Brown discharge without odor. Brown discharge. Brown discharge in women is a physiological norm
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Discharge from the female genital organs is a fairly physiological phenomenon if it is colorless, odorless and free of impurities. Brown discharge, which can appear at various periods - before and after menstrual periods, during pregnancy, after sexual intercourse, etc., can serve as an unpleasant signal. But a brownish tint to discharge in women can also be normal. What are the reasons for such phenomena and what should you pay attention to?
The discharge can be of different shades: from light brown to dark and rich. This can indirectly reveal the cause of their occurrence.
Light brown discharge is the result of bacterial vaginosis, an infectious process that is sexually transmitted, and microtrauma of the uterine cervix.
Dark brown discharge usually indicates the presence of clotted blood in the discharge. Blood can be of vaginal, cervical or uterine origin.
In what situations can they appear?
Brown discharge in the form of spotting marks can appear in a teenager before puberty, at the onset of menopause, during reproductive age and during menopause. They all have different causes.
Photos of brown discharge of varying consistency and character are presented below:
Causes of brown discharge
The brown tint of the discharge always indicates the presence of coagulated blood in it. The intensity of the color depends on its volume and consistency of mucus. Liquid leucorrhoea, as a rule, can be light brown, almost pink. Thick discharge that contains stagnant blood or clots may be dark brown.
The causes of bleeding can be:
- Physiological processes that are associated with disruption of blood vessels (these include menstrual periods, ovulation, the introduction of a fertilized egg into the endometrium, cleansing the uterus after childbirth);
- Hormonal disruptions in the body that lead to pathologies of the menstrual cycle;
- Violation of the epithelial membranes of the genital organs during abortion, gynecological procedures, sexual contact;
- Age-related changes in the structure of the vaginal mucous layer;
- Violation of the surface layer of the cervix and vagina due to inflammation;
- Processes in the uterus and ovaries, which lead to improper development of their tissues and blood vessels;
- Traumatic lesions of the genital organs;
- Inflammatory process of the bladder.
Normal discharge
Normally, brown discharge is not profuse, does not have an unpleasant aroma and is uniform in structure. Such discharge may appear when using hormonal contraception, with minor damage to the capillaries of the vagina during douching, examination by a doctor, in some cases even after violent sexual contact, as well as at the beginning and end of menstrual days, during ovulation, and consolidation of the fertilized egg in the uterus.
Brownish leucorrhoea can also occur after nervous stress or physical fatigue.
Pathological discharge
They may be abundant or spotting, depending on the type of pathological disorder. It has an unpleasant aroma, includes dark-colored blood clots or particles of dead tissue, and can include pus, foam, and lumps. May often alternate with bright bleeding.
A clear symptom of the disorder is the occurrence of spotting on any day of the menstrual cycle, if it is accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, lower back, and other menstrual pathologies also appear, infertility is diagnosed.
The disorder is indicated by the occurrence of bloody leucorrhoea during menopause. A symptom of significant diseases may be the regular occurrence of bleeding after sexual intercourse. Brown discharge, which is accompanied by itching and burning in the genitals, frequent urination, and an increase in body temperature, is considered pathological.
Diseases and disorders when bloody leucorrhoea occurs
- Ectopic pregnancy.
This is a dangerous condition when the fertilized egg is attached not in the uterine cavity, but outside it (often in the fallopian tube, rarely in the uterine cervix). The reasons for this may be inflammatory processes in the appendages, the formation of adhesions and tumors in the uterine cavity. Violation of the tissue in the area of attachment of the fertilized egg leads to the appearance of spotting dark brown discharge. They are associated with rupture of the membrane of the embryo, its rejection, and “tubal abortion.” One of the riskiest options is considered to be a rupture of the fallopian tube at 6-8 weeks.
- Erosion, uterine dysplasia.
The diseases are associated with changes in the structure of the epithelium of the pharynx of the uterine cervix, which extends into the vagina, ulceration of the surface and disruption of small vessels.
- Colpitis, cervicitis.
Inflammatory process of the vagina and cervix. Thinning and atrophy of the mucous membranes occurs, and bleeding cracks form on them. Microflora pathologies lead to the development of fungi (candidiasis), and the penetration of pathogens of sexually transmitted diseases into the genitals improves. Brown discharge has an unpleasant odor and an unusual consistency.
- Endometritis.
