Why do I have green discharge coming out of my genitals?

Having a physical symptom you don’t know the cause of, can be very concerning. This is especially true if the symptom is green discharge coming from your genitals.

If you’re experiencing green discharge from your genitals, you may have an STI, and it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as you can.

In this blog, we’ll discuss what STIs are, how they spread, and what causes green discharge from the genitals. We will also cover what green discharge is composed of and how the STIs that cause it are treated.

What are sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that spread primarily through sexual contact.

There are several types of STIs, including:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhoea
• Syphilis
• Herpes
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• Mycoplasma
• Ureaplasma
• Trichomonas

How do STIs spread?

“Sexual contact” may sound a bit vague as a mode of transmission. What does it mean?

Sexual contact includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex, and sharing unsterilised sex toys – basically, any instance where an infected bodily fluid, like semen or vaginal fluid, comes in contact with a mucous membrane, like in the genitals, eyes, rectum, or throat.

However, sexual contact isn’t the only way you can get an STI.

Some STIs, like Syphilis, Herpes, and HPV, can spread through skin-to-skin contact. Other infections, like Hepatitis and HIV, can spread through sharing needles and razors, and through blood transfusions.

In rare cases, Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea infections of the throat have been exchanged through deep kissing.

It’s important to remember that if you’re sexually active, you should keep yourself safe by practising safe sex and getting tested regularly.

What STIs cause green discharge from the genitals?

Green discharge from the genitals is typically caused by four infections: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Trichomonas, and Bacterial Vaginosis.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is an infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia Trachomatis. It is the most common bacterial STI and is particularly common among sexually active young people.

Chlamydia often does not have any symptoms. However, when it does cause symptoms, they may include:

• Pain during urination and sexual intercourse
• Itching or burning at the site of infection
• In women, back pain and bleeding between periods
• In men, inflamed and swollen testicles and discomfort around the tip of the penis
• Unusual discharge from the genitals

The discharge caused by Chlamydia, for both men and women will:

• Be green, yellow, or white in colour
• Have a distinct, strong odour

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is a bacterial STI caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Gonorrhoea is highly contagious and can infect the genitals, mouth, eyes, and rectum.

Like Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea often doesn’t present with any symptoms, so it’s possible to have it and not know it. However, when symptoms do appear, they may include:

• Burning sensations during urination
• Pain during sex
• Pain or swelling in the testicles
• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Painful bowel movements (rectal infection)
• Sore throat (throat infection)
• Conjunctivitis (eye infection)

The discharge caused by Gonorrhoea often appears:

• White, yellow, or green
• Thick
• In women: heavier than their normal discharge

Trichomonas

Trichomonas is caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis, which infects the urethra.

Trichomonas may also present with no symptoms. But when they do appear, they may include:

• Pain during sex
• Pain during urination
• Increased urination
• Redness and swelling of the tip of the penis and/or the foreskin

The discharge caused by Trichomonas will be:

• Green or yellow in colour
• Thin
• Foamy
• “Fishy”-smelling

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial Vaginosis, also called BV, is an overgrowth of a bacterium called Gardnerella vaginalis, which resides naturally in the vagina. BV is more common among women who are sexually active, especially women who have sex with women. Having BV may also increase your risk of getting other STIs.

When BV appears, it often causes:

• Vaginal pain, itching, or burning in and around the vagina
• Pain during urination

BV can also cause discharge, which will be:

• Green, grey, or off-white
• Thin
• Cloudy
• “Fishy”-smelling

What is green discharge composed of?

Green discharge from the genitals is typically a mixture of pus, blood, and other bodily fluids. It will often be accompanied by a foul odour. It can be thick and sticky or thin and watery.

How are STIs that cause green discharge treated?

Most of the above infections can be treated with antibiotics. It’s important to take all of your medication as prescribed and to avoid sexual contact while you are being treated.

Final thoughts

Green discharge from the genitals is a concerning symptom of STIs, but it’s important to remember that these diseases are curable if caught early. If you’re concerned about your sexual health, be sure to get tested with Better2Know.

Schedule a call with our friendly team of Sexual Health Advisors to stay on top of your sexual health.

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