- Main causes of greenish discharge
- 1. Trichomoniasis
- 2. Vulvovaginitis
- 3. Bacterial vaginosis
- Home Treatment for Greenish Discharge
The greenish or yellow-green discharge when accompanied by an unpleasant smell, itching and burning in the intimate region can be a sign of Trichomoniasis, which is an infection caused by a parasite, or of vulvovaginitis, which corresponds to an inflammation that occurs at the same time in the vulva and in the vagina.
In most cases, the greenish discharge is almost always accompanied by other symptoms, it is recommended to consult the gynecologist as soon as possible, so that the cause can be identified and the most appropriate treatment initiated.
Main causes of greenish discharge
1. Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a vaginal infection caused by the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis which, in addition to causing green discharge, can also cause pain during intercourse, unpleasant smell, irritation and genital itching, pain when urinating and increased urination. Here's how to identify trichomoniasis symptoms.
What to do: Generally, trichomoniasis is treated using antibiotic remedies such as Metronidazole or Tinidazole, which must be taken twice a day for 5 to 7 days of treatment, or according to the recommendation of the gynecologist.
2. Vulvovaginitis
Vulvovaginitis is an inflammation that occurs in the vulva and in the vagina at the same time, being the combination of a vulvitis (inflammation in the vulva) and a vaginitis (inflammation of the lining of the vagina). This inflammation, in addition to the greenish discharge, also causes irritation, itching, redness and genital inflammation, unpleasant smell, discomfort or burning sensation when urinating.
Vulvovaginitis can have several causes, as it can be caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses or other parasites or by chemicals found in foams, soaps or perfumes, for example.
What to do: Most of the time, the treatment of vulvovaginitis can be done using antibiotic, antifungal or antihistamine remedies, depending on the type and cause of the infection. For example, if vulvovaginitis is caused by an allergy to any product, the gynecologist may recommend the use of antihistamines. However, if it is due to an infection, the use of antibiotics or antifungals may be recommended. Learn more about treatment for vulvovaginitis.
3. Bacterial vaginosis
Although not the main cause of greenish discharge, in some cases it is possible that infection with Gardnerella vaginalis , which is the bacterium responsible for causing vaginosis, also leads to the appearance of this type of discharge, although white discharge is more frequent.. In addition to discharge, bacterial vaginosis can be characterized by the presence of small bubbles in the vagina and an unpleasant odor, similar to the smell of rotten fish, which becomes stronger after unprotected sexual intercourse.
What to do: In the case of bacterial vaginosis, the treatment indicated by the gynecologist is with antibiotics, and the use of Metronidazole in tablet or vaginal cream form is usually recommended. See how the treatment for bacterial vaginosis should be.
Home Treatment for Greenish Discharge
To complete the treatment indicated by the gynecologist, there are some hygiene precautions and homemade tips that can help when there is a greenish discharge, such as:
- Wash the genital area 2 to 3 times a day with running water, soap is not necessary. Check out some tips to do intimate hygiene correctly; Sitz baths with warm water or guava tea, to help relieve itching in the genital area. See how to prepare a sitz bath using this tea; Avoid using synthetic or tight underwear, betting on cotton underwear.
Any change in vaginal discharge can be a way for the body to warn that there is a problem, so it is an alert to see the gynecologist as soon as possible. Learn to identify what each color of vaginal discharge means.
