Greenish discharge: what it can be (and how to treat it)

Greenish discharge is usually a symptom of a yeast infection. Trichomonas vaginalis, a parasite that can be transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse. In these cases, the green discharge is also accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, unpleasant smell and burning in the intimate area.

Green discharge can also be a sign of other vaginal problems, such as vulvovaginitis, which is an inflammation that can be caused by changes in the vaginal microbiota, use of intimate soaps or perfumes, for example.

In the presence of greenish discharge, it is always important to consult a gynecologist to identify the cause and begin the most appropriate treatment.

What could be the greenish discharge

Greenish discharge can be a symptom of some situations, the main ones being:

1. Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a vaginal infection caused by the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis which, in addition to causing green discharge, can also cause pain during sexual intercourse, an unpleasant smell, irritation and itching in the genital region, pain when urinating and increased urinary frequency. See how to identify the symptoms of trichomoniasis.

How to deal with: Trichomoniasis is generally treated with the use of antibiotic medicines such as metronidazole or tinidazole, which must be taken twice a day for 5 to 7 days of treatment, or according to the gynecologist’s recommendation.

2. Vulvovaginitis

Vulvovaginitis is an inflammation that occurs in the vulva and vagina at the same time, being the combination of vulvitis (inflammation in the vulva) and vaginitis (inflammation of the lining of the vagina). This inflammation, in addition to the greenish discharge, also causes irritation, itching, genital redness and inflammation, an unpleasant smell, discomfort or a burning sensation when urinating.

Vulvovaginitis can be caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, or other parasites, or by allergies to chemical substances found in soaps or perfumes, for example.

How to deal with: Most of the time, vulvovaginitis can be treated using antibiotics, antifungals or antihistamines, depending on the type and cause of the infection. For example, if vulvovaginitis is caused by an allergy to a product, the gynecologist may recommend the use of antihistamines. However, if it arises due to an infection, the use of antibiotics or antifungals may be recommended. Learn more about treatment for vulvovaginitis.

3. Bacterial vaginosis

Although it is not the main cause of greenish discharge, in some cases it is possible that infection by Gardnerella vaginaliswhich is the bacteria responsible for causing vaginosis, also leads to the appearance of this type of discharge.

In addition to discharge, bacterial vaginosis can be characterized by the presence of small bubbles in the vagina and an unpleasant odor, similar to the smell of spoiled fish, which becomes stronger after unprotected sexual intercourse.

How to deal with: In the case of bacterial vaginosis, the treatment recommended by the gynecologist may be with antibiotics, and the use of metronidazole in tablet form or in the form of a vaginal cream is normally recommended. See what the treatment for bacterial vaginosis should be like.

Home Treatment Options

To complete the treatment recommended by the gynecologist, there are some hygiene measures and home remedies that can help when there is greenish discharge, such as:

Any change in vaginal discharge can be the body’s way of warning that there is a problem, and is therefore a warning to see a gynecologist as soon as possible. Know what each color of vaginal discharge means.