Discharge in women is normal. They are a consequence of the secretory activity of the cervix and vagina. Normal secretions form a healthy microflora, create a protective barrier for pathogenic microbes, and prevent dry mucous membranes. Normally, the mucous vaginal secretion has a uniform consistency, a slightly acidic odor, and a color ranging from transparent to white or yellowish. Green discharge in women indicates pathological processes in the body, especially if they have an unpleasant odor.

What is considered normal?

Vaginal discharge is considered normal if it meets the following criteria:

• Color - transparent, white, cream.
• The consistency is homogeneous, reminiscent of egg white.
• The smell is slightly acidic or absent.
• Quantity - up to 5 ml.

The discharge should not irritate the genital mucosa or cause any discomfort. Minor deviations from these parameters are allowed due to the individual characteristics of the body. The state of the secretion is influenced by age, frequency of sexual intercourse, hormonal levels, and phase of the cycle. Therefore, sometimes the discharge becomes white-green without any distinct odor.

Causes of green discharge

Green discharge is always alarming. The reasons why mucus changes color are divided into physiological and pathological.

Physiological reasons

Yellow-green discharge without odor or itching may be normal. Physiological reasons for changes in mucus color include:

• Changes in hormonal levels during pregnancy, before the onset of menstruation.
• Climate change.
• Taking medications.
• Allergy to cosmetics.

At the same time, no diseases of the genital area are observed in the woman.

The first discharge in girls appears a year before the start of menstruation. The hormonal background is just beginning to form, so the color and consistency of the secretion varies. Cervical fluid changes characteristics over the course of a month in accordance with hormone levels. Before menstruation, estrogen levels drop and progesterone levels rise. The pH of the vagina also changes from acidic to alkaline, which is reflected in the color of the discharge.

Sudden climate change can also cause hormone imbalance. Often a woman’s cycle goes wrong, her periods become heavier, and greenish discharge appears. Medicines, especially antibiotics and oral contraceptives, affect the state of female microflora, which immediately affects the color and consistency of mucus. After stopping the medications, everything returns to normal.

The appearance of greenish discharge is promoted by excessive use of intimate hygiene products. Some lotions, creams, and gels contain alkali, which changes the pH of the mucous membrane. The result is itching, burning, swelling, and white-green discharge. Doctors advise using products with neutral pH for intimate hygiene and not douching unless necessary.

Pathological causes

Yellow-green vaginal discharge is a sign of genital diseases if they are accompanied by:

• Unpleasant smell.
• Itching, burning, swelling of the vagina, external genitalia.
• Pain in the lower abdomen, lower back.
• Increasing temperature.
• General malaise.

The above symptoms appear in the following diseases:

• Bacterial vaginosis.
• Sexually transmitted infections (gonorrhea, trichomoniasis).
• Endometritis.
• Adnexitis.
• Thrush (what danger it poses)

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is the most commonly diagnosed disease, manifested by pathological changes in the vaginal microflora. The microflora of a healthy woman consists of lactobacilli and microorganisms. Among these microorganisms there are also pathogenic ones: gardnerella, streptococci, etc.

When exposed to certain factors (pregnancy, menopause, taking antibiotics, hypothermia), the balance of the vaginal microflora is disrupted, the number of lactobacilli decreases, and pathogenic microbes take their place. In this case, there is no inflammatory process. Main symptoms of the disease:

1. Yellow-green discharge with a fishy odor.
2. Itching, burning in the vagina.
3. Pain during sexual intercourse.

STDs (gonorrhea, trichomoniasis)

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infectious disease. The causative agent of the disease is the bacterium gonococcus. Trichomoniasis is also an STI caused by Trichomonas vaginalis. The first symptoms of the disease appear 5-7 days after infection. Signs of gonorrhea and trichomoniasis in women are similar:

1. The mucus is yellow-green, foamy, thick, with an unpleasant fishy odor.
2. Low-grade fever.
3. Pain when urinating.
4. Inflammation of the lymph nodes.
5. Swelling of the external genitalia.

Endometritis

Endometritis is an inflammation of the surface layer of the uterine endometrium. The inflammatory process develops as a result of an ascending infection of the cervix. Infection occurs during childbirth, abortion, swimming in bodies of water during menstruation, and hypothermia. Endometritis begins acutely, accompanied by the following symptoms:

• yellow, green copious discharge;
• severe pain in the lower abdomen;
• heat;
• painful urination;
• increased pain during menstruation;
• increase in abdominal volume due to inflammation of the uterus.

Adnexit

Adnexitis is an inflammatory disease of the uterine appendages (ovaries, fallopian tubes). The causative agent is various bacteria: streptococci, staphylococci, E. coli and others. The infection enters the ovaries through the genital tract or through the bloodstream (in case of general infection). The acute form of adnexitis is accompanied by pronounced symptoms:

• sharp pain in the abdomen, radiating to the sacrum;
• greenish thick discharge;
• temperature rise to 38 degrees;
• bloating, indigestion;
• pain due to inflammation on palpation.

If the disease is not treated, it will go into a chronic stage or serious complications will develop in the form of ovarian rupture with the threat of peritonitis and infertility

Green discharge during pregnancy and after childbirth

While carrying a child, a woman's body undergoes many changes. A hormonal surge occurs, which is accompanied by a change in the nature of leucorrhoea. Green, odorless mucus is not a sign of pathology. If other unpleasant manifestations appear, this may be a sign of:

• sexually transmitted diseases;
• exacerbation of thrush at the beginning of pregnancy;
• inflammatory process in the vagina;
• mucosal injury.

You should also be wary of green leucorrhoea after childbirth. They indicate a serious inflammatory process that requires immediate treatment.

