Why Is My Discharge Greenish?

Noticing strange changes in your vaginal discharge can be worrying, especially if you spot an unusual color like green. While it’s easy to jump to conclusions, there are various reasons why this could be happening. Let's break it down.

What is vaginal discharge?

Vaginal discharge is a natural part of your body's process to keep the vagina clean and healthy. Discharge is made up of fluid and cells shed from the vaginal lining, helping to clear away old cells and prevent infections. Vaginal discharge changes in color, consistency, and volume based on factors like your menstrual cycle, age, and hormonal changes.

Healthy vs abnormal vaginal discharge

Normal vaginal discharge typically ranges from clear to white or light yellow. The texture can also change depending on where you are in your cycle — it might be thin and watery at one point and thicker or more mucus-like at another. Slight variations in odor are normal, but a strong, fishy, or foul odor often points to something off.

However, when your discharge takes on unusual characteristics (like a greenish hue) it’s often a sign that something needs attention. Green discharge isn’t typical and is usually a sign of infection that may need treatment.

Why is my discharge greenish?

Green discharge can be alarming, but it's often linked to a specific cause. Here are the most common reasons why your discharge may be greenish:

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. One of the main symptoms of this infection is green or yellowish frothy vaginal discharge, often accompanied by an unpleasant odor. Other signs may include: 

• Itching
• Burning
• Discomfort when you pee or have sex.

Trichomoniasis is typically treated with prescription antibiotics, such as metronidazole or tinidazole. Both partners should be treated to prevent reinfection, even if only one is experiencing symptoms.

Bacterial vaginosis 

While bacterial vaginosis (BV) more commonly causes white or gray vaginal discharge, some women may notice a greenish tint. Bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal infection that occurs when there’s an imbalance in the bacteria that naturally live in the vagina, allowing harmful bacteria to overgrow. This imbalance may lead to a fishy smell along with changes in vaginal discharge. Bacterial vaginosis is often treated with oral or topical antibiotics.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea, another sexually transmitted infection, can also cause greenish or yellow discharge, along with pelvic pain, bleeding between periods, and a burning sensation when you pee. Many women may not experience symptoms at all, which is why regular STI testing is important.

Gonorrhea is also treated with antibiotics. Like trichomoniasis, both partners need to be treated to avoid passing the infection back and forth.

Pelvic inflammatory disease 

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a complication of untreated STIs like gonorrhea or chlamydia. It can cause green discharge along with more severe symptoms such as pelvic pain, fever, and heavy or irregular periods. PID requires immediate medical attention, as it can lead to long-term health issues like infertility if left untreated. 

Antibiotics are the standard treatment for PID, but early intervention is key to preventing further complications.

Foreign objects

It might sound odd, but sometimes a forgotten tampon or contraceptive device left in the vagina can cause infection, leading to a green discharge. In these cases, the discharge is usually accompanied by a strong, unpleasant odor and discomfort.

If you suspect a foreign object is the cause, remove it (if safe) and see a doctor. You may need antibiotics if an infection has developed.

Does green discharge always mean I have an STI?

Green discharge doesn’t always mean you have an STI, but it can be a sign of one. However, not all greenish discharge is due to an STI.

Sometimes, BV or other non-sexually transmitted infections can cause discharge that looks pale green or gray, particularly when the vaginal pH is disrupted. In rare cases, cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix) or certain bacterial infections can also lead to greenish discharge.

If you notice green vaginal discharge — especially if it's accompanied by itching, odor, or burning — it’s a sign of infection and should be checked by a healthcare provider. Testing is the only way to know for sure what’s causing it, whether it’s an STI, BV, or something else. Prompt treatment can help prevent complications and relieve symptoms.

Should I get tested if I notice green vaginal discharge?

Yes, you should get tested if you have green vaginal discharge, especially (but not limited to) if you’re experiencing any itching, burning, odor, or any sort of discomfort. It can sometimes be a sign of a bacterial infection like trichomoniasis, BV, or PID. 

The sooner you get tested after noticing symptoms, the better. This helps prevent any complications and keeps you from spreading an infection. You can talk to your healthcare provider about getting a vaginal swab and a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) to check for Trichomonas vaginalis and bacteria related to BV.

