What Causes Green Vaginal Discharge?
Nov 10, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yan Ying
Introduction
1. Cervicitis: Greenish vaginal discharge is the most common symptom of cervicitis; other associated symptoms include increased vaginal discharge, purulent discharge, or blood-tinged discharge.
2. Endometritis: Women who have recently given birth or undergone abortion are particularly susceptible to this infection, which may cause greenish vaginal discharge.
3. Trichomoniasis (trichomonal vaginitis): A hallmark symptom is frothy vaginal discharge with a foul odor, often yellow or green in color.
Vaginal discharge (leukorrhea) is composed of secretions from the cervix and uterine body, as well as transudate from the vaginal mucosa. Under normal circumstances, it should be milky white or colorless and transparent. However, due to various factors, many women experience abnormal vaginal discharge—such as greenish discharge. What causes greenish discharge? Below, we outline the primary reasons.
Causes of Greenish Vaginal Discharge
1. Cervicitis
Greenish discharge is the most common symptom of cervicitis. Additional symptoms include increased volume of discharge, purulent (pus-like) or blood-tinged discharge. Inflammation-induced secretions often irritate the external genitalia, causing pruritus (itching). Some patients may also experience low back pain and a sensation of heaviness or dull pain in the lower abdomen.
2. Endometritis
Endometritis is another potential cause of greenish discharge. It commonly occurs in women following childbirth or abortion—populations particularly susceptible to infection. This condition represents a severe inflammatory process; affected individuals often present with greenish discharge, which may become foul-smelling in advanced cases. Blood-tinged discharge may also occur.
3. Trichomoniasis Vaginitis
Trichomoniasis disrupts the normal acidic pH environment of the vagina. Most affected women exhibit a vaginal pH greater than 6. Classic symptoms include frothy, malodorous discharge that appears yellow or green. Additional manifestations may include pruritus of the external genitalia, urinary tract infections, and, in some cases, infertility.
4. Candida Vaginitis
Candida vaginitis—commonly referred to as “yeast” or “fungal” vaginitis—is also associated with greenish discharge. Other hallmark symptoms include curd-like (cheese-like) discharge, yellowish discharge, pruritus of the vulva, dyspareunia (painful intercourse), urinary frequency, and urgency.
The above outlines the main causes of greenish vaginal discharge. We hope this information proves helpful.