Inflammation in the uterus is the reason why purulent brownish discharge occurs instead of the usual critical days. Pain appears in the lower abdomen, and an increase in body temperature is likely. Chronic course causes late infertility.
- Endometrial hyperplasia, endometriosis.
Pathogenic growth of the endometrium leads to various disorders of the menstrual cycle, the appearance of spotting brown discharge after menstruation, as well as in the intervals between cycles.
- Polyps.
Their formation is one of the signs of endometrial hyperplasia. Polyps are rounded growths in the basal layer. They are often found in women during menopause.
- Cysts on the ovaries.
Signs depend on the type and origin of such neoplasms. Spotting brown discharge with ichor may occur before and after menstrual days. This increases the duration and total amount of blood loss. Blood clots may occur.
- Tumors of the uterus.
Signs depend on their location and volume. Discharge mixed with blood occurs when the tumors have become quite large, which complicates the diagnosis of such diseases.
Brown discharge after menstruation
A signal from a woman’s body about an emerging disorder is considered to be discharge that occurs a few days after the menstrual period. In this case, the woman must consult a doctor to determine the causes of the discharge and, if necessary, select the necessary therapy for the woman.
What does this mean? Such discharge may appear due to the following reasons:
- Prolonged endometritis;
- Endometriosis;
- Significant mucosal injuries;
- Uterine hyperplasia;
- Sexually transmitted diseases and other infections;
- Polyps;
- Ectopic pregnancy.
As a rule, in addition to brown discharge, which is dangerous for women’s health, a woman may experience other unhealthy symptoms. This can be a pulling and sharp pain in the lower abdomen, in the lower back. In addition, there is a loss of strength, mood, reluctance to have sexual contact, etc.
The most reasonable decision that can be taken in such a situation is to immediately contact a specialist. Perhaps everything will not be so dangerous, but just a normal option, but another outcome is also likely. And in this case, consulting a doctor on time can not only relieve you from significant health problems, but also protect your life.
Light brown discharge : if they last more than 3 days and have an unpleasant aroma, then this is often considered a symptom of chronic endometritis - an infectious and inflammatory disease of the uterus, which in most situations occurs due to difficult childbirth or abortion.
Copious dark brown discharge : Discharge of this color can become a symptom of uterine hyperplasia or endometriosis. Often, such discharge occurs with submucosal (located directly under the mucous membrane) endometrioid nodes in the uterine wall. In addition to bleeding, the main symptom of endometriosis is severe pain in the lower abdomen.
Brown spotting can be observed after the end of menstruation if a woman has reduced blood clotting, weak uterine tone, or if the woman was overly active in the last days of menstruation. If such discharge occurs within 1-2 days, it does not pose any danger. If they last more than 2 days and also have unpleasant pain in the lower abdomen, then the cause may be diseases of the genital area.
In some cases, such brownish discharge may appear after an examination by a gynecologist or after sexual intercourse, if there is erosion of the uterine cervix and the mucous membrane is injured. This condition should also be treated by a specialist.
Brown discharge mid-cycle
If brown spotting occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle, then you first need to pay attention to its quantity and nature. The color of the discharge matters:
- Dark discharge often occurs when a woman just starts using oral contraceptives (there is a sharp change in hormonal levels).
- Light brown discharge can occur not only when taking hormonal contraceptives, but also as a result of abnormalities in the woman’s genital organs. In such a situation, traces of oxidized blood from damaged small vessels give the discharge a tint.
- Red-brown discharge occurs due to the formation of microcracks on the vaginal walls due to insufficient formation of protective mucus during sexual intercourse. A similar situation appears, for example, during the first sexual acts, when deflowering. Often a woman encounters this symptom at the very beginning of menopause.
Normal brown discharge mid-cycle
It is considered normal when a woman experiences lightly colored spotting of a brownish-brown hue right before or immediately after menstruation. In the middle of the cycle, brown discharge is natural if it is insignificant and does not have any unpleasant odor. The cause can be physiological processes in the body.
- Ovulation.
When the follicle ruptures and a mature egg is released, an insignificant amount of blood may be released, which, after oxidation from the air, receives a brownish tint. This is usually done on the 14th day from the start of menstruation.
- Attachment of the fertilized egg to the uterine wall.
During the period of implantation of the embryo into the endometrium, minor damage to the endometrial vessels may occur. Drops of clotted blood may stain the mucus that is released. During this period, the woman is able to feel mild pain in the lower abdomen.
- Short term miscarriage.
