Understanding the signs early can help you get treated quickly and protect your peace of mind.
Noticing a green discharge can feel alarming—and it should prompt attention. While there are several possible causes, a greenish discharge is often a sign of an STD or infection that needs medical treatment.
In this guide, we’ll explain what STD causes green discharge, other symptoms to watch for, what testing and treatment involve, and how to protect yourself from future infections.
What STD Causes Green Discharge?
The most common STD linked to green discharge is Trichomoniasis, often referred to as “trich.”
✔️ Caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis.
✔️ It spreads through unprotected vaginal sex, though it may rarely transmit through shared sex toys or contact with infected fluids.
✔️ Many people infected don’t have symptoms—but when they do, green discharge is a telltale sign.
What the discharge looks like:
- Frothy or bubbly in texture
- Yellow-green or greenish in color
- May have a strong, fishy, or unpleasant odor
- May increase after sex or during menstruation
Trichomoniasis affects both men and women but is more easily detected in women due to symptoms like discharge and irritation.
Other Symptoms of Trichomoniasis
Along with green discharge, other symptoms may include:
✔️ Genital itching, burning, or irritation
✔️ Discomfort or pain during urination (dysuria)
✔️ Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
✔️ Vaginal redness or swelling in women
✔️ Clear or milky penile discharge in men
✔️ In rare cases, lower abdominal cramping
💡 Important Note: Studies show that over 70% of people with trichomoniasis don’t show symptoms. This makes regular screening crucial, especially if you’re sexually active with new or multiple partners.
Can Other STDs Cause Green Discharge?
While trich is the most common culprit, green discharge can also indicate other infections or co-infections, including:
Gonorrhea
- Caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae
- Can cause green or yellowish discharge from the vagina or penis
- Often occurs alongside pelvic pain, painful urination, and bleeding between periods
- In men, it can lead to epididymitis, a painful testicular condition
Chlamydia
- Discharge is typically clear or white, but can appear greenish if infection becomes severe
- May cause burning during urination, pelvic pain, and pain during sex
- Commonly co-infects with gonorrhea, making symptoms worse
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
- A complication of untreated STDs like gonorrhea or chlamydia
- Can cause green discharge, foul odor, pelvic pain, fever, and nausea
- If untreated, PID can lead to infertility and chronic pain
Non-STD Causes of Green Discharge
It’s important to note that not all green discharge is caused by an STD. Other possibilities include:
✔️ Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) – Imbalance of vaginal bacteria, often causes grayish or green discharge with a fishy odor
✔️ Foreign objects – Forgotten tampons or condoms can lead to infection and green discharge
✔️ Vaginal yeast infections – Rarely cause green discharge, but mixed infections can alter color and texture
If you notice green discharge and haven’t had recent sexual contact, it may still be worth seeing a doctor to rule out infections.
When to See a Doctor
🚨 You should seek medical attention right away if you notice:
- Green, yellow, or foul-smelling vaginal or penile discharge
- Genital itching, burning, or pain
- Painful urination or bleeding outside your cycle
- Fever, nausea, or abdominal pain
Leaving symptoms untreated may lead to: ✔️ Increased risk of spreading the infection to others
✔️ Reproductive complications such as infertility
✔️ Inflammatory conditions like PID or prostatitis
Testing and Diagnosis
Getting diagnosed is fast and straightforward:
✔️ Trichomoniasis testing includes vaginal swabs or urine samples analyzed under a microscope or with a rapid antigen test.
✔️ Gonorrhea and chlamydia are tested using NAATs (nucleic acid amplification tests)—highly accurate and widely used.
✔️ In men, urethral swabs or urine samples may be collected.
✔️ In women, vaginal or cervical swabs are common.
💡 Many clinics offer same-day or at-home STD test kits for privacy and convenience.
Treatment Options
If green discharge is caused by trichomoniasis:
✔️ Metronidazole or tinidazole are commonly prescribed antibiotics. One single dose or a 5-7 day course clears the infection in most people.
✔️ Avoid alcohol during treatment—it can cause nausea and severe reactions.
✔️ All sexual partners should be treated at the same time, even if they have no symptoms.
✔️ Avoid sex until treatment is complete and symptoms are gone.
In the case of gonorrhea or chlamydia: ✔️ Dual antibiotic therapy is often used.
✔️ Follow-up testing may be required to confirm the infection is gone.
Prevention Tips
✔️ Use condoms and dental dams consistently during sex
✔️ Avoid sharing sex toys, or clean them properly between uses
✔️ Get tested regularly for STDs—especially if you have new or multiple partners
✔️ Talk openly with your partner(s) about sexual health and testing history
✔️ Avoid douching, which disrupts the vaginal microbiome
💡 Bonus Tip: Make STD screening a routine part of your annual health checkup.
Final Thoughts
Green discharge is a red flag that something isn’t right—often pointing to trichomoniasis or another sexually transmitted infection. While it can be scary to notice, the good news is that these conditions are treatable with prompt medical care.
If you notice green discharge, don’t self-diagnose or delay treatment. Getting tested and talking to your doctor is the best way to protect your health and your partner’s.
💙 Be proactive, stay informed, and take charge of your sexual health.
References
- CDC – Trichomoniasis: www.cdc.gov/std/trichomonas
- CDC – Gonorrhea: www.cdc.gov/std/gonorrhea
- Mayo Clinic – Vaginal Discharge: www.mayoclinic.org
- Planned Parenthood – STDs and Symptoms: www.plannedparenthood.org
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