Main causes of greenish discharge and what to do

Greenish or yellow-green discharge that is accompanied by unpleasant smell, itching and a burning sensation during sexual intercourse can be a sign of Trichonomiasis. This is an infection caused by a parasite or vulvovaginitis, which results in an inflammation that appears at the same time in the vulva and vagina.

In most cases, the greenish discharge is always accompanied by other symptoms and it is advisable to consult a gynaecologist as soon as possible, so that a diagnosis can be made from the symptoms and the most appropriate treatment prescribed.

Main causes of greenish discharge

1. Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a vaginal infection that is caused by the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis. Apart from causing a greenish discharge, it can also result to pain during sexual intercourse, unpleasant smell, irritation and genital itching, pain when urinating as well increased urinary frequency.

What to do: Trichomoniasis is treated using antibiotics such as Metronidazole or Tinidazole, which are taken 2 times a day for 5 to 7 days of treatment or according to the prescription of a gynaecologist.

2. Vulvovaginitis

Vulvovaginitis is an inflammation that occurs in the vulva and the vagina at the same time. It is usually a combination of vulvitis (inflammation in the vulva) and a vaginitis (inflammation of the lining of the vagina). Apart from causing a greenish discharge, it also causes irritation itching, redness and genital inflammation, unpleasant smell, discomfort and a burning sensation when urinating.

Vulvovaginitis is due to several causes that can either bacterial, fungal, viral or it can be caused by other parasites or chemicals that are found in foams, soaps or perfumes.

What to do: Treatment of vulvovaginitis is done using antibiotics, antifungals or antihistamines depending on the specific type and the cause of infection. For examples if the vulvovaginitis is caused by an allergic reaction to a particular product, the gynaecologist may prescribe use of antihistamines. However, in case it has been caused by a infection, it is recommended to use antibiotics or antifungals.

3. Bacterial vaginosis

Although this is not the main cause of greenish discharge, in some cases it may be as a result of an infection by Gardnerella vaginalis, which is the bacterium responsible for causing vaginsosis. However, it commonly causes white discharge instead of green. Apart from discharge, vaginosis is characterized by the presence of small blisters in the vagina as well as an unpleasant odour, that is similar to the smell of rotten fish, that usually gets stronger when having unprotected sexual intercourse.

What to do: For bacterial vaginosis, treatment is usually prescribed by the gynaecologist, and the use of antibiotics such as Metronidazole is recommended. It can either be in the form of vaginal cream or tablets.

Home Treatment for Greenish Discharge

As you take treatment that has been prescribed by the gynaecologist, there are also some home remedies that can help to eliminate the greenish discharge.

• Wash the genital region 2 to 3 times with running water without using any soap.
• Make seat baths with warm water or with Guava Tea, to help relieve itching in the genital region. 
• Avoid wearing synthetic or tight underwear and wear cotton instead

Any changes noted in the vaginal discharge can be the body’s way to indicate that there is a problem. Therefore, it is recommended to seek help from a gynaecologist as soon as possible.