If for certain reasons the embryo detaches from the endometrium, then slight bleeding occurs. It takes on a reddish-brown hue, lasts 1-2 days, and then acquires the usual color of menstruation. Moreover, the woman often does not even know that she was pregnant and had a miscarriage.
- Puberty.
The first menstrual cycles in teenage girls usually occur with deviations; the cycle will be established after approximately 1.5-2 years. Until hormonal processes are fully regulated, adolescents may experience brown spotting between menstruation.
- During menopause.
Menstruation during menopause can also become irregular, as ovarian function weakens. Between and after menstrual cycles, scanty reddish-brown discharge often occurs.
Please pay attention ! It is important not to miss a significant disease (inflammation, tumor formation) in the presence of such a sign.
Pathological discharge in the middle of the cycle
Pathological discharges include those that, in addition to a brown tint, also have other unusual symptoms. In this case, breakthrough intermenstrual uterine discharge is considered one of the signs of diseases of the uterus or appendages.
You need to contact a specialist in the following cases:
- Brown discharge with an unpleasant aroma occurs between menstrual cycles, and the woman does not use hormonal contraception.
- Pain occurs in the lower abdomen and lower back. You feel dryness in the vagina, irritation, burning, and an increase in body temperature. Sexual intercourse brings pain.
- The discharge is of an unusual nature (lasts several days, includes clots of dried blood, appears regularly between periods, is profuse).
Experts advise that if you have any doubts about the reasons for brown discharge that occurs between critical days, immediately carry out a gynecological examination, even if there are no specific symptoms of ailments.
Brown discharge before menstruation
The organs that are part of the reproductive system are considered among the most vulnerable in the female body. Their functioning can be affected by various conditions that are not related to diseases. Doctors identify some causes of brown discharge before menstruation, which are determined by physiological processes:
- The end of the formation of the organs of the reproductive system
If a girl’s period began not so long ago, and the cycle has not yet stabilized, then experts do not consider brown premenstrual discharge as a pathology. Discharge is normal for six months to two years from the first menstruation and there is no need to worry about it. It is worth thinking about the presence of disorders in a woman’s body if such discharge is constant and continues for 7-8 months. In this case, you need to immediately consult a doctor to identify an accurate diagnostic conclusion.
- Introduction of hormonal contraception
Such drugs have an effect on the hormonal levels of the whole body. The presence of characteristic brown mucus a few days before menstruation is a symptom of the presence of the desired effect of contraception on the body. You need to worry if such discharge has been going on for more than 3 months. Such a symptom may indicate the need to select another method of contraception.
- Use of an intrauterine device
The principle of influence of this method affects not only the likelihood of pregnancy, but also the shade of the discharge. After installing the IUD, experts assume the possibility of light brown discharge before menstruation during several cycles.
- Eating disorder
Sudden changes in body weight, diseases (bulimia, anorexia), regular strength training sessions that exceed the body's load can cause fluctuations in the menstrual cycle and the occurrence of spotting. This phenomenon can be eliminated with the help of treatment. To do this, you should contact a nutritionist.
- Premenopause
This period characterizes the beginning of the restructuring of the reproductive system. The entire hormonal background is subject to change. Changes in estrogen levels can cause dark brown or black discharge before your period is due. To eliminate such phenomena, a specialist may prescribe the woman to take hormonal medications.
- After sex
Insufficient lubrication or excessively active sexual intercourse can lead to injury to the surface of the vagina, uterine cavity and labia. This phenomenon can cause discharge of brown clots. They can go away a couple of days after sexual contact and do not require special treatment. In addition, after sex, such a symptom may occur due to the presence of erosion of the uterine cervix.
The main actions that are aimed at identifying the cause of discharge before menstruation include:
- Examination by a gynecologist;
- Taking a vaginal smear;
- Ultrasonography;
- Complete blood count and hormone analysis;
- Histology;
- Colposcopy;
- Biopsy;
- Study of heredity.
This range of procedures is required to better study the root cause of this phenomenon and select an effective course of therapy.
Brown discharge during pregnancy
Brown discharge during pregnancy - spotting and bloody - is a violation. Normally, discharge can occur when the embryo attaches to the uterine wall, when the integrity of the endometrium is disrupted in the early stages of 1-2 weeks of pregnancy. In addition, spotting may occur during pregnancy in the first trimester on days when menstruation was expected. For any brown discharge, you need to contact a specialist or call an ambulance.