Diagnostics

Making a diagnosis begins with collecting anamnesis and interviewing the patient. The doctor finds out what manifestations bother the woman, when the first symptoms appeared, what preceded their appearance. Then a gynecological examination is performed to check for inflammation of the vagina, cervix, and the presence of ulcers and pustules.

To determine the cause of pathological leucorrhoea, the following research methods are prescribed:

1. General blood analysis. During the inflammatory process, a high level of leukocytes and ESR are detected in the blood.
2. Flora smear. Detects bacteria, candida fungi. Laboratory assistants also measure the ratio of normal and pathogenic bacteria and leukocytes. An increase in the number of leukocytes indicates the presence of a focus of inflammation.
3. PCR diagnostics (polymerase chain reaction method). Allows you to identify pathogens of sexually transmitted diseases (gonococci, trichomonas).

Treatment

Treatment involves eliminating the cause of pathological discharge. If an STI is detected, a course of therapy is prescribed by a venereologist. In other cases, treatment is carried out by a gynecologist.

The main treatment methods are given in the table:

Green leucorrhoea appears in a woman for various reasons. Most often they are a sign of a serious illness. It is impossible to independently determine the cause of the pathology. Only a doctor can prescribe a course of therapy based on the results of the examination. You should not postpone a visit to the doctor; this can lead to complications that will require long-term and serious treatment.

The presence of green discharge in women always indicates the presence of infection in the body. An imbalance of microflora, sexually transmitted diseases and purulent inflammation are characterized by this shade of vaginal secretion. Based on the accompanying symptoms, one can assume which pathogenic microbes are actively multiplying in the genital tract, which we will tell you about today.

What does green vaginal discharge mean?

The presence of a large number of protective elements - leukocytes in the vaginal mucus colors it green. This fact indicates an acute inflammatory process, when all efforts are devoted to fighting the infection. The chronic stage of the disease also manifests itself.

In advanced cases, suppuration begins, then the discharge is thick yellow-green or light green. They contain dead pathogenic microbes, epithelial cells and spent leukocytes. The smell in both the first and second cases of infection is unpleasant and putrid.

Interesting fact! Reviews from women on the Internet show that many avoid visiting a doctor if they have green pathological discharge and actively use antiseptics and antibacterial suppositories on their own.

Can the discharge normally be green?

Some women throughout their lives, on certain days of the cycle, close to ovulation, discover transparent mucus of this odorless color on their underwear. This is truly an option for healthy vaginal secretions. Pigmentation in this case is explained by the individual characteristics of chemical processes in the body. The patient does not experience any associated unpleasant symptoms such as itching or burning. Tests do not confirm the presence of inflammation or infection.

A couple of reasons that are not related to infection

A large release of leukocytes into the vagina occurs not only when pathogenic flora multiplies.

Allergy

Immune reaction - an increase in the volume of discharge, a change in color to green, local inflammation, discomfort, itching and even rashes occur as a result of irritation of the skin and mucous membranes by detergents, medications, clothing, condoms and lubricants.

The discharge has no odor. Features include tearing, sneezing, runny nose, and hives. It’s easy to check your guesses and rule out infection; just remove from use those products or things that have appeared recently. If the green discharge and other symptoms have disappeared, then you should carefully consider the choice of everything that concerns the skin and intimate area. Another way to check is to take an antihistamine, such as Tavegil or Suprastin. It worked, which means you are allergic.

Non-infectious inflammation

Trauma to the mucous membranes leads to swelling, redness, burning, itching and increased mucus. The green tint is given to the discharge by the same leukocytes that seek to protect the damaged area. The smell remains normal, almost imperceptible.

Injuries occur during intimate contact, during examination by a gynecologist, insertion of tampons, douching and other moments.

Attention! In such a situation, it is easy to get bacterial inflammation, so be sure to keep it clean and consult a gynecologist.

Infections

Still, the most common causes of green and even purulent discharge of a yellow-light green hue are harmful microbes - viruses and bacteria, fungi. They are able to actively develop in the body of even the cleanest woman under the influence of favorable factors - decreased immunity and hormonal changes.

Bacterial vaginosis

The microflora consists mainly of lactobacilli. They live in secretions, protect the vagina and uterus from dangerous microorganisms, and therefore are local immunity. However, among them there are also harmful elements in small quantities - these are gardnerella, various anaerobes, candida, E. coli, staphylococci and streptococci. While they are restrained by lactobacilli, the woman is healthy, but if circumstances change, they actively multiply - bacterial vaginosis develops with green, atypical discharge. The disease occurs at any age - in young girls and adult women during menopause.

The following factors lead to dysbiosis:

• Stress;
• Hypothermia;
• Intoxication;
• Changes in vaginal pH due to endocrine disorders, pregnancy;
• Treatment with antibiotics or corticosteroids;
• Lack of hygiene;
• Varied sex life;
• Common infections - influenza, acute respiratory infections;
• Weakness of the body in the postoperative period, with chronic diseases, oncology, after radiation therapy.

Interesting fact! Bacterial vaginosis disappears without treatment if the woman’s immunity has stabilized.

Clinical picture

Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis:

• Copious liquid discharge;
• The color is gray, dirty green, sometimes white;
• Very smelly, when Gardnerella reproduces, it resembles the aroma of fish. Increases after sexual contact;
• Itching of the vulva, it can even itch inside the vagina;
• Burning and discomfort.

Treatment options

To get rid of bacterial vaginosis and green discharge, the doctor may prescribe different treatment options:

• Increasing local immunity with suppositories and gels with lactobacilli, for example, Lactogel, maintaining a balanced diet and taking vitamins;
• Destruction of pathogenic flora with the help of antibiotics in vaginal suppositories Terzhinan or others. Course 6-12 days;
• Sanitation of the vagina followed by the use of drugs with lactobacilli.

