What does green discharge mean in teens?
When green discharge needs medical attention?
Updated February 25, 2026
In this article
- What does green discharge mean?
- What causes green discharge in teens?
- Does green discharge always mean an STI?
- When should parents worry about green discharge?
- Do you need antibiotics for green discharge?
- Can green discharge go away on its own?
- How can tracking discharge help teens?
- What should parents know about green discharge?
What does green discharge mean?
Green vaginal discharge is not usually normal and is often linked to an infection that needs medical assessment.
In teens, it is most commonly associated with bacterial infections or certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs), although other causes are possible.
If your teen has green discharge, it is sensible to speak with a doctor for advice.
Seeing unusual discharge can feel worrying for both you and your daughter.
If green discharge appears alongside symptoms like itching, soreness, or an unpleasant smell, medical review is recommended.
Most causes are treatable once properly diagnosed.
What causes green discharge in teens?
Green discharge is most often caused by infections affecting the vagina.
It usually appears alongside other symptoms such as irritation, discomfort, or unusual odour.
A proper diagnosis from a healthcare professional is important.
Common causes include:
- Trichomoniasis: a parasitic infection that can cause green or frothy discharge with itching or discomfort
- Gonorrhoea: a bacterial STI that may cause green or yellow discharge with burning during urination
- Bacterial vaginosis: a bacterial imbalance that can sometimes cause grey-green discharge and a noticeable odour
Less commonly, discharge colour can be affected by irritation, retained foreign material, or mixed infections.
A doctor or sexual health clinic can identify the exact cause.
Does green discharge always mean an STI?
No, green discharge does not always mean your teen has a sexually transmitted infection.
While some STIs can cause green discharge, bacterial vaginosis and other infections can also be responsible.
Medical assessment is important because green discharge is not typical of normal hormonal changes.
Avoid jumping to conclusions before your teen has been properly assessed.
A clinician can advise on testing if needed.
When should parents worry about green discharge?
Green discharge should be checked by a doctor, especially if your teen also has additional symptoms.
Changes in colour, smell, or comfort are usually more important than the amount of discharge.
Seek medical advice if there is:
- Strong or unpleasant odour
- Itching, burning, or redness
- Pain when urinating
- Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
- Fever or feeling generally unwell
If you are unsure, it is always appropriate to seek medical reassurance.
Do you need antibiotics for green discharge?
Not all green discharge requires antibiotics, but infections that cause it often do.
The correct treatment depends on the underlying cause, which is why medical assessment is important.
A doctor may prescribe antibiotics, antiparasitic medication, or another treatment based on test results.
It is important to:
- Avoid using leftover antibiotics
- Avoid harsh home remedies
- Follow the full treatment plan if medication is prescribed
Can green discharge go away on its own?
Green discharge caused by infection often does not resolve without treatment.
Leaving an infection untreated can lead to ongoing discomfort or complications in some cases.
If green discharge persists, it is best to have your teen assessed by a doctor.
Tracking symptoms can help you notice whether things are improving or worsening before the appointment.
How can tracking discharge help teens?
Tracking discharge can help your teen notice patterns more clearly.
This information can also make medical appointments more useful and reassuring.
Tracking can help teens and parents:
- Notice changes over time
- Spot patterns in the menstrual cycle
- Provide clearer information to healthcare professionals
- Feel more confident about what is normal
What should parents know about green discharge?
Green discharge is not usually part of normal puberty and should be medically checked.
While it can feel worrying to see, most underlying causes are treatable once identified.
Prompt assessment helps your teen get the right care and avoid unnecessary discomfort.
Open, calm conversations can help your teen feel safe sharing symptoms early.
If something seems unusual, seeking medical advice is always a sensible step.
How we created this article:
luna's team of experts comprises GPs, Dermatologists, Safeguarding Leads and Junior Doctors as well as Medical Students with specialised interests in paediatric care, mental health and gynaecology. All articles are created by experts, and reviewed by a member of luna's senior review team.
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