Causes of brown discharge during pregnancy:
- Insufficient levels of the hormone progesterone, which causes endometrial rejection and poses a risk of miscarriage;
- Ectopic pregnancy;
- Placental abruption, previa.
Any brown discharge during pregnancy in later stages carries the risk of miscarriage or premature birth.
About normal discharge
Normal brown discharge may not be abundant and does not have an unpleasant aroma; it is uniform in structure. Such discharge occurs when using hormonal contraception, with a slight violation of the integrity of the capillaries during douching, examination on the gynecological chair, in some situations after too active sexual intercourse, as well as at the beginning and end of critical days, during ovulation, and the attachment of the embryo to the uterine wall.
Brown vaginal discharge can also occur due to nervous stress and physical fatigue.
Treatment
If any brown discharge occurs, you should contact a specialist. First of all, it is necessary to exclude pregnancy and the threat of miscarriage.
If there is no pregnancy, then detection and treatment of the cause that caused the appearance of brown discharge is required.
According to research, vaginal discharge is as physiological as the production of saliva, sweat or tears. They perform certain functions in the body and are found in absolutely healthy women. Heavy vaginal discharge is completely normal and contains cervical mucus, epithelial cells, and 5 to 12 types of microorganisms (normal).
Normal vaginal discharge is acidic, which is possible due to the presence of lactobacilli. But under certain conditions, the nature and composition of the discharge may change. In this case, we can talk about pathological discharge, indicating diseases of the genitourinary system.
Discharge after menstruation
Vaginal discharge after menstruation can be physiological and pathological. Normally, postmenstrual discharge is dark brown in color. This is due to increased blood clotting at the end of menstruation and its slow release. Physiological secretions are odorless.
An unpleasant odor accompanying vaginal discharge before and after menstruation indicates the possible presence of chlamydia, ureaplasma, mycoplasma or.
If discharge does not appear immediately after menstruation, but after a few days, then an uterine or ectopic pregnancy can be suspected. In this case, the woman needs to contact a gynecologist.
Normal discharge
Normal vaginal discharge comes in many varieties. This variety will depend on the woman’s age, sexual activity and hormonal status.
It is possible to determine which vaginal discharge is normal and which is pathological thanks to some general criteria:
- slightly sour smell or its complete absence;
- homogeneous thick consistency (liquid sour cream), lumps up to 3 mm are acceptable;
- transparent or with a white tint;
- the total amount of discharge does not exceed 1 to 4 ml per day.
Physiological discharge is never accompanied. However, when changing sexual partners, the amount of vaginal discharge may increase.
Types of vaginal discharge
There are many types of vaginal discharge, which can have both physiological and pathological origins. If the discharge has an unpleasant odor, purulent consistency, or is accompanied by a burning sensation, pain or other symptoms of discomfort, you should immediately consult a doctor.
We answered in more detail below the question about what types of vaginal discharge there are.
Watery discharge
Watery vaginal discharge may indicate inflammation of the fallopian tubes or cervical erosion. This is due to the fact that when the fallopian tube is inflamed, the secretion of cells through the uterine cavity enters the vagina.
Normally, liquid vaginal discharge may occur in pregnant women. The appearance of vaginal discharge like water is not an independent sign of the disease, but signals the presence of a pathological process in the body.
Purulent discharge
Purulent vaginal discharge may indicate inflammatory diseases, such as bacterial vaginitis, salpingitis, cervicitis, as well as some sexually transmitted diseases ().
The discharge becomes liquid or foamy, has an unpleasant odor and is yellow-green in color. They are often abundant.
Transparent selections
Transparent vaginal discharge accompanies the normal functioning of the genital organs. They are an indicator of cyclical changes in the body associated with the normal functioning of the ovaries.
Transparent mucous discharge from the vagina is a physiological fluid, which contains epithelial cells, lymph, mucus and microorganisms. Copious transparent vaginal discharge can become pathological only in girls under 10 years of age.
Mucus discharge
Mucous discharge from the vagina is normal in most cases; it is due to the nature of the uterine secretion. If vaginal discharge looks like snot, is accompanied by an unpleasant odor and is streaked with blood, then this may indicate cysts and erosions present in the body.
In addition, jelly-like vaginal discharge may indicate the presence of inflammatory diseases of the uterus and ovaries. Mucus discharge from the vagina mixed with blood can also occur during an ectopic pregnancy.