Any method can defeat vaginosis, but the third will be the most correct and effective.

Trichomoniasis and other STD pathogens

Why did we choose Trichomonas among all types of sexually transmitted diseases:

1. They often provoke purulent inflammation with yellow-green discharge. The smell of such leucorrhoea is unpleasant, musty or rotten.
2. Trichomonas ingest other pathogenic microbes in the host's body, for example, chlamydia or gonococci. And after their destruction, a new infectious agent is released.
3. Trichomoniasis is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. It is several times higher than the number of detected gonorrhea, syphilis or HIV.
4. Trichomonas multiply more actively in the blood, so the vagina during menstruation is the best refuge for the microorganism.
5. Trichomoniasis can be virtually asymptomatic and without green, smelly discharge and is difficult to diagnose. Therefore, the patient is often treated for years for inflammation of the appendages, chlamydia, bacterial vaginosis, and the true instigator is overlooked.

Carefully! Trichomoniasis increases the activity of the human papillomavirus, which, in turn, provokes the development of cervical cancer.

Reason for appearance

Trichomonas are transmitted from a carrier only during sex. Outside the human body, without a liquid environment of secretions, the bacterium quickly loses mobility and dies, so the household method of transmission is impossible. A sick mother can infect her baby during childbirth.

Symptoms

Manifestations of acute infectious inflammation provoked by Trichomonas:

• Abundant purulent discharge of a gray-green or yellow-green color, sometimes with a foamy structure and a rotten smell;
• Swelling of the mucous membranes of the genital organs;
• Itches and burns during and after urination;
• Upon examination, the cervix is ​​covered with red dots - these are places of damage to the mucous membrane, so it resembles a strawberry.

Treatment options

To completely get rid of trichomonas, 2 methods can be used:

1. Metronidazole in the amount of 2 grams once or 5 days, one tablet in the morning and evening.
2. If insensitivity to the previous drug is noted, then Tinidazole is prescribed in the same doses.

The main conditions for successfully getting rid of the problem are diagnosis and therapy of the partner and sexual rest. These medications are even used to treat pregnant women.

Interesting fact! Trichomoniasis heals itself within 5 years in women and 4 months in men. Provided there is no sexual intercourse or other infections.

Other STD pathogens

Chlamydia and mycoplasma also cause green discharge, which is watery and sometimes completely odorless. Associated symptoms are rarely observed in the form of minor itching. It is impossible to identify these microorganisms in a regular smear; the PCR method is more often used.

Inflammatory diseases

Salpingitis or adnexitis are pathologies of the ovaries and fallopian tubes. They occur against the background of chronic infections, hidden or obvious.

Symptoms

Manifestations may vary depending on the location of the process, but in general, the following symptoms are noted:

• Purulent white or yellow discharge with a green tint and a spoiled smell. The consistency is creamy or slimy, sometimes interspersed with blood;
• Pain in the suprapubic region of the abdomen, in the lower back, on the sides;
• Weakness, symptoms of intoxication - nausea and vomiting, dizziness;
• Increased body temperature.

Treatment options

It is quite difficult to get rid of green pathological discharge as a result of inflammation. Careful diagnosis is required to identify infections and complex therapy:

1. Antibiotics.
2. Anti-inflammatory drugs.
3. Local preparations for vaginal sanitation.
4. Vitamins and immunomodulators.

Candidiasis

Banal thrush with curdled discharge indicates 2 unpleasant things:

1. Reduced immunity.
2. The acidity in the vagina has changed.

In such cases, favorable conditions are created for other pathogenic microorganisms - gardnerella, STD pathogens, viruses. Therefore, candidiasis very often occurs in combination with other infections.

Attention! Men rarely get candidiasis, but they successfully carry the pathogen on themselves and infect women.

Symptoms

The classic signs of thrush change slightly with the addition of additional microbes:

• acquire a greenish or yellow tint;
• Unbearable itching, swelling of mucous membranes and burning;
• The sour smell may change to rotten or fishy;
• A characteristic feature is the consistency - granular or lumpy, in the form of flakes, dense.

Treatment options

You can get rid of mixed infections with candidiasis after diagnosis:

• Complex antibiotics in suppositories with an antifungal effect, for example, Terzhinan;
• Depending on the type of partner, other oral antimicrobials are selected, if necessary.

HPV, herpes and other viruses can provoke the appearance of discharge with a watery consistency and a green tint. The smell is absent or unpleasant. Various rashes appear on the mucous membranes and skin of the genital organs. They itch and itch.

Reason for appearance

Infections of this type are transmitted both through sexual and tactile contact.

Treatment options

Viruses are not destroyed by antibiotics or other means, however, their activity can be suppressed by supporting the immune system and taking special medications. Genital warts are removed quickly and painlessly with Surgitron, even on the cervix.

Green discharge in pregnant women

During the period of bearing a child, immune defense decreases, hormonal levels and vaginal acidity change. Therefore, the risk of infection or exacerbation of infection with green, copious discharge increases significantly. Some of them can cause developmental delay, intrauterine infection, miscarriage or premature birth. Therefore, treatment is not delayed. In this case, the potential threat significantly exceeds the harm from medications.

Carefully! occur when the uterus is not completely cleansed and the remains of the placenta rot inside. This ends in death due to blood poisoning.

