Seeing green discharge when you wipe is enough to send even the most chill person into a full-on freak out. After all, you likely have an idea of what your vaginal discharge looks like on a regular basis -- and a green or even green-ish shade definitely isn't it. While doctors say you shouldn't panic, this is one of those situations that definitely warrants a call to your ob-gyn.
The bottom line: Green discharge (no matter whether it's just slightly mossy or full-on Kermit the Frog) is most often a sign of something fairly serious, making it imperative to be seen by a doctor ASAP. But to help give you some idea of what could possibly be behind that grassy hue while you wait for your appointment, keep reading for a breakdown of the most common causes of green discharge, according to ob-gyns.
Christine Greves, MD, is an ob-gyn at Orlando Health Women's Institute Center for Obstetrics & Gynecology and obstetrical and gynecological surgeon at Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies.
Jennifer Wider, MD, is a women's health expert, author, and podcast host.
The high-level summary: "Green discharge isn't normal," says Christine Greves, MD, an ob-gyn at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies in Orlando, Florida. There are a few different culprits that could be responsible, although this color usually signals some kind of infection.
Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomonas can also cause a green discharge, says Dr. Greves. "Usually gonorrhea discharge is thicker and heavier than usual," she says. "The trichomoniasis discharge may be thin, foamy, and foul smelling." In both cases, the discharge typically is a yellow-green color.
Gonorrhea can also cause symptoms like pain or a burning sensation when you pee, increased vaginal discharge, and vaginal bleeding between periods, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you're dealing with trichomonas, you may also have irritation in your vulva, per the CDC.
On the other hand, "Chlamydia sometimes presents with symptoms and sometimes does not, but it can also have a green discharge," Dr. Greves says. If chlamydia is behind your green discharge, you'll likely also have a burning sensation when you pee, pelvic pain, and possibly bleeding after sex, Dr. Greves says.
Bacterial vaginosis, or BV, occurs when there is too much of a certain bacteria in the vagina. (Not so fun fact: It's the most common vaginal condition in women between the ages of 15 and 44, according to the CDC.)
BV can cause pain, itching, or burning in the vagina, a burning feeling when you pee, a fishy odor, and itching around the outside of the vagina. It can also cause green discharge, because the underlying pathology is from a bacterial infection, explains women's health expert and ob-gyn Jennifer Wider, MD. A number of triggers can cause BV, including hormonal changes, unprotected sex, and even stress, Dr. Greves says.
A lost or forgotten tampon can also lead to green discharge. Why? Any retained blood in the tampon is a haven for bacteria to thrive and cause inflammation, and possibly an infection, Dr. Greves explains. As a result, you can end up with green discharge and, usually, an intense odor as well.
If you suspect that you forgot to remove a tampon, you can try to fish it out yourself. (Try squatting and bearing down like you're about to use the bathroom, while inserting two fingers to reach it.) But if you're unsuccessful, it's a good idea to contact a healthcare provider. You'll also want to monitor yourself for signs of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), which include a sudden high fever, rash, and vomiting or diarrhea, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
"Even bits of stuck toilet paper can result in a greenish yellow discharge," Dr. Greves says. The concept is similar to what can happen with a tampon -- the toilet paper gets trapped in your vagina and turns into a breeding ground for bacteria. It's worth noting that this can happen with nearly anything that gets stuck in your vagina, including broken portions of condoms or other objects that were inserted into the vagina, Dr. Greves notes. Just like with a lost tampon, you can try to remove the debris yourself, but again, if you're unsuccessful, seek medical attention.
In case it's not yet clear, call a doctor anytime you have any kind of green discharge; getting properly diagnosed and treated ASAP is imperative. Treatment can vary, but typically includes antibiotics, given that an infection is usually present. And make sure you push for immediate medical care if your discolored discharge is also accompanied by pain (during urination or otherwise), fever, or chills, Dr. Greeves notes.