Green Vaginal Discharge: Why Do You Have It? How Should You Prevent and Treat It?
Vaginal discharge is normal for every woman. This is how her body protects itself from infections and performs a self-cleaning function. BUT that doesn’t mean you are to take all types of discharges for granted, especially if they are green. Green vaginal discharges are usually caused by sexually transmitted diseases and should be treated in an appropriate way.
Top 15 Symptoms of the Problem
The slightest changes in the texture, odor or color of the discharge may be the signs of a problem. They may occur due to the changes during the menstrual cycle, but you will need professional help, advice and a proper explanation of the things that caused these changes.
As a rule, green discharge is accompanied by a great number of different symptoms. Some of them are relatively mild, whereas others are severe. Regardless of the type of symptoms that you have, you should consult a professional. Keep in mind that, when left neglected, symptoms turn into problems and diseases that are hard to treat.
Symptoms that affect the genitals:
- odor
- genital burning and pain
- vaginal itching
- light bleeding/spotting
- pain during sexual intercourse
Symptoms, related to the body systems:
- rash
- fever
- burning and pain during urination
- diarrhea
- pelvic pain
Live-threatening symptoms:
- weak pulse
- high fever
- sudden confusion, lethargy, delirium and hallucinations
- severe abdominal or pelvic pain
- severe vomiting and nausea
What Caused the Problems You Have?
As we have already mentioned, the most common causes of greenish discharge are sexually transmitted infections and diseases:
- Chlamydia: the diseases caused by trachomatis, the bacterium Chlamydia;
- Bacterial vaginosis: the imbalance of bacteria that involves the overgrowth of Gardnerella vaginalis;
- Trichomoniasis: STD caused by protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis;
- Gonorrhea: another sexually transmitted disease caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
The vaginal discharge that is caused by Chlamydia is more yellow than green and is characterized by a foul smell. In case you have Trichomoniasis, the discharge has a foul odor and is yellowish-green rather than pure green. Intercourse and urination may be accompanied by the discomfort and the genital area is itchy.
Normally, tests can be taken for all types of sexually transmitted diseases. These are treatable infections if a doctor prescribes proper antibiotic therapy and if you do not leave the problem neglected. Remember that these infections heighten the risks of ectopic pregnancy and infertility, infections of a woman’s reproductive organs and toxic shock syndrome. You can also spread the disease to your sexual partner.
Are STDs the Main Causes?
Yes, they are, BUT a foul-smelling, green colored discharge can also occur if there is a foreign body in your vagina (a tampon, for example). If it is there for an extended period of time, green vaginal discharge is a usual sign.
Green Vaginal Discharge and Pregnancy: Are There Reasons to Worry?
Green discharge during pregnancy is the sign of Trichomoniasis. It is normally characterized by a rather strong odor and requires immediate treatment.
What should you do with green vaginal discharge if you are pregnant? First, keep clean and perform a regular hygiene routine. Don’t use tampons to absorb the discharge. It’s better to opt for pads.
Always speak to your health care provider to ensure the safety of your baby and follow the recommendations he gives.
Is Prevention Possible?
Of course, it is! To prevent sexually transmitted diseases use a condom if you have several partners, or be intimate with one partner, who is uninfected. If you are not absolutely sure as to the safety of the intercourse and don’t trust your partner, buy special medicine that is frequently used in preventive measures before or after the intercourse. See your health professional regularly and tell him about the slightest changes in your menstrual cycle and discharges.
If it happened that you failed with preventive measures, be sure that there are possible treatment options. Sexually transmitted infections are curable if they are detected in the early stages. As a rule, one course of medicine is very helpful.
Antibiotics may be not an option in the treatment for pregnant women. However, there are other medications that are able to help.
Although green vaginal discharge is not the only change that occurs in secretions, be sure that you do everything possible to treat this condition fast.
