Causes of greenish yellow vaginal discharge
The cervix naturally produces a mucus to maintain the normal vaginal moisture and to protect both the vagina and the uterus from infections. The normal vaginal discharge is transparent or white, without smell, and it changes with the menstrual cycle (being thick and sticky most of the time and clearer and wetter near ovulation).
When the discharge changes its color, odor, amount, or even its texture (more than usual), it may indicate that the person has an infection. Likewise, other associated symptoms like itching, burning, discomfort, or spotting may also indicate a vaginal infection.
There are many causes of green vaginal discharge, especially sexually transmitted infections. In fact, one of the most common causes of yellowish-green vaginal discharge is an infection called trichomoniasis.
The trichomoniasis is caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. The vaginal discharge caused by this infection is often smelly and is more yellowish-green than pure green. Likewise, a person with trichomoniasis may experience discomfort while urinating or having sex, itching in the genital area, and even mild pelvic pain (less common).
The vaginal yeast infection, also called vaginal candidiasis, is also a very common infection. The vaginal discharge caused by the yeast infection is very thick (similar to the cottage cheese), yellow-white, and usually odor-free.
Candidiasis is not considered a sexually transmitted infection, and the other symptoms are very intense. The woman experiences intense itching and irritation, a burning sensation that intensifies with the sexual relations and urinating, and redness and swelling of the vulva.
Other important causes of abnormal vaginal discharge are the sexually transmitted infections gonorrhea and chlamydia. These bacterial infections typically produce a yellow or cloudy vaginal discharge. These bacterial infections can also produce mild pelvic pain and bleeding.
The bacterial vaginosis is also an important cause of a smelly and yellowish (in some cases grayish white) vaginal discharge. However, the most distinctive feature of this vaginal infection is the presence of an unpleasant smell (like raw fish).
Finally, the presence of foreign objects for a long time in the vaginal canal (such as tampons) can increase the vaginal discharge, which may become greenish or yellow.
It is important to remember that due to the non-specificity of the vaginal discharge as symptom, when a woman notices an abnormality in this secretion a visit to the doctor is a must, this way the doctor can determine the specific cause of the vaginal discharge and indicate the best treatment.
Likewise, it is always necessary to treat a vaginal infection to avoid the development of serious complications like the pelvic inflammatory disease, which may be a severe disease. In some cases, the couple should also receive the specific treatment to avoid re-infections.
Although not all the changes in the vaginal discharge are caused by sexually transmitted infections, the best way to prevent this condition is avoiding promiscuous sexual relations. Likewise, having a proper intimate hygiene helps to reduce vaginal infections and also the apparition of greenish-yellow vaginal discharge.
