

The single most common cause of green vaginal discharge is the sexually transmitted infection (STI) known as Trichomoniasis, or "Trich." This infection is caused by a tiny, single-celled protozoan parasite called *Trichomonas vaginalis* and is highly prevalent, especially among women of reproductive age. * Discharge Characteristics: The discharge associated with Trich is classically described as yellow-green or gray-green, often with a frothy or bubbly texture. It almost always has a strong, unpleasant, fishy odor. * Accompanying Symptoms: Other tell-tale signs include severe vulvar and vaginal itching, burning, redness, and soreness of the genitals, as well as discomfort when peeing (dysuria). * Treatment Entity: Trichomoniasis is curable with antibiotics, typically a single high dose or a seven-day course of metronidazole or tinidazole. It is crucial for sexual partners to be treated simultaneously to prevent re-infection.

2. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

While Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) most often causes a thin, watery, and grayish-white discharge, it can sometimes present as a more yellowish or light green color, especially when the infection is severe or has been present for a while. BV is not an STI but is caused by an overgrowth of naturally occurring anaerobic bacteria, leading to a disruption of the normal vaginal microbiome (the balance of good and bad bacteria). * Discharge Characteristics: Usually thin, watery, and gray, but can appear light green. It is notorious for a very strong, distinct fishy odor that may be more noticeable after sex. * Accompanying Symptoms: Vaginal itching and burning, though often less severe than with Trichomoniasis. * Treatment Entity: BV is also treated with antibiotics, such as metronidazole (oral or vaginal gel) or clindamycin (cream or ovules).

3. Other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

While Trich is the primary culprit, other common STIs can also lead to an inflammatory response that produces a greenish or yellowish-green discharge. These infections require specific testing and treatment to prevent long-term complications, such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). * Chlamydia: Often called a "silent" infection because it frequently presents without symptoms, Chlamydia can sometimes cause an abnormal discharge that may be yellow or greenish-yellow. * Gonorrhea: Similar to Chlamydia, Gonorrhea can cause a noticeable increase in discharge that may appear thin, watery, and occasionally greenish. * Treatment Entity: Both Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are treated with specific antibiotic regimens, such as azithromycin or ceftriaxone, as determined by a healthcare provider.

4. Forgotten Foreign Object

A less common but important cause of green discharge, especially in cases where the odor is extremely foul, is a forgotten foreign object in the vagina. The most frequent offender is a retained tampon that has been left in place for too long. The material of the tampon becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to a severe infection and a highly abnormal, often greenish-black discharge. * Discharge Characteristics: Typically a very dark, foul-smelling, and sometimes greenish-black discharge. * Accompanying Symptoms: In some cases, a high fever, a feeling of illness, and severe discomfort, which can be signs of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)—a life-threatening emergency. * Actionable Step: Immediate removal of the object is necessary, followed by medical evaluation to check for infection.

5. Cervicitis or Vaginitis

The term Vaginitis refers to the inflammation of the vagina, while Cervicitis is the inflammation of the cervix. Both conditions can result from infections (like the ones mentioned above) or non-infectious causes like allergies (e.g., to soaps, detergents, or douches) or hormonal changes. When the inflammation is severe, the discharge can become purulent (containing pus) and appear green or yellow-green. * Discharge Characteristics: Variable, but can be thick, yellow-green, and accompanied by pain during intercourse. * Accompanying Symptoms: Pain in the lower abdomen, vaginal burning, and irritation. * Treatment Entity: Treatment depends on the underlying cause, which could involve antibiotics, antifungal medications, or simply eliminating the irritating product.

Actionable Steps: What to Do If Your Discharge is Green

A green discharge is a clear signal that you need to schedule a doctor's appointment. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or treat this issue with over-the-counter products, as this can mask the symptoms and delay proper treatment for a serious infection like Trichomoniasis or Chlamydia. Here is your immediate action plan:

1. Book an Appointment Immediately: Contact your primary care physician, gynecologist, or a sexual health clinic today. Green discharge is considered an urgent symptom.
2. Do Not Douche: Douching disrupts the natural vaginal pH and can push the infection further up into the reproductive tract, potentially worsening the condition or causing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).
3. Avoid Intercourse: Refrain from sexual activity until you have been diagnosed and completed your treatment. This prevents the infection from being transmitted to a partner or from being re-acquired.
4. Get Tested for STIs: Your doctor will likely perform a pelvic exam and take a swab of the discharge for laboratory testing to identify the exact pathogen, whether it is the protozoan *Trichomonas vaginalis*, an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria, or other organisms.
5. Ensure Partner Treatment: If you are diagnosed with an STI like Trichomoniasis, your current sexual partner(s) must also be treated, even if they show no symptoms, to prevent the "ping-pong" effect of re-infection.

Maintaining a healthy vaginal microbiome is key to preventing these types of infections. This includes practicing safe sex, avoiding harsh soaps or douching, and wearing breathable cotton underwear. Remember, a green discharge is your body’s way of communicating a serious problem—listen to it and seek professional medical guidance.