You have options for testing: you can visit a doctor, OB-GYN, or a sexual health clinic, or you might prefer the convenience of at-home tests like Evvy, which look for various microbes connected to green vaginal discharge. The key is early testing, which leads to quicker diagnoses and treatment, so you can start feeling better and take care of your reproductive health. 

When to see a healthcare provider

If you notice green discharge, it's your body's way of signaling that something isn’t quite right. The good news is that most causes are treatable with the right care. Whether it’s an infection like trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, or something as simple as a forgotten tampon, a quick visit to your healthcare provider can help diagnose and resolve the issue. As tempting as it might be, it's best not to self-diagnose.

While green discharge usually points to an infection or imbalance, it’s also important to pay attention to other unusual symptoms. You should make an appointment with your healthcare provider if you notice any of the following sudden changes:

• A fishy or foul odor
• Itching, burning, or swelling in or around the vagina
• Discomfort or pain when you pee or have sex
• Vaginal bleeding
• Abdominal or pelvic pain
• Fever or chills. 

FAQ

What causes light green discharge? 

If you notice a light green discharge, it could be a sign of an infection or imbalance in your vaginal environment. One common cause is trichomoniasis, which is a sexually transmitted infection that can lead to frothy, green vaginal discharge along with itching or burning. Another possibility is BV, where an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina may produce a green-tinged discharge, usually accompanied by a fishy odor. Gonorrhea, another sexually transmitted infection, can also cause light green discharge, though it’s often accompanied by other symptoms like pelvic pain. Additionally, foreign objects, such as a forgotten tampon, can lead to infection, resulting in greenish discharge. It’s important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like itching, odor, or discomfort.

Does green discharge mean you are pregnant?

Green vaginal discharge isn't a typical sign of pregnancy. It's more likely to be linked with a bacterial infection like trichomoniasis or BV. If you're concerned about pregnancy and notice green discharge, it's important to see a healthcare provider. They can help figure out if there's an infection that needs treatment and confirm whether you're pregnant. Healthy discharge during pregnancy is usually white or clear. You may also notice more discharge, especially at the start and end of your pregnancy.

Is green discharge normal before your period? 

Green vaginal discharge isn't considered normal before your period. Healthy vaginal discharge before a period is usually white, clear, or it can be pink or brown due to the presence of blood. If your vaginal discharge appears green, it often signals an underlying issue, such as a bacterial infection like BV, trichomoniasis, or an STI. These conditions may cause a greenish tint along with other symptoms like itching, an unusual odor, or discomfort.

Can poor hygiene cause green discharge?

Green discharge is most often linked to infections like trichomoniasis or BV, not directly to hygiene habits. However, practicing good hygiene, like changing underwear daily and changing your tampon or menstrual cup within the recommended time frame, helps maintain a healthy vaginal environment and may reduce your risk of developing infections that cause abnormal discharge.

Why is it lime green when I wipe?

Seeing lime green discharge when you wipe can be surprising, and it’s often a sign of an infection. The green color usually comes from the body’s response to inflammation or the presence of certain microbes. If it’s bright or lime green, especially with a strong odor, itchiness, or irritation, it’s best to get tested. Even if you feel fine otherwise, green discharge isn’t typical for a healthy vagina and should be checked by a healthcare provider.

Why does my white discharge look green on toilet paper?

If your discharge has a green tint, it may be a sign of an infection, especially if there’s a change in texture, odor, or symptoms like itching. It’s important to observe whether the color change happens consistently. If you’re unsure or it keeps happening, it’s a good idea to get tested to rule out infections like trichomoniasis or BV and make sure everything’s okay.

Why is my discharge neon green?

Neon green discharge is usually a clear sign that something isn’t right — most commonly, it points to a vaginal infection like trichomoniasis. This bright, unnatural color is typically caused by inflammation and immune response to infection. It might also have a strong or foul smell and be accompanied by itching or burning. While rare, it can sometimes signal a more serious issue that requires treatment. Even if you don’t have other symptoms, it’s important to get tested so you can identify the cause and get proper care.