Having a physical symptom that you don’t know the cause of can be very troubling. This is especially true if the symptom is green discharge coming from your genitals.
If you are experiencing green discharge from your genitals, you may have an STD and it is important to seek medical help as soon as possible.
In this blog, we’ll discuss what STDs are, how they spread, and what causes green genital discharge. We’ll also cover what green discharge consists of and how the STDs that cause it are treated.
What are sexually transmitted infections (STDs)?
Sexually transmitted infections (STDs) are infections that are transmitted primarily through sexual contact.
There are several types of STDs, including:
How are STDs transmitted?
“Sexual contact” may sound a bit vague as a mode of transmission. What it means?
Sexual intercourse includes vaginal, anal and oral sex and sharing unsterile sex toys – basically, any instance where an infected bodily fluid, such as semen or vaginal fluid, comes into contact with a mucous membrane, such as on the genitals, eyes, in the rectum. or neck.
However, having sex isn’t the only way you can get an STD.
Some STDs, such as syphilis, herpes, and HPV, can be spread through skin-to-skin contact. Other infections, such as hepatitis and HIV, can be spread through sharing needles and razors and through blood transfusions.
In rare cases, chlamydia and gonorrhea throat infections are exchanged for deep kissing.
It’s important to remember that if you’re sexually active, you should keep yourself safe by practicing safe sex and getting tested regularly.
What STDs cause green genital discharge?
Green discharge from the genitals is usually caused by four infections: chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas and bacterial vaginosis.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is an infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia Trachomatis. It is the most common bacterial STD and is especially common among sexually active young people.
Chlamydia often has no symptoms. However, when it does cause symptoms, they can include:
- Pain during urination and sexual intercourse
- Itching or burning at the site of infection
- In women, back pain and bleeding between periods
- In men, inflamed and swollen testicles and discomfort around the tip of the penis
- Abnormal discharge from the genitals
Discharge caused by chlamydia, for both men and women will:
- To be green, yellow or white in color
- You have a distinct, strong smell
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a bacterial STD caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Gonorrhea is highly contagious and can infect the genitals, mouth, eyes and rectum.
Like chlamydia, gonorrhea often has no symptoms, so it’s possible to have it and not know it. However, when symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Burning sensation during urination
- Pain during sex
- Pain or swelling in the testicles
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Painful bowel movements (rectal infection)
- Sore throat (throat infection)
- Conjunctivitis (eye infection)
Discharge caused by gonorrhea often occurs:
- White, yellow or green
- Dense
- In women: heavier than their normal discharge
Trichomonas
Trichomonas is caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginaliswhich affects the urethra.
Trichomoniasis can also occur without symptoms. But when they do appear, they may include:
- Pain during sex
- Pain during urination
- Increased urination
- Redness and swelling of the tip of the penis and/or foreskin
The discharge caused by Trichomonas will be:
- Green or yellow color
- Thin
- Sparkling
- It smells “fishy”.
Bacterial Vaginitis
Bacterial vaginitis, also called BV, is an overgrowth of a bacteria called Gardnerella vaginalis, which is naturally based in the bay. BV is more common among women who are sexually active, especially women who have sex with women. Having BV can also increase your risk of getting other STDs.
When BV occurs, it often causes:
- Vaginal pain, itching or burning in and around the vagina
- Pain during urination
BV can also cause discharge, which will be:
- Green, gray or off-white
- Thin
- Cloudy
- It smells “fishy”.
What does green waste consist of?
Green discharge from the genitals is usually a mixture of pus, blood and other body fluids. It will often be accompanied by a foul smell. It can be thick and sticky or thin and watery.
How are STDs that cause green discharge treated?
Most of the above infections can be treated with antibiotics. It is important to take all your medications as prescribed and to avoid sexual intercourse while receiving treatment.
Final thoughts
Green discharge from the genitals is a worrying symptom of STDs, but it is important to remember that these diseases are curable if diagnosed early. If you are concerned about your sexual health, be sure to get tested with Better2Know.
Schedule a call with our friendly team of sexual health advisors to maintain your sexual health.