Diagnosis of green vaginal discharge

In order not to swallow pills in batches for many years, it is necessary to carefully examine the body for all kinds of infections, then treatment will be quick and effective:

1. When examined on the chair, the gynecologist sees the nature of the discharge, the quantity, and how they are located on the mucous membrane. Some signs can already suggest a diagnosis.
2. A smear on dry glass will not help identify Trichomonas, because they will shed their flagella and lose their typical appearance. However, it will show an increased content of leukocytes as signs of inflammation.
3. PCR allows you to find chlamydia, mycoplasma, trichomonas, and gonococci in vaginal secretions.
4. Bacterial culture is needed to select effective drugs.
5. An ultrasound of the uterus, appendages and ovaries is necessary to detect inflamed areas and adhesions.
6. Many different laboratory tests and analyzes allow us to approach each pathogen individually.
7. The diagnosis must be carried out by the sexual partner by a urologist, andrologist or venereologist.

Errors in treatment for green discharge

Unfortunately, many doctors do not prescribe a complete diagnosis of infections. What causes a vicious circle: insufficient therapy - relapse. Provincial hospitals lack modern laboratories and diseases are detected by eye. As a result, the infection enters a chronic stage without discharge or other symptoms. The patient calms down, and the disease affects the reproductive system higher and higher, causing inflammation of internal organs, adhesions, provoking the growth of endometrial polyps and cancerous tumors.

Another common mistake is that the sexual partner is not examined. As a result, he infects the woman again and again. In the treatment of any infections with pathological discharge, even gardnerellosis or candidiasis, therapy for the couple is required.

Attention! To successfully treat infections, you don’t need huge doses of antibiotics; you just need to take the right drug several times. The course ranges from 1 to 7 days.

Conclusion

Green vaginal discharge is a reason to immediately contact a gynecologist. Because this symptom in most cases indicates serious diseases that are easily treated, but if left untreated lead to dangerous consequences. This is the case when time and money are better spent on diagnostics.

Greenish vaginal discharge can be a symptom of a variety of diseases, so an accurate diagnosis is not easy to make. After listening to the patient’s complaints, the doctor may assume the presence of pathologies such as:

• allergic reactions;
• colpitis;
• adnexitis;
• vaginitis;
• cervical erosion;
• venereal diseases.

There may be several reasons for the appearance of greenish discharge

An odorless, yellow-green discharge may appear in pregnant women. They indicate a serious inflammatory process affecting the genitourinary system. Therefore, you cannot ignore the symptom - it is better to play it safe and talk to an experienced doctor. Other reasons include:

• long-term use of certain medications;
• hormonal disorders;
• nervous tension and stress.

Green discharge can be accompanied by unpleasant sensations - soreness, itching and burning. It is worth telling your doctor about all this - this will make it easier for him to determine the cause of the disease and select the optimal treatment regimen.

The female genital organs are susceptible to various diseases, in which women may experience greenish discharge with a bad odor. Among the most common are:

1. transmitted through intimate intimacy.
2. An imbalance of beneficial and harmful bacteria present in the vaginal microflora occurs due to poor hygiene, frequent douching, prolonged use of antibiotics, and genital injuries. Under the influence of these factors, bacteria from the intestines, urinary organs or skin enter the vagina.
3. Allergic reactions, for example to laundry or detergent.

Each of the reasons has its own manifestations:

The discharge may turn greenish when a partner changes or when sexual activity begins - in this case, germs enter the woman from the man’s penis. The appearance of an odor is a clear symptom of infections transmitted through intimate intimacy. Other provoking factors include diabetes mellitus, uterine prolapse, and tumors.

Trichomoniasis

One of the causes of green or yellow discharge with a bad odor in women is trichomoniasis. As a rule, they are quite rich and foam a lot. Other symptoms of the disease include unbearable itching and irritation, painful urination, and discomfort during intimacy. The pathology is especially dangerous for pregnant women, as it can provoke premature birth.

Trichomoniasis is transmitted sexually

Infection occurs during sex; domestic transmission is extremely rare. Therapy involves taking antimicrobial drugs and is carried out for both partners.

Colpitis

Another name for the disease is vaginitis. When fungi or other infections enter the vagina, they disrupt the natural microflora, causing the mucous membrane to become inflamed. As a result, colpitis develops. Provoking factors are stress, taking certain medications, weakened immunity. At an early stage of the disease, yellow-green discharge is observed. The infection spreads quickly and leads to inflammation of the endometrium, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. The secretion contains inclusions of pus, which causes a pungent odor. If treatment is not started in time, infertility, pregnancy complications and other negative consequences are possible.

Bacterial vaginosis

This disease is not considered an inflammation and develops when the balance of normal microflora is disturbed, when pathogenic microorganisms predominate over beneficial bacteria. The main symptom of the pathology that develops in women is greenish, odorless discharge. In the acute stage they are abundant and very liquid, with an unpleasant gray tint. When the disease becomes chronic, the secretion becomes thicker and scarcer, and a fishy smell appears. Among the main reasons are:

• improper douching;
• use of low-quality detergents;
• weakened immunity due to various pathologies;
• hormonal changes during puberty;
• pregnancy;
• menopause;
• taking antibiotics and other medications.

Possible cause may be bacterial vaginosis

The main goal of therapy is to eliminate the root cause of dysbiosis and restore the vaginal microflora.

In expectant mothers, this phenomenon is not considered a pathology, but only if it is not accompanied by burning, redness and discomfort when urinating. The main reason is temporary hormonal disorders, sometimes – irritation that occurs on the genitals after a gynecological examination.

During pregnancy, the color of discharge and structure may change

Appearing during pregnancy can be a symptom of vaginal dysbiosis or dangerous infections that often occur without any symptoms. In this case, they have a bad odor, and a greenish color indicates the presence of pus. Similar symptoms are characteristic of the first stage of trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Usually the disease is detected at the first examination and treated immediately so that it does not have a negative effect on the fetus.