Bloody discharge
As a rule, small amounts of blood discharge from the vagina occur before and after menstruation. Also, spotting from the vagina may appear in women taking oral contraceptives in the first 2 months from the start of use.
If vaginal discharge with blood is not associated with the physiological cycle, it may be a manifestation of cervical cancer pathologies, endometriosis or advanced erosion. In this case, it is best to consult a gynecologist to find out the nature of such discharge.
White discharge
White vaginal discharge with a cheesy consistency almost always indicates... At the beginning of the disease, the discharge of leucorrhoea from the vagina is small, but if left untreated, it can become profuse. Often white thick discharge from, itching and.
Upon examination, the mucous membrane of the external genital organs is covered with a curdled or milky coating, which is easily removed.
Brown discharge
Brown vaginal discharge normally occurs at the end of the menstrual cycle and at the beginning of sexual activity. Pathological brown vaginal discharge occurs with thrush, trichomoniasis, or inflammation of the vagina.
Brownish vaginal discharge is also observed when the menstrual cycle is disrupted.
Yellow discharge
If yellow vaginal discharge has a faint yellow tint and is not accompanied by discomfort, then this is normal.
If the vaginal discharge is yellow in color and has a rich hue and is accompanied by itching, pain or an unpleasant odor, then we can say that this is observed with inflammation of the uterine appendages and sexually transmitted infections. In addition, yellowish vaginal discharge is also observed with cervical erosions.
Black discharge
Most often, black discharge from the vagina can occur during inflammatory diseases or when using hormonal contraceptives.
Pink discharge
Normally, pink vaginal discharge may appear during ovulation. If pink discharge from the vagina is accompanied by discomfort in the lower abdomen, then doctors may suspect cervical erosion.
Faint pinkish vaginal discharge, aggravated by pain, may indicate various.
Dark discharge
Dark vaginal discharge normally occurs before, after and in the middle of the menstrual cycle. If the discharge is accompanied by abdominal pain or other discomfort, then cervical erosion, pelvic inflammation, or the presence of sexually transmitted diseases can be suspected.
Orange discharge
Orange vaginal discharge that appears after unprotected sex indicates infection with trichomoniasis or. If there is no sexual activity, such discharge may indicate bacterial vaginosis.
Gray discharge
Serous vaginal discharge is considered normal if it is not accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, itching, or unpleasant odor. If gray vaginal discharge is accompanied by pain, then one may suspect the presence of infections such as ureaplasmosis or mycoplasmosis. Consultation with a gynecologist is necessary.
Foamy discharge
Foamy vaginal discharge can be caused by stress, nervous fatigue, or recent unprotected intercourse. Most often, foamy discharge is accompanied by trichomoniasis.
Discharge flakes
Flaky vaginal discharge is most common with vaginal candidiasis (thrush). They also have a characteristic white color and sour odor.
Brown discharge
Typically, brown vaginal discharge is considered normal only at the beginning and end of menstruation. In other cases, these are pathologies, the causes of which are determined in the laboratory.
Creamy discharge
Quite often, creamy vaginal discharge can indicate pregnancy, and if there is discomfort, it can indicate pathological diseases of the genital organs.
Colorless discharge
Most often, colorless vaginal discharge that is not accompanied by physical discomfort or odor is completely normal. If you are also concerned about discomfort in the genital area, you should consult a doctor.
Cloudy discharge
Cloudy vaginal discharge is most common with bacterial vaginosis and sexually transmitted diseases.
Sticky discharge
Sticky vaginal discharge may indicate the presence of thrush or other genitourinary infections in the body. One way or another, the situation requires medical intervention.
Light discharge
Light-colored vaginal discharge—white, transparent, or slightly tinged with pink or yellow—is normal. However, it is worth remembering that normally their number is minimal, and any discomfort, itching or burning in the vaginal or labia area indicates the presence of infections, which requires contacting a gynecologist.
Green discharge
Green vaginal discharge indicates an increased level of white blood cells. Greenish vaginal discharge, therefore, indicates bacterial inflammation of the uterus and its appendages.
Treatment of discharge
Many women practice self-treatment of vaginal discharge. But this may not only be ineffective, but also harmful in itself, since with or chamomile decoction, beneficial microorganisms are washed out of the vagina. Therefore, treatment for vaginal discharge should be prescribed and monitored by a doctor.
If pathological discharge appears, you must contact a gynecologist to diagnose the disease that caused it. After identifying the cause, the doctor will prescribe treatment for the underlying disease, as well as procedures aimed at restoring the vaginal microflora and increasing the body’s immunoresistance.
