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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What can cause a green pus-like vaginal discharge other than STI's?

    Related Topic
    Women's Health
    I'm a 29 year old woman, never had any sexual contact of any kind (no skin to skin, no oral, no sharing of toys, nothing), but for the past few months, I've been getting a green vaginal discharge that quite often comes out in small lumps. It's green like the colour green you would get out of your nose when you have a sinus infection or something.

    I'm also not currently using any birth control, and I've never had a pap smear, if that makes a difference.

    I did go see my doctor about it, & he did some swabs which came back negative, so now he has said that it is just hormonal changes.

    Somehow that doesn't sound right to me!

    Any advice would be appreciated!
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  • 17

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    Women's Health Queensland Wide

    Women's Health Queensland Wide provides free health information for Queensland women. View Profile

    If you have never had sex I think we can rule out a sexually transmitted infection.
    During the reproductive years the fluctuating levels of oestrogen and progesterone throughout the menstrual cycle affect the quality and quantity of cervical mucus which is perceived by women as a change in their vaginal discharge. Initially, when oestrogen is low, the mucus is thick and sticky. As oestrogen levels rise, the mucus gets progressively clearer, wetter and more stretchy. After ovulation, there is an increase in the thickness and stickiness of the mucus once more. When mucus stays in the underwear (especially the thick and sticky mucus) as it interacts with the air the mucus can take on a more yellowish colouring.
    However, if you are still concerned or have any pelvic pain, fever, vaginal odour or bleeding you might be as well to obtain a second opinion or see a gynaecologist.
    Brenda
    Women’s Health Educator
    Health Information Line, Women’s Health Queensland Wide
     
    Women living in Queensland can also call our Health Information Line - a free information and referral service for Queensland women - on 3839 9988 or 1800 017 676 (toll free outside Brisbane).
     
    Please note that all health information provided by Women’s Health Queensland Wide is subject to this disclaimer
     
     

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  • 14

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    Amy Clissold

    HealthShare Member

    Thanks for your reply Brenda.
    It's not a case of the discharge/mucus becoming a yellowish or green colour when it stays on my underwear or anything, its actually coming out in blobby type bits as a yellow & green colour.
    The main time I have any pelvic pain is in the week leading up to my period, & the (usually) 7 days of my period. During this time I also have fevers, nausea & dizziness.

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    Dr Cristina Musso

    Counsellor, Sex Therapist

    Sexuality Education and Counselling ACT is run by a specialist in Sexual Health to help individuals and couples address their sexual concerns and improve their … View Profile

    Hello,

    Green vaginal discharge is almost always related to an infection and it is a challenge to find that the test were negative. Your doctor may be right but it would probably be sensible to repeat the tests. Some factors such as storage conditions and transport systems can affect the results as some microorganisms are quite fastidious and fragile.

    An imbalance of the normal bacteria living in the vagina may cause a grey discharge (sometimes green) with a ‘fishy’ odour and without causing any itching or irritation. This is a common non-sexually transmitted infection favoured for anything (e.g. vaginal douches) altering the normal vaginal flora.

    Another common infection is caused by Trichomona, a protozoa which generally produces a green vaginal discharge, foul odour (not always) and itching. Thrichomoniasis is an STI but some studies show that sharing contaminated underwear, bath suits, towels, sponges, may also serve as a media for transmission.

    You do not mention any pain or fever but I still believe you should see a medical specialist in Sexual Health. At 29, having a Pap smear is not a bad idea either.

    I suggest visiting a Sexual Health Clinic in your area. Most specialised clinicians have facilities to use point of care bacteriological tests and perform a quick and somewhat accurate primary diagnosis during your visit at the clinic.

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    Amy Clissold

    HealthShare Member

    Thanks for your reply Dr Musso.
    I notice you have suggested I should have a Pap smear, even though I have stated that I've never had any sexual contact. This is something I have brought up with my GP for several years now, & the answer has always been “As long as you haven't been sexually active, you don't need one.”
    I will certainly look into finding a sexual health clinic, & see if they will see me, & what their opinions are.
    If you have time, I would appreciate it greatly if you could look at my other question, which is under “Pelvic Pain” - it has remained unanswered for several weeks now.

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