Normally, white secretion appears in girls about a year before their first menstruation. Green discharge observed in a child under eight years of age indicates inflammation. It appears when tiny particles of sand accidentally enter the vagina or are injured by too tight underwear. At this age, the uterus is still developing, and the glands do not function, and the lack of protective mucus allows infection to occur.

A year before your first menstruation, green discharge may indicate inflammation

An unpleasant symptom can be relieved with anti-inflammatory drugs intended for external use or vaginal suppositories. These drugs can be found at any pharmacy, but you should first talk to your gynecologist.

If the greenish discharge has no odor and is not accompanied by unpleasant symptoms, sometimes it is enough to adjust your usual lifestyle.

Local drugs - vaginal suppositories - have a good effect. If complications occur, the doctor will prescribe more serious medications:

1. Fluconazole.
2. Mikosist.
3. Diflucan
4. Diflazon.
5. Ketoconazole.
6. Nizoral.
7. Pimafucin.

The success of therapy largely depends on the correct selection of medications. Therefore, treatment of green discharge in women should only be carried out by a specialist. Abundant secretion, accompanied by itching, causes irritability, so the doctor may prescribe sedatives.

Medicines should be selected by the attending physician

The daily diet plays an important role in the treatment of pathology. Greenish discharge is a reason to give up seeds, fatty foods and canned foods. It is advisable to include carrots, parsley and spinach, blueberries or viburnum in the menu.

To quickly solve the problem, the patient must maintain hygiene - it maintains the natural microflora of the vagina and prevents the penetration of fungi and bacteria. You should wash yourself twice a day, using specialized products for this. The best option is cosmetics created on the basis of lactic acid. If you follow all the recommendations, the yellow-green discharge will stop smelling and will soon return to normal color. Treatment of the pathology should be carried out immediately after the first symptoms are detected. At the same time, it must be comprehensive - this is the only way to get rid of discomfort in the shortest possible time.

Folk remedies

Sometimes treatment is carried out using alternative medicine recipes. They are effective and safe, so they are suitable for almost all women. To eliminate pathology, it is recommended to drink freshly squeezed juice made from spinach, carrots, celery, and herbs. Plain water with lemon juice, as well as nettle juice, are no less useful. The patient is also shown a therapeutic shower, which involves rinsing the genitals. To do this, you need to fill a basin with cool water and sit in it for about fifteen minutes. You can take warm baths with the addition of pine extracts.

When yellow-green discharge appears, you can douche. For this, healing decoctions prepared from oak bark, eucalyptus, calendula and other herbs are used. The procedure is carried out using a bulb with a rubber tip. First you need to keep it in boiling water, and then take the prepared solution.

Prevention

To prevent the appearance of greenish vaginal discharge, you need to follow simple recommendations:

1. Maintain hygiene.
2. Avoid casual sex.
3. Use condoms during sex.
4. Treat any diseases in a timely manner.
5. Avoid hypothermia.
6. Visit your gynecologist regularly.

Yellow-green discharge is observed in a variety of diseases of the genital organs. Therefore, you should not self-medicate - it is better to consult a qualified doctor who will make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment. In addition, such a symptom cannot be ignored, otherwise the disease will become chronic and it will be more difficult to get rid of it.

Green discharge in women is a serious reason to seek advice from a qualified specialist. They represent a kind of indicator of the performance of the organs of the reproductive system. However, the appearance of greenish discharge in women does not always indicate the presence of pathology in the body. Their color largely depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle and hormonal levels, which in turn affects the microflora of the genitourinary system and the body as a whole.

Vaginal discharge is essentially a secretion from the reproductive organs. They include the following components:

• epithelial cells;
• elements of the mucous secretion of the cervical glands.

The latter component protects the vaginal walls from possible infection and provides the necessary moisture, which reduces the likelihood of mechanical damage during sexual intercourse. The volume and pigmentation of the discharge may vary. This mainly occurs during ovulation or a few days before the start of menstruation. In addition, this phenomenon can manifest itself during puberty, namely before the onset of the first menstruation.

Most common reasons

Green discharge is often one of the signs of an inflammatory process in the reproductive system. An uncharacteristic type of discharge with a greenish tint is one of the signs of leukorrhea (a significantly increased level of leukocytes). Typically, this is due to a bacterial infection. It is noteworthy that most of the inflammatory processes in the female body are characterized by unnatural vaginal discharge. They have the following symptoms:

• Beli. They are a liquid of an unusual color. As a rule, they are released abundantly;
• Discharge of any pigmentation. May appear on different days of the menstrual cycle. Accompanied by a strong burning sensation. Possible pain in the lower abdomen. They have a specific smell;
• Before and after menstruation, abundant fluid of light pink, bloody or dark red color may appear. There may be heavy bleeding in the middle of your monthly cycle;
• Pathology can manifest itself through a change in the usual volume of discharge during menstruation. They can become either practically invisible or too abundant. Often accompanied by pain in the groin area.

It is difficult to judge the reasons by the nature of the discharge. To determine the cause as accurately as possible, you must consult a gynecologist and undergo the appropriate examination. Green vaginal discharge mainly indicates diseases such as bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis. They can also appear as a result of the appearance of an oncological tumor in the body and a number of other acute inflammations that negatively affect the microflora.

Bacterial vaginosis

With bacterial vaginosis, there are no inflammatory processes. In the copious discharge with a pungent odor of rotten fish, characteristic of this disease, there are no signs of the presence of harmful microorganisms (fungi, staphylococci, gonococci, trichomonas and others). The disease develops solely due to disruption of the vaginal microflora. This is due to a sharp decrease in lactic acid bacteria, which represent local immunity. As a result, the number of conditionally pathogenic microorganisms is predominant and thus creates a favorable environment for the development of bacterial vaginosis. In the future, this may become the main reason for the development of chronic diseases of the genitourinary system.