Vaginal discharge in a child
Vaginal discharge in a child can be either a physiological process or a sign of a disease.
A girl should not experience vaginal discharge before puberty; it appears about a year before the start of menstruation. The causes of pathological discharge in children may be:
- diabetes;
- inflammation of the vagina;
- worms;
- upper respiratory tract diseases;
- antibiotic therapy;
- thrush;
- allergic reactions.
Vaginal discharge in adolescents who have sexual relations may indicate sexually transmitted diseases. Often the onset of sexual activity is normally accompanied by discharge that does not cause physical discomfort.
Discharge in newborns
Physiological vaginal discharge in newborns can occur in the first week of life during a hormonal crisis. This is due to the fact that their body gets rid of the mother’s hormones and begins to form its own hormonal background. If vaginal discharge in a baby is accompanied by pain or itching, you should immediately consult a doctor to determine the cause of these symptoms.
Causes of discharge
Basically, the causes of vaginal discharge are due to one of the physiological processes in the body, unless they are accompanied by itching, pain or an unpleasant odor. If they change their character and cause discomfort to the woman, then they are already talking about pathological discharge. They can occur with bacterial inflammation of the genital organs, erosion, polyps, polycystic disease, venereal and fungal diseases.
It is possible to reliably determine the reason why vaginal discharge suddenly changed its properties only by laboratory methods.
Discharge from a cold
When you have a cold, vaginal discharge can become fungal in nature. This is due to the fact that hypothermia and viral diseases disrupt the balance of normal microflora. Most often, thrush can develop against the background of a cold. It also manifests itself as cheesy vaginal discharge.
If an inflammatory process in the ovaries begins during a cold, the discharge becomes abundant and may even contain streaks of blood.
Discharge during menopause
Vaginal discharge during menopause is not normal. They may indicate inflammatory diseases, tumors and neoplasms in the breast and genitals. As a rule, discharge during menopause can be in the form of exudate, which indicates inflammation, or transudate - in diseases of a non-inflammatory nature.
The exudate has a mucous consistency and contains protein. It may be catarrhal, purulent, serous, fibrinous or hemorrhagic. The consistency of the transudate is liquid and does not contain protein. It is either straw-colored or transparent with an admixture of blood and other body fluids.
Discharge during defecation
It should be noted that vaginal discharge during defecation is a pathological process. Copious discharge with an unpleasant odor is observed mainly with. Bloody discharge indicates hemorrhoids or intestinal fistulas. If the discharge becomes purulent or mucous in nature, an inflammatory process or tumor disintegration can be suspected.
Taste of discharge
The taste of vaginal discharge largely depends on the nationality, the nature of the food consumed and the presence of certain diseases of the genitourinary system. In general, a healthy woman's discharge tastes like sour milk.
Salty discharge
Salty vaginal discharge appears when an alkaline environment forms in the vagina. This is a pathological phenomenon that occurs during bacterial infections and inflammations that require medical intervention.
Acid discharge
Acidic vaginal discharge is normal. If the sour taste becomes pronounced, this may indicate a fungal infection of the vaginal mucosa - thrush (candidiasis). In this case, you need to see a gynecologist and probably undergo a course of treatment.
A woman who monitors her health always pays attention to the secretion secreted from the genitals and, if changes are observed in it, she gets scared. And this is correct, such a phenomenon is a signal about the ongoing dysfunctional processes in the body.
Particularly dangerous is profuse bloody or The nature of the fluid is influenced by the period of its appearance: before menstruation, whether dark brown discharge appeared in the middle of the cycle, after menstruation, during pregnancy, during intimacy.
Reasons for the changes
During puberty, brown leucorrhoea is a signal of the imminent onset of menstruation or indicates problems in the reproductive system. Disorders often occur during the reproductive period and are accompanied by pathological changes such as inflammatory processes, endometrial polyps, endometriosis, and cancerous tumors.
A woman may observe dark brown discharge from her daughter in the first days of her life; this is the child’s body’s reaction to an excess of the mother’s hormones transmitted in utero.
What is the norm?
Mucus turns the blood brown; in a healthy woman, such discharge is observed under the following circumstances:
- Your period has recently ended - the uterus is “cleansed” of blood residues;
- taking hormonal contraceptives - rings, patches;
- ovulation period - the middle of the menstrual cycle, discharge should not last more than 3 days;
- careless sexual intercourse leads to minor injuries to the vagina.
