Green discharge is a colour you should never simply ignore. Unlike white or pale yellow discharge — which are often completely normal — green or yellow-green vaginal discharge is almost always a sign that something isn't right. In most cases it points to an infection that needs attention and often treatment. In this blog we explain the possible causes of green discharge, when to see a doctor right away and how to protect your vaginal health.
Is green discharge ever normal?
Short answer: rarely. Normal vaginal discharge is clear, whitish or pale yellow. Green discharge — especially bright, dark or frothy green — falls outside the normal range and is almost always a signal of an infection or inflammation. The darker or brighter the green, the more likely an infection is behind it.
There is one exception: yellow-green discharge that only shows as a small mark in your underwear after drying, without any other complaints, can sometimes simply be dried normal discharge that has changed colour slightly. But when in doubt, always get it checked.
5 causes of green discharge
1. Trichomoniasis
Trichomonas vaginalis is a parasitic infection transmitted through sexual contact and one of the most common causes of green vaginal discharge. The discharge is typically yellow-green, frothy or bubbly, with a strong, unpleasant smell. It often comes with intense itching and irritation around the vagina and vulva, and sometimes pain when urinating.
Trichomoniasis is easily treated with antibiotics (metronidazole), but it's important that your sexual partner(s) are treated too to prevent reinfection. See your GP or a sexual health clinic for a test.
2. Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is a bacterial STI caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. In women it often causes no symptoms, but when it does they can include yellow-green or pus-like discharge, pain when urinating and sometimes bleeding outside your period. Untreated gonorrhoea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and, in the long term, infertility. It is treated with antibiotics, but the bacterium is becoming increasingly resistant — so early treatment is essential.
3. Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most frequently diagnosed STI in the Netherlands and in women usually causes no symptoms at all. When it does, they can include yellow-green or yellow discharge, pain when urinating and a burning feeling. Chlamydia is easily treated with antibiotics, but untreated it can lead to PID and fertility problems. Get tested regularly if you have changing partners — even without symptoms.
4. Bacterial vaginosis with a secondary infection
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) on its own usually causes greyish or pale yellow discharge with a fishy smell. But if BV goes untreated and a secondary bacterial infection develops, the discharge can take on a greener tint. That's a sign the infection has got worse and medical treatment is needed. Read more in our blog on bacterial vaginosis: causes, symptoms and treatment.
5. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
PID is an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries. It often develops when an STI such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea goes untreated and spreads upwards. Symptoms include yellow-green or pus-like discharge, severe abdominal pain, fever, pain during sex and sometimes irregular bleeding. PID is serious and needs prompt medical treatment — untreated it can lead to chronic pain and infertility.
Green discharge and abdominal pain: see a doctor straight away
Green discharge combined with abdominal pain is a clear warning sign. It can point to PID, an advanced STI or another serious infection of the reproductive organs. Don't wait — make an appointment with your GP or a sexual health clinic right away. If the pain is severe or comes with fever, go to the emergency department.
When should you see a doctor about green discharge?
With green discharge the threshold for seeing a doctor is lower than with other colours. Use this table as a guide:
| Situation | Action |
|---|---|
| Green or yellow-green discharge, no other complaints | See your GP — green discharge is rarely normal |
| Green discharge + unpleasant smell | See your GP (possible trichomoniasis or BV) |
| Green discharge + itching or burning | See your GP |
| Green discharge + abdominal pain or cramps | See your GP right away (possible PID) |
| Green discharge + pain when urinating | See your GP (possible STI) |
| Green discharge + fever | Emergency department or call your GP right away |
| Green discharge + bleeding outside your period | See your GP |
| Green discharge during pregnancy | Call your midwife or GP right away |
Don't be embarrassed to see a doctor about vaginal complaints. STIs and vaginal infections are very common, easily treated and only get worse if you wait.
How is green discharge treated?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Trichomoniasis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia are treated with antibiotics, prescribed by your GP or sexual health clinic after a test. PID requires a course of antibiotics, and in severe cases hospital admission may be needed.
Important: don't stop treatment early, even if the symptoms disappear. And make sure your sexual partner(s) are tested and treated too, so you don't get reinfected.
How do you protect your vaginal health?
You can reduce the risk of infections with a few simple measures. Use condoms with changing partners, avoid perfumed products around the vagina that can disturb the vaginal flora, and wear breathable underwear made of natural materials. Synthetic fabrics hold warmth and moisture, which creates a favourable environment for bacteria and yeasts.
For catching discharge every day, LottePads washable panty liners are a better choice than disposables. Disposable panty liners often contain perfumes and synthetic materials that can upset the vaginal pH. Washable panty liners with a cotton top layer are breathable, contain no chemicals and support healthy vaginal flora.
Green discharge vs. other colours: quick overview
Green discharge sits at the end of the colour spectrum — it almost always means action is needed. For comparison:
- Clear or whitish — normal, healthy vaginal flora
- Pale 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 yellow-green + smell + itching — almost always an infection, see a doctor straight away
- Brown — old blood, often around your period. 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 to Take Action
- White, lumpy + itching — possible yeast infection. Read more: White Discharge: When Is It Normal and When Not?
Conclusion
Green discharge is a colour to take seriously. Unlike white or pale yellow discharge, green or yellow-green discharge is almost never normal and in most cases points to an infection — such as trichomoniasis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia or PID. The sooner you get an infection treated, the lower the risk of complications. So with green discharge, always see your GP or a sexual health clinic, especially if there's also abdominal pain, a smell, itching or fever.
For catching discharge every day, LottePads washable panty liners are a skin-friendly and sustainable choice — without the chemicals that can disturb your vaginal flora.
Frequently asked questions about green discharge
Is green discharge always a sign of infection?
Almost always. Green or yellow-green discharge falls outside the normal range of vaginal discharge and in most cases points to an infection such as trichomoniasis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia or a bacterial infection. Always have it checked by a doctor.
What is the difference between yellow-green and green discharge?
Yellow-green discharge sits between yellow and green and can sometimes point to a less serious infection such as bacterial vaginosis. Bright or dark green discharge is a stronger signal of infection, particularly trichomoniasis or gonorrhoea.
Can green discharge go away by itself?
No. Infections that cause green discharge don't go away by themselves and need medical treatment. Waiting increases the risk of complications such as PID or fertility problems.
How soon should I see a doctor about green discharge?
As soon as possible — preferably within a few days. If there's also abdominal pain, fever or severe pain, go to your GP or the emergency department straight away.
Can I treat green discharge myself?
No. The infections that cause green discharge — such as trichomoniasis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia — require prescription antibiotics. Self-treatment doesn't work and can make things worse.