The main symptom of this disease is profuse discharge, predominantly gray in color, but in some cases it can also be yellow-green like snot. Appear after sexual intercourse or during menstruation. They have a moderately mucous consistency (depending on the severity of the disease, the consistency may vary). When this symptom is first detected, a smear should be made for microscopic examination at an appointment with a gynecologist. This will help establish a diagnosis and prescribe an effective therapeutic course.

The provoking factors of bacterial vaginosis are:

• frequent sexual intercourse with constant change of partner;
• unnecessary use of antibiotics;
• taking medications containing hormones;
• neglect of hygiene rules;
• frequent vaginal rinsing, flushing out fermented milk microorganisms;
• surgical interventions (abortion or curettage).

After the latter, it is imperative to undergo the necessary course of treatment with vaginal suppositories, which restore the natural microflora of the vagina. They contain a large number of lactic acid bacteria, which prevent the penetration of external pathogens of many diseases.

Microscopic examination of bacterial vaginosis indicates an increased level of gardnerella. This is accompanied by swelling of the genital organs and slight itching. In this case, treatment should begin as early as possible, since the number of gardnerella will only increase without therapeutic intervention. Because of this, the body will become more sensitive to pathogens of sexually transmitted diseases. Treatment of gardnerellosis includes taking antibiotics and normalizing the vaginal microflora through local methods.

Often, patients, when trying to independently establish a diagnosis, confuse bacterial vaginosis with an exacerbation of vaginitis - inflammation of the vaginal mucosa. It is characterized by pain and itching in the groin area. As a result, treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs turns out to be an inappropriate method of treatment. Vaginitis threatens infertility. Therefore, you should not experiment with self-medication and put the health of the entire body at risk.

To prevent vaginosis, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

• give preference to cotton underwear;
• monitor personal hygiene, but without fanaticism;
• refuse to wear tight underwear, as this disrupts blood circulation;
• Panty liners prevent the supply of oxygen to the organs of the genitourinary system, which creates a favorable environment for the development of harmful microorganisms.

Read also on the topic

What does the appearance of spotting in the middle of the cycle mean?

Trichomoniasis. Causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease that primarily affects the reproductive organs. This disease is mainly accompanied by:

• chlamydia;
• gonorrhea;
• candidiasis.

In the early stages of development, trichomoniasis is characterized by abundant green, curdled discharge. As a rule, they are accompanied by itching and severe burning. In the absence of correct, timely treatment, the disease becomes chronic and much more difficult to treat. This threatens the woman with infertility, congenital pathologies in children or their mortality.

The causative agent is vaginal Trichomonas, which enters the body mainly through unprotected sexual contact with an infected person. Women under 35 years of age are at risk. During pregnancy, Trichomonas is transmitted to the baby extremely rarely. According to statistics, the number of such cases does not exceed 5%. However, even if a newborn is infected, trichomoniasis can be cured without outside intervention due to the structural features of epithelial cells in infants.

Harmful microorganisms can enter the body through household means. Basically, these are dirty linens or towels that are regularly used by the infected person.

Data from drug statistics allow us to conclude that trichomoniasis is often accompanied by gonococci and chlamydia. Without timely treatment, this disease can cause the development of cancer, diabetes and mastopathy.

It is worth noting that Trichomonas are extremely well adapted for life and reproduction in the human body. These microorganisms can masquerade as leukocytes and platelets, which greatly complicates the diagnosis of the disease caused by them. Their waste products poison the human body, as a result of which the immune response to various non-venereal pathogens is significantly reduced. In addition, Trichomonas provide a favorable environment for HIV cells to enter the body.

Venereology today is armed with a lot of advanced medicines that can cope with an infection in a relatively short period. However, Trichomonas is not affected by even the most powerful antibiotics. The fact is that the shell of these microorganisms does not consist of protein, so it can only be affected by antiprotozoal drugs.

In most cases, the incubation period of trichomoniasis is up to two months, but in the erased form it can last up to a year after infection. The impetus for exacerbation is a decrease in immunity under the influence of external factors or as a result of hormonal imbalance. The active phase of the disease in women is characterized by the following symptoms:

• white - light green, light green or yellowish discharge, which is characterized by an unpleasant odor (white impurities visually resemble foam);
• swelling of the mucous membrane (possible signs of dermatitis in the groin area);
• ulceration of the vaginal mucosa, which is accompanied by a strong burning sensation when urinating;
• pain syndrome in the lower abdomen;
• obvious discomfort during sexual intercourse.

Before menstruation, these symptoms may worsen.

It is important to understand that the absence of discharge does not mean complete recovery. The chronic form of trichomoniasis differs from the acute form in that the discharge is more modest in volume, but has a more mucous consistency. Over time, they may disappear completely, but this will not mean that the body is no longer poisoned by trichomonas waste products. This course of the disease in medical terminology is called Trichomonas carriage, that is, when the disease occurs for virtually no apparent reason.

If the therapeutic course is incorrect, harmful microorganisms will begin to multiply more actively. The disease will begin to occur in a latent form and it will be very difficult to determine its presence even for experienced specialists. If green, white, light green or yellow discharge appears in women, you should not delay a visit to a medical facility to undergo an appropriate examination. Trichomoniasis is almost unmistakably determined in the early stages of exacerbation through such research procedures as:

• microscopy (smear from the intimate area);
• microbiological method using an artificial nutrient medium;
• PCR - diagnostics;
• immunological research method.

It is extremely important to undergo this examination at least once a year for preventive purposes. This is especially true for women who want to give birth to a healthy baby.

