Generally white in color, vaginal discharge can sometimes be green and more or less thick. This signal, sent by the body, is not necessarily - but not always - a good sign. Explanations with Dr. Evelyne Toubiana, gynecologist-obstetrician.

    Although they have several functions, vaginal discharge or vaginal secretions, generally transparent or white , have the main role of "cleaning" and moistening the vagina. They also have an immune function and protect the woman's intimate parts from infections, particularly bacteria.

    - " The first cause of vaginal discharge is related to the cervix. It is said to be cervical mucus, secreted for the most part by the action of estrogen during ovulation . They are then clear and rather thick." In fact, the higher the estrogen levels, the greater the discharge will be. However, during pregnancy, and especially at the beginning, the estrogen level explodes. Vaginal discharge (also called white discharge or leukorrhea) is therefore more abundant during pregnancy than usual, and the pregnant woman frequently has a sensation of vaginal discharge.

    - "A second source of vaginal secretions comes from the vagina," continues Dr. Evelyne Toubiana, obstetrician-gynecologist . Its mucous membrane produces protective cells , which are called microbial film or vaginal microbiota, and which generate a liquid discharge."

    "It can happen that the vaginal mucosa, the internal wall of the vagina, is the victim of chronic inflammation , generally due to an imbalance in the vaginal flora ," says Dr. Evelyne Toubiana. In this case, the symptoms will be the appearance of green or dark yellow discharge, and often smelly.

" It 's the same in the case of a fungal infection , " continues the gynecologist, that is to say in the presence of a mycosis. The balance of harmless fungi in the vagina is disturbed and the presence of green vaginal discharge can be a warning sign."

    Green discharge, most often thick, can also be caused by an STI (sexually transmitted infection). "One of the most common is trichomoniasis , caused by a parasite," explains the gynecologist. This is called trichomonas vaginitis.

    It can happen - but it remains rare - that some menopausal women have slight green discharge. "In this case, it is linked to the drop in estrogen levels at menopause ," says the gynecologist . "In this case, it is absolutely not a cause for concern, because the administration of a cream solves the problem, by rebalancing the vaginal flora."

    A forgotten piece of toilet paper or tampon can cause green discharge. "This is also quite rare, but it is a case that I have already encountered," analyzes the gynecologist. It is a way for the vagina to alert the woman of the abnormal presence of a solid body, by secreting green discharge."

    While there are multiple causes for green vaginal discharge, Dr. Evelyne Toubiana emphasizes one key point: "It is not so much the color of the discharge, green or yellow, but the symptoms associated with it that should alert you. This may include pelvic pain, pain during sexual intercourse, unusual bleeding, a burning sensation, an unpleasant odor, itching or vaginal swelling." In all these cases, there is only one option: consult your doctor, midwife or gynecologist without delay.

    "The first reflex of the health professional will be to ask the patient if she has any other symptoms besides this green discharge," says Dr. Evelyne Toubiana. Does she have pelvic pain or pain during sexual intercourse, fever , itching?" The specialist, usually the gynecologist, then takes a sample using a swab from the vagina or cervix. The sample is sent to a laboratory that analyzes it and looks for the bacteria that could be causing the infection. The cause will then be identified.

    Sometimes, it can happen that green discharge, generally rather clear and approaching the yellow color, is due to a simple discomfort and not to an infection: " The treatment then involves rebalancing the vaginal pH ", explains the gynecologist. To rebalance the vaginal flora, vaginal probiotics in the form of ovules are then recommended, which rebalance the vaginal microbiota and ensure better comfort.

    If the patient has a bacterial infection, the healthcare professional will prescribe antibiotic treatment. "We will preferably choose a targeted antibiotic rather than a broad-spectrum antibiotic , to avoid the appearance of a mycosis," explains the expert. In case of pregnancy, the doctor will prescribe an appropriate treatment.

    "If the infection is due to a mycosis, the doctor may recommend an antifungal cream. A mycosis is treated with local creams and antifungal vaginal capsules from the imidazole family (such as Econazole, Lomexin)," explains Dr. Evelyne Toubiana. If the mycosis returns, which can often happen, the doctor will then prescribe a probiotic treatment. The treatment itself is not heavy, but can be quite long, because the improvement is not noticeable until after several weeks.