What Causes Brown Discharge? Thick brown discharge is often a sign that your body is cleaning itself by flushing out residual blood from your period. Bits may come out with your discharge in the days after you think your period has ended. Older blood tends to turn more brownish.
When there is no pregnancy, brown discharge may be caused by: old blood leaving the uterus a few days after the end of a period. a period just beginning to start, where the flow is very light. ovulation spotting, which may be pinkish-brown.
Brown vaginal discharge is very common and not a cause for concern – it's caused by dried blood. You might have brown discharge prior to your period if you're on hormonal contraceptives, have had sex recently, or have seen your provider for a Pap smear or pelvic exam.
If you experience occasional brown discharge, it's usually not a cause for concern. However, if the brown discharge lasts for several weeks, frequently happens after sex, has an unpleasant smell, or occurs after your menopause, you should speak to your doctor.
Ovarian Cysts Can Cause Brown Vaginal Discharge
Some women are never aware that they have an ovarian cyst, for others, it can cause pelvic pain and irregular bleeding that can appear brown when discharged along with regular vaginal fluids.
A cyst may cause a sense of fullness with or without swelling in the lower abdomen. There can be a steady, dull pelvic pain or pain with intercourse. Sometimes a cyst will rupture, causing a sudden, sharp pain. A brownish vaginal discharge may occur.
Brown discharge may be a sign of implantation bleeding. This occurs when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. As it does, it creates a small amount of bleeding. You might notice implantation bleeding as brown discharge when wiping after urination.
Vaginal discharge that is chunky, foamy or accompanied by itching and changes in color may mean you have an infection. Color: Vaginal discharge is healthy if it's clear, milky white or off-white. Dark yellow, brown, green or grey discharge may indicate an infection or other issue.
Endometriomas are most commonly found in the ovaries. They are filled with dark brown endometrial fluid and are sometimes referred to as "chocolate cysts." The presence of endometriomas indicates a more severe stage of endometriosis.
If cervical cancer lacks oxygen, some cells may die off, infecting the tumor. The infection creates a foul smelling vaginal discharge, which serves as another sign of cervical cancer. This continuous discharge may be pale, watery, brown, or mixed with blood.
Pain or tenderness in your stomach or lower abdomen (belly), the most common symptom. Abnormal vaginal discharge, usually yellow or green with an unusual odor.
Pelvic inflammatory disease causes different symptoms in different women. These may include: A dull pain and tenderness in the lower abdomen. Vaginal discharge that is yellow or green and may have an unpleasant smell.
Urinary tract infection
Green discharge, along with an unpleasant odor and/or a burning sensation when urinating are common symptoms of urinary tract infections.
With some forms of UTI, blood may be seen after urinating and wiping. This may be just some pink staining when wiping after urination or you may see a toilet bowl that looks like it's full of blood.
Brown discharge or light spotting that never turns into a normal period flow could be implantation bleeding, which is an early sign of pregnancy. Typically, implantation bleeding happens between 10 and 14 days after conception. It can resemble a very light period, or may be more pinkish-brown in color.
Irritation is more common during phases of hormonal changes, like during menstruation or pregnancy. If brown vaginal discharge lasts for more than 3 days or if you are also experiencing any discomfort, like itching or pelvic pain, you should see your doctor for assessment and to initiate treatment as needed.
Brown discharge before your period: sometimes, the very light flow at the beginning of your period looks brown. You might even have brown spotting, or brown blood at the beginning of your period, instead of your period. Totally normal, and no reason to worry.