Green discharge is a color you should never ignore. Unlike white or light yellow discharge—which are often completely normal—green or yellowish-green vaginal discharge is almost always a sign that something is wrong. It usually indicates an infection, which requires attention and often treatment. In this blog, we explain the possible causes of green discharge, when you should see a doctor immediately, and how to protect your vaginal health.
Is green discharge ever normal?
Short answer: no, rarely. Normal vaginal discharge is clear, whitish, or light yellow. Green discharge—especially if it's a bright, dark, or foamy green color—falls outside the normal spectrum and is almost always a sign of an infection or inflammation. The darker or brighter green the discharge, the higher the chance of an underlying infection.
There is one exception: yellowish-green discharge that is only visible as a small stain in your underwear after it has dried, without any other symptoms, can sometimes simply be dried normal discharge that has changed color slightly due to oxidation. But when in doubt, always have it checked.
5 causes of green discharge
1. Trichomonas (trichomoniasis)
Trichomonas vaginalis is a parasitic infection transmitted through sexual contact and is one of the most common causes of green vaginal discharge. The discharge with trichomonas is characteristic: yellowish-green, foamy or bubbly in consistency, and has a strong, unpleasant odor. It is almost always accompanied by severe itching and irritation around the vagina and vulva, and sometimes pain during urination.
Trichomonas is treatable with antibiotics (metronidazole), but it is important that sexual partner(s) also be treated to prevent re-infection. See your GP or an STI clinic for a test.
2. Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a bacterial STI caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. In women, gonorrhea often occurs without symptoms, but when symptoms are present, they can include yellowish-green or purulent discharge, pain during urination, and sometimes bleeding outside of menstruation. Untreated gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and, in the long term, infertility. Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics, but the bacterium is becoming increasingly resistant—early treatment is therefore essential.
3. Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed STI in the Netherlands, and in most cases, it is completely asymptomatic in women. When symptoms do occur, they can include yellowish-green or yellow discharge, pain during urination, and a burning sensation. Chlamydia is treatable with antibiotics, but if left untreated, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and fertility problems. Get tested regularly if you have multiple partners—even without symptoms.
4. Bacterial vaginosis with secondary infection
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) itself usually causes grayish or light yellow discharge with a fishy odor. However, if BV remains untreated and a secondary bacterial infection develops, the discharge can take on a greener tint. This is a sign that the infection has worsened and medical treatment is needed. Read more in our blog on bacterial vaginosis: causes, symptoms, and treatment.
5. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. PID often develops when an STI such as chlamydia or gonorrhea remains untreated and spreads to the upper reproductive organs. Symptoms include yellowish-green or purulent discharge, severe abdominal pain, fever, pain during intercourse, and sometimes irregular bleeding. Pelvic inflammatory disease is a serious condition that requires prompt medical treatment—if left untreated, it can lead to chronic pain and infertility.
Green discharge and abdominal pain: see a doctor immediately
The combination of green discharge and abdominal pain is a clear warning sign. This could indicate pelvic inflammatory disease, an advanced STI, or another serious infection of the reproductive organs. In this case, do not wait—make an appointment with your GP immediately or go to an STI clinic. If the abdominal pain is severe or accompanied by fever, go to the emergency room.
When should you see a doctor for green discharge?
With green discharge, the threshold for a doctor's visit is lower than with other colors. Use the table below as a guide:
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Situation
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Action
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Green or yellowish-green discharge, no other symptoms
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Consult a GP—green discharge is rarely normal
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Green discharge + unpleasant odor
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Consult a GP (possible trichomonas or BV)
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Green discharge + itching or burning
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Consult a GP
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Green discharge + abdominal pain or cramps
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Consult a GP immediately (possible PID)
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Green discharge + painful urination
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Consult a GP (possible STI)
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Green discharge + fever
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Call emergency services or GP immediately
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Green discharge + bleeding outside menstruation
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Consult a GP
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Green discharge during pregnancy
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Call midwife or GP immediately
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Don't be ashamed to see a doctor for vaginal complaints. STIs and vaginal infections are very common, treatable, and only get worse if you wait.
How is green discharge treated?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia are treated with antibiotics prescribed by a GP or STI clinic after a test. For pelvic inflammatory disease, an antibiotic course is necessary, and in severe cases, hospital admission may be required.
Important: do not stop treatment prematurely, even if symptoms disappear. And make sure your sexual partner(s) are also tested and treated to prevent reinfection.
How do you protect your vaginal health?
You can reduce the risk of infections by taking a few simple measures. Use condoms for sex with multiple partners, avoid perfumed products around the vagina that can disrupt vaginal flora, and wear breathable underwear made from natural materials. Synthetic fabrics retain heat and moisture, creating a favorable environment for bacteria and yeasts.
For daily management of discharge, washable pantyliners from LottePads are a better choice than disposable pantyliners. Disposable pantyliners often contain perfumes and synthetic materials that can disrupt the vaginal pH. Washable pantyliners made of 100% cotton are breathable, contain no chemicals, and support a healthy vaginal flora.
Green discharge vs. other colours: quick overview
Green discharge is at the end of the colour spectrum – it is almost always a sign that action is needed. For comparison:
•Clear or whitish — normal, healthy vaginal flora
•Light yellow — often normal, sometimes hormonal
•Dark yellow or yellow-green — possible infection or STI. Read more: Yellow Discharge: Causes, Meaning, and When to See a Doctor
•Green or yellowish-green + odor + itching — almost always an infection, see a doctor immediately
•Brown — old blood, often around menstruation. Read more: Brown Discharge: 9 Causes + When to See a Doctor
•Light pink — fresh blood mixed with mucus. Read more: Light Pink Discharge: 7 Causes + When Action is Needed
•White, lumpy + itching — possibly a yeast infection. Read more: White Discharge: When Is It Normal and When Is It Not?
Conclusion
Green discharge is a color that should be taken seriously. Unlike white or pale yellow discharge, green or yellowish-green discharge is almost never normal and in most cases indicates an infection — such as trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, or pelvic inflammatory disease. The sooner an infection is treated, the lower the chance of complications. Therefore, always see a doctor or an STD clinic if you have green discharge, especially if it is accompanied by abdominal pain, odor, itching, or fever.
For daily discharge management, LottePads' washable pantyliners are a skin-friendly and sustainable choice — without the chemicals that can disrupt your vaginal flora.
Frequently asked questions about green discharge
Is green discharge always a sign of infection?
Almost always. Green or yellowish-green discharge falls outside the normal spectrum of vaginal discharge and in most cases indicates an infection such as trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, or a bacterial infection. Always have it checked by a doctor.
What is the difference between yellowish-green and green discharge?
Yellowish-green discharge is in the borderline between yellow and green and can sometimes indicate a less serious infection such as bacterial vaginosis. Clear green or dark green discharge is a stronger sign of an infection, particularly trichomoniasis or gonorrhea.
Can green discharge go away on its own?
No. Infections that cause green discharge do not go away on their own and require medical treatment. Waiting increases the risk of complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease or fertility problems.
How soon should I see a doctor if I have green discharge?
As soon as possible — preferably within a few days. If there is also abdominal pain, fever, or severe pain, go directly to the doctor or emergency room.
Can I treat green discharge myself?
No. The infections that cause green discharge — such as trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia — require prescription antibiotics. Self-treatment is ineffective and can worsen the situation.
