Vaginal discharge is a fluid that seeps out of the vagina. Normal discharge is white or clear, not itchy, and has no unpleasant smell. However, if your discharge is green, it can signify a health problem that needs medication.
Also, there might be accompanying symptoms, such as foul odor, itching or aching in the vaginal area. It’s necessary to see a doctor to receive an accurate and appropriate medication 
What You Should Know about Green Discharge
Green discharge can also appear light green. Major causes include a vaginal infection from parasitic infection or inflammation of the vaginal lining.
The vagina is a common site for abnormal discharge due to imbalances. If the infection is sexually transmitted, the discharge generally comes in greenish yellow.
Read more: What do Normal and Abnormal Vaginal Discharge Look Like? What Women Must Know!?
Generally, green discharge indicates Vaginal trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection causing by the Trichomonas vaginalis parasite, which is commonly known as a vaginal parasite infection.
It can also be a symptom of gonorrhea or bacterial vaginosis. It’s advisable to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and medication.
Patients mostly come with foamy greenish-yellow discharge with a foul odor. It is found that approximately 50% of the cases have a foul odor due to worsened infection that increases amine levels, while about 40% might suffer irritation and itching.
Gonorrhea usually causes green or yellow discharge with an unpleasant odor 
Non Gonococcal Urethritis generally comes with a green or slightly green discharge, but mostly a thick white discharge. Both types often cause pain during urination or vaginal discomfort. Diagnosis and treatment should be done by a doctor to prevent complications. Gonorrhea and Non Gonococcal Urethritis must be treated simultaneously and it’s advisable to include the sexual partner in the medication
Women with Bacterial Vaginosis often experience greenish-gray discharge with a fishy odor, which becomes obvious after sex or during period. The discharge can be watery in some patients, whereas others might not have clear symptoms.
If you notice abnormal discharge, first you can start taking basic self-care or even changing some habits as follows:
Avoid certain Foods While you can still eat as preferred, keep in mind some foods that could worsen or affect your vaginal health, such as sugary foods, pickled items and high-fat foods.
Avoid sex If you encounter an unusual discharge, it's highly advisable to avoid sex until the conditions improve. Having sex could pass infections to and from the vagina. In case you can't avoid it, always use a condom.
Keep the intimate area clean Clean the outside of your genitals with plain water. Avoid using vaginal douches, because they might affect natural balance and thus worsen infections.
Do NOT insert any foreign object Avoid putting any unusual object into your vagina as it can increase the risk of vaginal infections and pelvic inflammation. Additionally, do NOT wear overly tight underwear.
Green discharge is caused by a sexually transmitted infection. Therefore, both you and your partner must receive treatment. Recommended medications include:
Metronidazole
Tinidazole
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It is harmful for patients with green discharge who failed to receive proper treatment, as it might lead to more severe complications. Generally green discharge indicates a vaginal parasitic infection, which is a sexually transmitted infection that disperses easily. It can also cause inflammation and infections in the vagina and pelvis.
Some patients also suffer cervical inflammation, causing the vulva to look swollen with red spots like a strawberry, which is called Strawberry cervix. Some experience bleeding after sex. For pregnant women, this type of infection can increase the risk of preterm labor and early water breaking.
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The chance of green discharge that goes away on its own is slim. In certain cases, green discharge might diminish due to different health factors. However, it usually takes a long time and can lead to pelvic inflammation and recurring infections. If the symptom re-occurs, the patient needs to get the sexual partner treated as well.
If ladies are encountering green discharge with other unusual symptoms, don’t just wait for it to go away, as there could be risks of other complications. It’s advisable to see a doctor and receive treatment. The best way to prevent the ailment is to have you and your partner treated to reduce the chance of recurring infections.
References
Soper DE. Genitourinary infections and sexually transmitted diseases. In: Berek JS, Adashi EY, Hillard PA, editors. Novak’s Gynecology. 12th ed. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins; 1996. p. 429-45.
Obstetrics and Gynecology, 4th Edition, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University.
Gynecology, Board Examination Edition, 4th Edition, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University.
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