If the presence of Trichomonas microorganisms in the body is confirmed, treatment is prescribed by a gynecologist, urologist and venereologist. It is very important to undergo a therapeutic course at the same time as your sexual partner, otherwise it will not give the desired result. It is noteworthy that antibodies do not stimulate the immune system, so re-infection with trichomoniasis is not excluded. Moreover, a repeated exacerbation of the disease will most likely be secretive and it will no longer be possible to get rid of it so easily.

As mentioned earlier, this disease is often accompanied by others. These mainly include vaginal candidiasis. This disease is characterized by cheesy, odorless discharge in women (possibly greenish cheesy). In this case, they must be treated with the following drugs as recommended by a doctor:

• ornidazole;
• tinidazole;
• ternidazole;
• Metronidazole.

These drugs belong to group 5 - nitroimidazoles. Their active substance has a destructive effect on the harmful microflora of the genitourinary system. In advanced or chronic forms of the disease, stimulating therapy is recommended. Local treatment to relieve symptoms is also possible. These are mainly anti-inflammatory vaginal suppositories and ointments for external use.

The disease can usually be cured without significant negative consequences for the body. Abstaining from sexual intercourse during the therapeutic course is a prerequisite for the most effective treatment. The patient is considered healthy only if the results of clinical studies do not confirm the presence of trichomonas in the body and there are no curd or green discharge. If nitroimidazoles do not have the expected effect on harmful microflora, then the dosage should be reviewed by the attending physician. Changing the treatment prescription on your own is strictly prohibited!

Note! Vaginal candidiasis, among other things, may be accompanied by a cheesy discharge in women, which may smell bad with the aroma of sour milk.

During pregnancy

Green, odorless discharge during pregnancy is not evidence of pathology. This phenomenon is due to changes in a woman’s hormonal levels. Among the possible causes of odorless discharge in women, mechanical damage is also noted during examination by a gynecologist.

Women experience vaginal discharge. The norm for such discharge is a whitish or transparent color and no odor. Their quantity is usually one teaspoon.

The appearance of green or yellow-greenish discharge is a reason to visit a gynecologist, since they may indicate a disease or pathology.

Noteworthy is their combination with a cheesy or foamy consistency, unpleasant odor and vaginal itching. The body signals the presence of infection and the need for treatment.

The entire set of reasons for their appearance can be divided into groups:

1. Pregnancy. A woman’s discharge changes both in consistency and color - it takes on a white-greenish tint;
2. Inflammatory processes. The green color of the secretion indicates an increased content of leukocytes, and therefore the presence of an inflammatory process in the woman’s body. It can affect the fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus and vagina;
3. Hormonal disbalance;
4. Neglect of intimate hygiene. It is better to wash yourself with mild baby soap or a special gel for intimate hygiene. You shouldn’t get too carried away with washing your face - this risks destroying beneficial bacteria in the genitals;
5. Allergy to hygiene products and linen. You should avoid frequent use of tampons and wearing synthetic underwear, thongs and thongs.

I would like to dwell in more detail on inflammatory processes, as the most common cause of the appearance of green discharge. Inflammation can begin against the background of sexually transmitted infections and an imbalance between beneficial and harmful bacteria in the vagina. So, green discharge occurs when:

• chlamydia. This is a sexually transmitted infection. In addition to green discharge, a woman may experience pain during sex, burning and itching, pain in the lower abdomen, blood in the middle of the cycle or after sexual intercourse. Symptoms do not appear immediately, but after two weeks;
• Gonorrhea is a disease caused by gonococcus. In addition to discharge, blood in the middle of menstruation and pain in the lower abdomen may be bothersome. Important: neglected gonorrhea can lead to infertility;
• vulvovaginitis is an inflammation of the vaginal mucosa and external genitalia. Greenish discharge - liquid and abundant or thick, redness of the external genitalia, burning and itching - these are its symptoms. The cause of its appearance may be irritation, improper underwear, allergies to hygiene products and lubricants;
• trichomoniasis - a sexually transmitted infection. The causative agent is Trichomonas vaginalis. Typical symptoms include burning and itching, pain when urinating, and greenish discharge. Symptoms appear after two weeks. Treatment should be started immediately, since Trichomonas cells create a favorable environment for HIV to enter the body. Attention: during pregnancy, such a disease can cause premature birth;
• salpingo-oophoritis with nonspecific purulence. This is a purulent inflammation of the ovaries and uterine tubes. They can enter from the vagina, through the blood or from the large intestine. In addition to discharge, fever, increased body temperature, weakness, nausea, headaches, diarrhea, pain in the lower abdomen may be a concern;
• gardnerellosis. This infection is caused by opportunistic bacteria - gardnerella. In this case, the discharge is white-green in color, with a sharp rancid fishy smell and itching in the genital area;
• inflammation of the appendages - discharge is combined with sharp pain in the lower abdomen;
• thrush. White-green cheesy discharge with an unpleasant odor may indicate a serious stage of candidiasis. In this case, redness and itching of the genitals may bother you. Advanced thrush can cause infertility;

Diseases that cause green menstruation

It happens that before menstruation and in its first days, green spotting appears. Should we be afraid of them?

• In this case, it is worth visiting a gynecologist, as this may indicate the presence of endometriosis, endometritis or adenomyosis.
• If during menstruation the color of the discharge changes to green, this may be a sign of colpitis, bacterial inflammation of the appendages or cervix. In such diseases, there is an excessive number of leukocytes and, due to their massive death, they stain menstrual blood this color. It is worth taking a smear test for gardnerellosis. In this case, the discharge may be accompanied by an unpleasant rotten odor and itching.