A young girl who has lost her virginity may bleed immediately or several hours after sexual intercourse. She will continue to notice brown streaks on her underwear for several more days. If you go, you need to establish the fact of pregnancy. If the result is negative, the gynecologist will prescribe an additional examination.
What is pathology?
Dark discharge will be a sign of a developing abnormal process when it:
- started in the middle of the cycle and lasts more than 3 days;
- appear every time after intimacy;
- accompanied by high fever, pain in the lower abdomen, itching and irritation of the genitals, discomfort during sexual intercourse;
- went during pregnancy or instead of menstruation.
You need to contact a gynecologist to exclude pregnancy and the threat of its termination.
Dark brown discharge in pregnant women
They inevitably worry every woman, because it is known that blood gives this color to whites. And bleeding poses a danger to successful pregnancy at any stage of pregnancy. But this is not always an alarming symptom; in many cases, such secret changes are absolutely safe.
First trimester
Pregnancies can be different in composition, consistency and intensity. In most cases they are safe. 1-2 weeks after conception, the fertilized egg is implanted into the uterine cavity.
The process is accompanied by damage to small blood vessels, which causes light brown or pink discharge. In this case, no additional disturbing symptoms are observed: abdominal pain, itching, or unpleasant odor.
Threat of interruption
Dark brown discharge, often with mucus, can be strong or scanty, the woman feels a nagging pain in the lower abdomen, she feels nauseous, sometimes vomits, and feels dizzy. This is a medical emergency. In most cases, today it is possible to save a pregnancy if timely measures are taken. Any physical activity during this period will only worsen the condition and speed up the process of miscarriage.
Ectopic pregnancy
The danger of this situation is obvious: the fetus is developing, it needs space to grow, there is not enough of it in the fallopian tube, and the organ can simply rupture if the problem is not solved in time. In addition to uterine bleeding, there are other symptoms that indicate that a woman requires emergency medical care, this is pain from the side of the tube where the embryo is implanted. It will not be possible to save such a pregnancy. There is only one organ in which the fetus can fully develop - the uterus.
Second trimester
Dark brown discharge, unlike the early stages, is a pathology in this period, regardless of the consistency of the liquid, color and other characteristics. The very first danger is placental abruption. This condition poses a threat to the life of the child and mother; the detached placenta provokes severe bleeding in the woman’s body and cannot create optimal conditions for the further development of the fetus.
Such dark brown discharge during pregnancy can appear in smears or in a heavy flow. In this case, the woman feels severe pain in the lower abdomen. The problem can only be solved by caesarean section. From 31 weeks onwards there is a chance to save the baby.
Placenta previa
When the placenta partially or completely covers the uterus, pressure from the fetus begins on the blood vessels, which causes brown leucorrhoea to appear. In this case, the woman will not be able to give birth naturally; a planned caesarean section is prescribed.
Third trimester
For the prenatal period, changes in the composition and appearance of secretions are considered normal. The body is training before childbirth, the cervix is preparing to open. Throughout pregnancy it was tight, and now it should soften. Brown mucus in the third trimester often indicates a loose plug. The volume of secretion may vary, but as a rule, it is small.
This symptom indicates that labor will begin in the coming days, but the body’s preparation is often delayed, and a woman can begin giving birth within two weeks.
Other causes of dark brown discharge
Cervical erosion is familiar to many women, and although the disease is practically asymptomatic, the epithelium of the organ is easily damaged during sexual intercourse or a gynecological examination. In this case, dark brown discharge appears in the middle of the cycle, it is scanty, spotting, and no pain is observed.
The following diseases can cause the development of pathology:
- Endometriosis - the structure of the endometrium is disrupted, abnormal growth of the mucous membrane occurs in the uterus, and sometimes in the abdominal cavity. The blood vessels of the endometrium are injured, and a brown smudge appears. The duration of menstruation increases, the lower abdomen hurts. Without timely treatment, a woman may become infertile.
- Uterine fibroids are a benign tumor, the growth of which damages the blood vessels and mucous membrane of the organ. Bleeding between periods appears when the fibroid has reached a significant size. An operation will help solve the problem in a neglected state.
- Ovarian cysts entail a disruption in their functioning and inflammation, the disease is accompanied by an increase in temperature and discomfort. The condition is extremely important to control - rupture of the cyst leads to its transformation into a malignant tumor. Pain in the lower abdomen, dark brown discharge - a reason for an unscheduled visit to the doctor.
