Green Vaginal Discharge – What's Causing This?
Green vaginal discharge is unusual, and can cause anxiety when discovered. It's true that this green discharge is a sign of a pretty big problem, but the good news is that the problem can be treated quickly and easily as long as you catch it early.
Trichomoniasis
The reason behind green vaginal discharge is usually a type of sexually-transmitted infection called trichomoniasis. Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite that's spread through sexual contact. It can occur in both men and women, but women are the ones who most often exhibit symptoms. Both partners will need to be treated as soon as possible to avoid spreading the infection. Like another other STI, safe sexual practices greatly decrease the risk of contracting trichomoniasis.
Symptoms of trichomoniasis
Other than the green vaginal discharge, trichomoniasis comes with a few symptoms that are common with any infection. A foul vaginal odor may be noted. This odor may be especially strong after intercourse. Itching, burning, soreness, and redness of the vaginal opening may also be present, but irritation symptoms like this are not a requirement to make a diagnosis. As mentioned earlier, men may not have any symptoms at all. Women who have been infected with trichomoniasis usually exhibit symptoms with 5 to 28 days.
More about discharge
Green vaginal discharge is not the only change that can occur in your normal vaginal secretions. The color of trichomoniasis discharge can range from yellow to green to a grayish color tinted with yellow or green. It often takes on a frothy or foamy texture. The poor odor associated with trichomoniasis comes from the discharge itself.
Treatment
Luckily, treatment for trichomoniasis is easy. This infection is actually the most common curable STI found in sexually active young women. Treatment consists of a single dose of prescription medication that kills the parasite. One form of this medication can safely be used by pregnant women. Being treated for trichomoniasis does not keep you from getting the infection again, so it's important to take preventative measures after the initial treatment.
Prevention
Prevention of STIs is best done by using a condom, abstaining from sex, or only being intimate with a long-term, uninfected partner. Safe sexual practices have other benefits for your vaginal health besides just preventing STIs. Bacterial vaginosis, another type of infection, is not an STI but is less likely to occur in women who do not engage in risky sexual behavior. Various kinds of vaginal irritation are also less common when safe sex is practiced regularly. See a health professional for more information about trichomoniasis, or if you think you may need a diagnosis.
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