Green discharge in girls under 8 years of age

If green discharge appears in a girl under 8 years of age, this may indicate inflammation of the vagina or vulva. This can be caused by mechanical trauma, rubbing by tight and uncomfortable panties.

It is also worth getting tested for worms, since green discharge can signal:

1. about the presence of pinworms in the body and the development of enterobiasis.
2. about the penetration of bacterial flora into the genitals - staphylococcus, enterococcus, E. coli. The cause may be: improper hygiene, an allergic reaction to detergent or laundry detergent, antibiotic treatment, vitamin deficiency, neglect of intimate hygiene, rare changes of underwear, masturbation with foreign objects.

During menopause, vaginal dysbiosis can begin due to vaginal dryness, decreased mucous membranes, and failure of mucus production in the cervix. The vaginal microflora can be disrupted due to improper use of medications and antifungal medications. The main thing in treatment is to eliminate and prevent further exposure to the cause of dysbiosis.

Green discharge in pregnant women

Greenish (often yellow-green) secretions during pregnancy are caused by hormonal changes in the woman. Of course, during this period the expectant mother is often checked by a doctor, but such discharge is a reason to pay an unscheduled visit to the gynecologist. Venereal diseases cannot be ruled out.

A pregnant woman's immune system may be compromised, which can lead to various infections.

If a woman also experiences pain in the lower abdomen, this could be a urinary tract infection. If green discharge appears after the 24th week of pregnancy, it is necessary to check for the presence of chorioamnionitis - inflammation of the membranes. This disease can be treated exclusively inpatiently, as it poses a danger to the fetal membrane.

There are often cases when greenish secretion in a pregnant woman in the first trimester is the norm.

In the postpartum period, green discharge comes out due to the cleaning of the uterine cavity from the remainder of the mucous membrane and placenta. This is not something to be afraid of.

How to treat?

If you find discharge of an unusual color, you should not expect it to go away on its own. Visiting a gynecologist is the best step in such a situation.

The doctor will conduct an examination on the chair, prescribe a series of tests, take a smear and scraping from the vagina, cervical canal, including for bacterial culture. PCR tests, biochemical and clinical blood tests, and pelvic ultrasound are also performed.

If there is any doubt about the diagnosis, tests can be repeated in several laboratories. Treatment can be done in one of the following ways:

• Irradiation therapy with drugs with the addition of decoctions of medicinal herbs - oak bark, St. John's wort and complex herbal mixtures.
• Pimaflucin suppositories, Ketoconazole suppositories and tablets, Orunit capsules, Flucanazole tablets. The dosage is selected by the doctor depending on the patient’s condition and the severity of the disease.
• Terzhinan suppositories will help with itching.
• Antibiotic therapy is carried out depending on the type of disease.
• You can douche with solutions of antiseptics - furacillin and chlorhexidine.

Before starting treatment, you should undergo an antibiotic resistance test. It happens that the body is not susceptible to a certain type of antibiotic and treatment will be in vain. After a course of treatment, it is important to undergo repeated tests, since some infections do not disappear in one course. If a sexually transmitted infection is detected, both the man and the woman are treated to avoid re-infection.

Self-medication is unacceptable, because at home it is impossible to determine what is the causative agent of the disease. There are often cases when a woman, seeing white-green discharge with an unpleasant odor, is treated for candidiasis, not suspecting that she has gardnerellosis.

Prevention measures

It is always better to prevent a disease than to treat it. Unpleasant discharge and accompanying symptoms can be avoided if you follow a number of simple rules developed by gynecologists:

• avoid promiscuous sexual intercourse;
• take a responsible approach to the selection of sexual partners;
• avoid hypothermia of hands and feet;
• do not overuse hygiene gels or intimate hygiene products, as this can also wash away beneficial bacteria;
• After each visit to the toilet, you must wash from front to back. You can also wash your genitals with decoctions of herbs such as calendula or chamomile;
• when treated with antibiotics, take special medications, for example, Nystatin.
• check hygiene products for allergic reactions, use baby soap or special gels with a low PH level;
• do not overuse tampons, alternate them with pads;
• change pads on time during menstrual periods;
• always use condoms during sexual intercourse;
• avoid excessively frequent douching. You should only douche if necessary;
• follow a diet and exclude fatty, smoked, spicy and salty foods. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, maintain water balance;
• do not abuse alcoholic beverages;
• observe healthy lifestyle;
• no smoking;
• Visit a gynecologist regularly (2 times a year) and get tested.

Of course, there is a possibility that the appearance of green discharge is a manifestation of hormonal imbalances and there is no inflammatory process in the body. But to make sure of this, you need to visit a specialist.

A timely diagnosed infection can be treated in a short time.

If green discharge is combined with pain when urinating, pain in the lower abdomen, burning and itching, you should contact a gynecologist immediately. This may be an acute infection of the genital organs or urinary tract.

It is recommended to change hygiene products on critical days - alternating absorbent pads and tampons. Frequent douching is fraught with bacterial imbalance in the vagina. Hypothermia of the legs, arms and lower back should not be allowed.

Preventative examinations with a gynecologist should become the norm for every woman. If there is no cause for concern, you should go to the antenatal clinic annually, and if you previously had a history of any gynecological diseases, then every six months.

Conclusion

A modern woman should monitor her health and follow recommendations for the prevention of gynecological diseases.

Do not panic - the appearance of green secretions can be eliminated with medications and lifestyle adjustments. Hygiene, the use of contraceptives, regular visits to consultations and a responsible attitude towards sexual life are the key to women’s health.

If you ignore unpleasant symptoms and treat yourself with inappropriate medications, you can progress to a chronic disease. You should be especially careful during pregnancy.

We hope our advice will help women to normalize their condition.