What does it mean if a woman's vaginal discharge is yellowish-green?

Generally, yellowish-green vaginal discharge in women may be caused by dietary factors, poor hygiene habits, trichomonas vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis, cervicitis, or other conditions. If symptoms persist or worsen, timely medical consultation and treatment are recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Dietary Influence

Consuming large amounts of food containing natural or artificial yellow pigments may cause pigments to enter the vaginal discharge through metabolism, temporarily causing a yellowish-green change in the discharge. This is a normal physiological phenomenon that typically resolves after adjusting the diet.

2. Poor Hygiene Habits

If women neglect genital hygiene, such as not changing underwear regularly or not cleaning the external genitalia, dirt, urine, sweat, and other substances may accumulate, promoting bacterial growth. Bacterial breakdown of secretions can cause them to turn yellowish-green. It is important to maintain good hygiene habits, washing the external genitalia daily with warm water, changing underwear frequently, and keeping the area clean and dry.

3. Trichomonas Vaginitis

Trichomonas vaginitis is mainly caused by infection with Trichomonas vaginalis. The parasite grows and reproduces in the vagina, consuming glycogen, hindering lactic acid production, altering vaginal pH, and causing inflammation. Inflammatory irritation leads to congestion and exudation of the vaginal mucosa, resulting in yellowish-green frothy discharge. It may also be accompanied by symptoms such as itching, pain, and dyspareunia. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as metronidazole tablets, tinidazole tablets, or dual-zolatum suppositories. Sexual partners should also receive treatment simultaneously.

4. Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is primarily caused by mixed infection with Gardnerella vaginalis and anaerobic bacteria. This condition damages the vaginal mucosa, alters the nature of vaginal discharge, producing large amounts of yellowish-green discharge, often accompanied by a fishy odor. Symptoms such as itching and a burning sensation may also occur. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as metronidazole vaginal gel, clindamycin phosphate vaginal gel, or lactobacillus vaginal capsules to relieve symptoms.

5. Cervicitis

Cervicitis is often caused by pathogenic infection of the cervix, with common pathogens including Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis. In an inflamed state, cervical gland secretion increases and contains inflammatory cells, pathogens, and necrotic tissue, causing the discharge to appear yellowish-green. Symptoms such as postcoital bleeding and a burning sensation may also occur. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as azithromycin tablets, doxycycline hydrochloride tablets, or minocycline hydrochloride capsules for treatment.

Daily recommendations include keeping the external genital area clean and dry, avoiding excessive vaginal douching, and preventing disruption of the normal vaginal flora balance.