Green Vaginal Discharge: Causes and Treatment Options

Q: Green Vaginal Discharge: Causes and Treatment Options

Hello Miss Mimi： The presence of greenish discharge with some white in the vagina is generally indicative of a yeast infection. <br>However, if there is an unpleasant odor, it could also be a sign of bacterial vaginosis. <br>Regardless of the type of vaginitis, the recurrence rat

Mold issues

Hello Dr.
Huang, I would like to ask you about the green discharge I have been experiencing.
It is not painful or itchy, but it has a slight odor, although not very noticeable.
What could be the cause of this green discharge? I first visited a clinic on April 28 of this year and took medication and suppositories twice, but there was no improvement.
I then switched to a second clinic where I took medication and suppositories, which showed some improvement, but once I finished the medication and suppositories, the green discharge reappeared.
Why does the green discharge come back after completing the treatment? Why is it not improving despite ongoing treatment? I have already seen a third clinic, but the green discharge has not improved.
Could it be that I have developed resistance to the medication, which is why the treatment is ineffective? How should I handle this situation? Is this condition related to Chlamydia? Are there any dietary restrictions I should be aware of? Does sugar intake increase the green discharge? Should I consider visiting another clinic? If the green discharge does not resolve by the next appointment, will it improve on its own? Thank you, Dr.
Huang, for taking the time to address my many questions.
I really appreciate your help.

Mi Mi, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/07/03

Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello Miss Mimi: The presence of greenish discharge with some white in the vagina is generally indicative of a yeast infection.
However, if there is an unpleasant odor, it could also be a sign of bacterial vaginosis.
Regardless of the type of vaginitis, the recurrence rate is quite high.
Therefore, there's no need to be overly anxious; you might consider paying attention to your diet, daily routine, and local hygiene.
Normal vaginal discharge in women can occur, but if it is not accompanied by pain or itching and the amount is not increasing, it is usually quite common and not a cause for concern, nor does it necessarily require medical treatment.
Your situation does not appear to be caused by Chlamydia, as it typically does not present with symptoms and may only occasionally lead to pelvic inflammatory disease; a blood test for antibodies would be necessary to confirm.

Reply Date: 2018/07/03

More Info

Understanding green vaginal discharge can be quite complex, as it may indicate various underlying conditions. The presence of green discharge, especially when accompanied by a slight odor but no pain or itching, can be attributed to several factors. Common causes include bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted infection), or other forms of vaginitis.
Bacterial vaginosis is characterized by an imbalance in the normal bacterial flora of the vagina, leading to an overgrowth of certain bacteria. This condition often presents with a fishy odor and can result in a greenish discharge. Trichomoniasis, caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, can also lead to green discharge, often accompanied by a foul smell and sometimes itching or irritation. However, in your case, the absence of pain or itching may suggest a less severe infection or even a non-infectious cause.

The fact that you have sought treatment from multiple healthcare providers and have undergone various medications and treatments without lasting improvement raises some important considerations. It is possible that the initial treatments were not fully effective, or that the underlying cause of your symptoms has not been accurately diagnosed. In some cases, recurrent infections can occur due to incomplete treatment, antibiotic resistance, or reinfection from a sexual partner.
Regarding your concern about antibiotic resistance, it is indeed a possibility if the same medications are used repeatedly without success. This can lead to a situation where the bacteria or parasites causing the infection become resistant to the treatments, making it more challenging to eradicate the infection. It may be beneficial to discuss with your healthcare provider the possibility of conducting specific tests, such as a culture or sensitivity test, to identify the exact pathogen and determine the most effective treatment.

As for dietary considerations, while there is no direct evidence that sugar consumption significantly affects vaginal discharge, a diet high in sugar can contribute to an imbalance in the body's microbiome, potentially leading to yeast infections or other imbalances. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can support overall health and may help in managing symptoms.

If you are considering changing healthcare providers again, it may be worthwhile to seek a specialist in infectious diseases or a gynecologist with experience in treating recurrent vaginal infections. They may offer a fresh perspective and potentially more targeted treatment options.
In summary, green vaginal discharge can arise from various causes, and persistent symptoms despite treatment warrant further investigation. It is essential to work closely with a healthcare provider to identify the underlying issue and develop an effective treatment plan. If symptoms persist or worsen, do not hesitate to seek further medical advice. Remember, self-diagnosis and treatment can often lead to complications, so professional guidance is crucial.

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