Yellow or Green Vaginal Discharge

A woman’s vaginal discharge keeps changing throughout her menstrual cycle. As the hormone levels change, the discharge changes in consistency and quantity. Will it change colour too? If the discharge is yellow or green, should you be concerned about a possible infection?

Vaginal Discharge

The discharge from a woman’s vagina is clear or whitish. The colour, quantity, and consistency are influenced by hormones. As hormone levels rise and fall throughout her menstrual cycle, her discharge changes accordingly. While each body is different, the vaginal discharge is predominantly whitish with very little or no odour.

The vaginal discharge helps keep the vagina clean and safe from infections. During ovulation or the fertile window, the discharge undergoes changes to facilitate sperm movement, thus increasing the chances of pregnancy. Similarly, when on birth control, the discharge is thicker to discourage sperm movement.

Normal vs Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

So, how do you know if your vaginal discharge is normal or abnormal? When do you start worrying about it or seek treatment?

Normal

Normal vaginal discharge can be white or off-white in colour, sticky, slippery, gooey, pasty, or even thick in texture with a very mild odour. The discharge will keep changing and is a strong indication of one’s fertile window.

At the beginning of the menstrual cycle, discharge is barely visible due to very low estrogen levels. As estrogen levels increase, discharge quantity increases and becomes sticky. It can be white or even mild yellow in colour for some women. During ovulation, the discharge increases and becomes slippery, and towards the end of the cycle, it becomes more white and thick.

Abnormal

When vaginal discharge becomes more yellow or green and starts smelling fishy, it may indicate a possible infection. As the infection progresses, the discharge can also become more intense in colour and odour. Most often, such infections also cause itching or a burning sensation when urinating or after sexual intercourse.

Treatments for Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

The treatment for abnormal vaginal discharge depends on the cause of the infection. Some common infections and their treatments –

Gonorrhoea/Chlamydia – These are two of the most common bacterial STIs caused by unprotected sex. The symptoms are very similar, but the infections are caused by different bacteria; hence, the antibiotics prescribed will vary.
Bacterial Vaginosis – This is a common vaginal infection affecting women of reproductive age between the ages of 15 and 44. When the natural bacteria in the vagina overgrow, it can lead to Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). Though not a sexually transmitted infection, it is linked to sexual activity and increases the risk of contracting STIs. It is usually treated with antibiotic creams, gels, or pills.
Trichomoniasis – Trichomoniasis is another common STI with distinctive frothy, bubbly, and strongly smelling discharge that can be yellow, green, or grey. This is an easily curable infection caused by a parasite. It is asymptomatic, and both partners are given antibiotics simultaneously to prevent reinfection.
Yeast Infections – Yeast infections usually cause a foul-smelling white discharge. If the discharge is yellow or green, it is most likely due to a bacterial infection along with the yeast infection.
DIV - Desquamative Inflammatory Vaginitis is a very rare vaginal condition that causes yellow or green discharge. It is not an infection but a vaginal inflammation with symptoms very similar to an infection. It is a chronic condition that requires long-term management via topical steroids and antibiotics to treat the inflammation.
PID – Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is a serious infection that can affect a woman’s reproductive system and fertility in the long run. It begins in the vagina and can move upwards into her reproductive system. It can cause yellow or green foul-smelling vaginal discharge and is usually caused by prolonged Gonorrhoea/Chlamydia infections.

Book an online appointment with Dr. Nisha Munsif Shrotria for Pregnancy & Gynecology related issues.

Vaginal Infection – What to Do?

When you suspect a vaginal infection due to the changes in the vaginal discharge, it is advisable to get checked by a qualified doctor at the earliest. Starting antibiotics and required treatment at the earliest can minimise its impact and speed up recovery. Avoid sexual activity until you have been checked by a doctor. If an infection is confirmed, inform your sexual partners so they can also get tested and treated if necessary.

Conclusion

Your vaginal discharge can tell you a lot about your health. Changes in a woman’s vaginal discharge can be triggered by many factors. While yellow-tinged discharge may not be anything to worry about, a greenish discharge is something you need to look into immediately. Treatments are most effective when started early, before the infection becomes serious.

Want to consult the best gynecologists in India? Please find the links below.‍‍‍

Want to consult the best Maternity Packages in India? Please find the links below.

‍

Get the right solution today

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Maternity

Gynaecology

Fertility

Neonatal Care

Paediatric Care

NICU

PICU

Radiology

Physiotherapy

Nutrition and Dietetics

Breastfeeding Support

Allied Services

Stem Cell Banking

Bengaluru

Chandigarh

Chennai

Faridabad

Ghaziabad

Gurugram

Hyderabad

Jalandhar

Lucknow

Ludhiana

Mumbai

New Delhi

Noida

Panchkula

Pune

Cosmetic Gynecology

Understanding Ovarian Cysts: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Tips on Eating Habits & Foods to Avoid When Pregnant

Recent Articles

Natural Ways to Balance Female Hormones

Top Reasons for Miscarriage

Missed Period but No Pregnancy Symptoms

Frequently Asked Questions

Is yellow or green vaginal discharge an infection?

Yes, when vaginal discharge is anything but white or egg white in colour, it indicates a possible infection. Yellow or green discharge with a foul smell, foamy consistency, or itching is a strong indication of an infection that requires immediate medical attention.

How to tell if vaginal discharge is normal or an infection?

Normal vaginal discharge is white, egg white, or transparent in colour. If the vaginal discharge is yellow or green, with a foamy or thick consistency, it indicates an infection. Excess itching or burning sensation when urinating is also a symptom of vaginal infection.

When is discharge yellow or green a sign of an STD?

Yellow or green vaginal discharge with a strong foul smell and thick or foamy consistency is a strong indication of a sexually transmitted infection. For some women, certain medications can cause the vaginal discharge to be pale yellow or yellowish in colour, but green discharge is definitely a sign of an infection, mostly an STD.

How to treat yellow or green vaginal discharge?

The first step is to consult your gynaecologist and identify the exact infection. The treatment will vary according to the type of infection – bacterial, yeast, or fungal. Sexually transmitted infections typically require prescription antibiotics in the form of pills, gel, or creams. Yeast infections can be treated with oral medications and suppositories.