Summary:

• Green discharge from the genitals is usually a sign of an infection and shouldn’t be ignored.
• It tends to be caused by bacterial infections like Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea
• Testing is important, and complications from these infections can become serious if left untreated

Having a physical symptom without a known cause can be very concerning. This is especially true if the symptom is highly unusual, like green discharge from the penis or vagina. It’s alarming, and rightly so, because green discharge usually indicates an infection.

So, if you’re experiencing green discharge from your genitals, penile or vaginal discharge should not be ignored, and getting prompt testing and medical care is important.

Here, we’ll go over what STIs are, how they spread, and what causes green discharge from the genitals. We will also cover what green discharge is composed of and how the STIs that cause it are treated.

It’s always better to know your sexual health status.

What are sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that spread primarily through sexual contact.

There are several types of STIs, including:

How do STIs spread?

“Sexual contact” may sound a bit vague as a mode of transmission. So, what does it mean?

Sexual contact includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex, and sharing unsterilised sex toys – basically, any instance where an infected bodily fluid, like semen or vaginal fluid, comes in contact with a mucous membrane, like in the genitals, eyes, rectum, or throat.

However, sexual contact isn’t the only way you can get an STI.

Some STIs, like Syphilis, Herpes, and HPV, can spread through skin-to-skin contact. Other infections, like Hepatitis and HIV, can spread through sharing needles and razors, and through poorly tested blood transfusions.

In rare cases, Gonorrhoea infections of the throat have been exchanged through deep kissing.

It’s important to remember that if you’re sexually active, you should keep yourself safe by practising safe sex and getting tested regularly. Many STIs may not cause noticeable symptoms at first but can still lead to complications. You should also use barrier protection during sexual activity to help prevent the spread of infection.

What STIs cause green discharge from the genitals?

Green discharge from the genitals is typically caused by four infections: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Trichomonas, and Bacterial Vaginosis.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is an infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia Trachomatis. It’s the most common bacterial STI and is particularly common among sexually active young people. Most genital Chlamydia infections tend to be passed on through unprotected sex.

Chlamydia often does not have any symptoms. However, when it does cause symptoms, they may include:

• Unusual penile discharge and vaginal discharge that can appear yellowish or green in colour
• Burning, itching, and irritation in the genital area
• Painful urination
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• In women, pelvic pain and bleeding between periods

While most commonly found in the genitals, Chlamydia can also infect the rectum and mouth. Contrary to some popular myths, you can’t get Chlamydia from kissing.

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is another bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Gonorrhoea is highly contagious and can infect the genitals, mouth, eyes, and rectum.

Like Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea often doesn’t present with any symptoms, so it’s possible to have it and not know it. However, when symptoms do appear, Gonorrhoea symptoms may appear within two to five days of exposure. They may include:

• Burning sensations during urination
• Pain during sex
• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Painful bowel movements (rectal infection)

The abnormal discharge caused by Gonorrhoea often appears:

• A yellow or greenish discharge from your vagina or penis
• Thick, sticky and pus like
• Abundant, commonly staining undergarments
• In women: heavier than their normal discharge and occasionally bleeding between periods

A yellow/greenish penile or vaginal discharge is most commonly caused by a gonorrhoea infection and will need antibiotics.

Trichomonas

Trichomonas is caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis, which infects the urethra. Other urethral conditions can also produce similar symptoms.

Trichomonas may also present with no 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 the foreskin
• Redness and itching of the vulva or vagina

The unusual discharge caused by Trichomonas will be:

• White, green or yellow in colour
• Thin
• Foamy
• “Fishy”-smelling

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial Vaginosis, also called BV, is commonly caused by an overgrowth of a bacterium called Gardnerella vaginalis, which resides naturally in the vagina. BV is more common among women who are sexually active but can often be caused by poor hygiene or the use of certain hygiene products like soaps. Having BV may also increase your risk of getting other STIs.

Men are less likely to have a BV infection, since BV naturally occurs within female genitals. However, the bacteria that cause BV can be transmitted from women to men during sex. Men who are colonised by these bacteria tend not to experience any symptoms, apart from occasional irritation and inflammation.

When BV appears in women, it often causes:

• Vaginal redness
• Pain
• Itching
• Burning

BV can also cause discharge, which will be:

• Green, grey, or off-white
• Thin
• Cloudy
• “Unusual”-smelling

What is green discharge composed of?

Green discharge from the genitals is typically a mixture of pus, blood, and other bodily fluids. It’ll often be accompanied by a strange odour. It can be thick and sticky or thin and watery.

How are STIs that cause green discharge treated?

Most of the above infections are bacterial or parasitic infections, so they can be treated with a wide range of medications – usually antibiotics – but treatment depends on the underlying cause. It’s important to take all your medication as prescribed and to avoid sexual contact while you’re being treated. If an STI is diagnosed, sexual partners should also be tested and treated.

FAQs

Is green discharge from the penis an emergency?

Green discharge from the penis should be checked promptly, but it’s not always an emergency.  If your symptoms are limited to discharge, book an STI test as soon as possible and avoid sexual contact until you know what is causing it.

Can green discharge go away on its own?

Symptoms of an STI can come and go, but that doesn’t mean the infection has cleared. Some STIs can become less noticeable while remaining transmissible.

Should I stop having sex if I notice green discharge?

Yes. Avoid vaginal, anal, and oral sex until you have been tested, received any treatment you need, and been told it is safe to have sex again.

Do I need to tell my sexual partners?

If your test shows that you have an STI, your recent sexual partners should be told so they can get tested and treated if needed.

How long should I wait before getting tested after possible exposure?

If you already have symptoms, you should get tested as soon as possible. If you don’t have symptoms but are worried about a recent exposure, some infections may not show up immediately, so you may need to test at the right time or repeat testing later.

Final thoughts

Green discharge from the genitals is a concerning symptom of STIs and should be promptly assessed. If you’re concerned about your sexual health, get tested with Better2Know.

Don’t leave your sexual health to chance.

This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Steve Chapman, 02/10/2025

This article first appeared on 26/01/2025. Last updated 19/06/2026.