I have greenish yellow discharge
Is it normal to have a greenish yellow discharge from the vagina along with fish-like foul smell?
A greenish yellow vaginal discharge is usually a sign of abnormal vagina. This abnormality is commonly present in the form of an infection, which can occur due to many reasons. The discharge and smell are associated with a number of other symptoms, which require immediate medical attention and management to prevent complications such as infertility.
Consideration
Discharge from the vagina is a common occurrence in women and can range from normal to abnormal. An abnormal discharge indicates the presence of an infection or disease.
Discharge from the vagina can be of different colours. Greenish-yellow coloured discharge, which often smells foul shows the presence of infection. Initially, the discharge is foam-like yellow in colour. In the later stages of the disease, the discharge turns greenish yellow in colour. This greenish yellow discharge in the final stages becomes green and thick. As the infection progresses the smell also increases to ultimately become fish-like.
This yellowish green discharge can be caused by:
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) such as gonorrhoea, Chlamydia or Trichomoniasis.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID, which may include inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis), inflammation of the fallopian tubes (salpingitis), inflammation of the uterine lining (endometritis) or inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritonitis).
- Presence of any foreign body in the vagina for a long time, such as a tampon, which may affect and change the natural flora of the vagina.
The symptoms associated with the greenish yellow discharge may include:
- Itching in the vagina
- Inflammation of the vagina
- Swelling
- Pain in the vagina
- Fever
You should immediately consult a physician if you notice greenish yellow discharge with a foul, fish-like smell. Your physician may perform a physical exam along with pelvic exam. Pelvic exam is useful as it can detect any infection, if present.
Other tests may be ordered if the physician is not able to reach to a diagnostic conclusion. These tests may include:
- Taking a tissue sample from the cervix
- Taking sample of the discharge
Both the above samples may be sent to the lab for further investigation.
Antibiotics are the first line of treatment to cure any infection. These may be given orally (via mouth), intravenously (via vein), or may be inserted in the vagina. Sexual partner is also treated for the infection.
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An early treatment is important to prevent the spread of infection to other reproductive organs or to the sexual partner. Delay in treatment may cause infertility in women.
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