Common infectious gynecological diseases include trichomoniasis and gonorrhea. Their presence causes the development of purulent processes, in which dark discharge with an unpleasant odor is observed. Here we are talking about deviations in the hormonal and reproductive systems.
Symptoms of trichomoniasis before the purulent process:
- foamy, mostly yellow, but sometimes green discharge;
- pain during intimacy and urination;
- itching, burning in the vagina and external genital area;
- redness and swelling of the vulva;
- mild pain in the lower abdomen (rare).
Brown secretion indicates that the disease is advanced, and its untimely treatment leads to serious consequences:
- lack of orgasms and frigidity;
- obstruction of the fallopian tubes;
- inflammation of the appendages;
- development of malignant neoplasms in the cervix;
- complications causing miscarriage or premature birth.
Doctors also claim that trichomoniasis indirectly affects the occurrence of mastopathy and diabetes.
Spotting dark brown discharge instead of menstruation can be the result of taking the following medications:
- antibiotics;
- antiulcer drugs;
- hemostatic agents;
- antidepressants.
Women treated with diuretic and psychotropic medications are at risk.
The saddest reasons for the appearance of brown discharge
Frozen pregnancy. The process of death of a child can occur at any stage; the most dangerous are considered to be 3-4, 9-11, 16-18 weeks. Freezing provokes inflammation in the female body and complications of various types. Rejection of a dead fetus does not occur immediately, it takes an average of 2 weeks, it all depends on the duration of the stopped pregnancy. Why is dark brown discharge so persistent?
The human papillomavirus also causes secretion and indicates the presence of an infection in the woman’s reproductive system. The virus does not have a negative effect on the condition of the fetus, does not lead to developmental defects, and does not increase the risk of miscarriage or premature birth.
Papillomas cause mostly aesthetic discomfort; if necessary, the doctor may prescribe treatment with liquid nitrogen, laser therapy, electrocoagulation or surgical removal at a later date.
Hydatidiform mole
An extremely rare phenomenon that develops during pregnancy is a chromosomal disorder in the formation and development of the embryo (hydatidiform mole). When the placenta is connective tissue with many vesicles. The occurrence of a mole is provoked by the trophoblast - a temporary organ required to secure the fetus in the uterine cavity, then the placenta is formed from it. Such pathologies are tumors or a condition that predisposes to their development; their uniqueness is that they appear from products of conception.
If the pregnancy is partial, that is, part of the placenta remains normal and is capable of creating the necessary conditions, then the chances of bearing a healthy child are high. If completely damaged, the fetus dies in the early stages of pregnancy. The woman suffers not only from bleeding, but also from dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. The problem is solved surgically - by cleaning the uterine cavity.
Dark brown discharge during pregnancy, which differs in color and consistency from regular leucorrhoea, requires prompt consultation with a doctor. The first trimester is the period of formation of all organs and systems of the unborn child. It is necessary to pay attention to the addition of painful sensations in the abdominal area.
Features of treatment
When there is dark brown discharge without pain and other accompanying signs of disorders, there is no need to panic. The threat of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy require a hospital setting for diagnosis. For periods up to 7 weeks, if a developing miscarriage is suspected, the doctor prescribes treatment with Magne B6. After eliminating an ectopic pregnancy, medications are prescribed for recovery:
- "Flogenzyme";
- "Terzhinan";
- "Bifiform".
If the cause of dark brown discharge is a hormonal imbalance, in addition to traditional treatment, it is allowed to use traditional medicine recipes. To do this, you will need to buy oregano and hops at the pharmacy. Take 1 tbsp. spoon of each dry herb, brew a glass of boiling water, leave for 20 minutes.
Drink ½ glass 2 times a day before meals. Pathological dark brown discharge in the early stages cannot be treated on your own - the formation of the main vital systems in the fetus is underway, taking many medications is prohibited and can harm development.
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Vaginal secretion can indicate natural and signal pathological processes in a woman’s body, so attention is paid to it first. You can guess what brown discharge might mean based on the time of its occurrence, the duration of its course and the presence of additional symptoms.
When the symptom is within normal limits
Under certain conditions, the causes of brown discharge in women are not associated with pathology. Brownish vaginal fluid with mucus can be caused by:
- inaccurate or prolonged sexual intercourse;
- rupture of the follicular sac during ovulation;
- conception;
- beginning of pregnancy;
- postpartum recovery;
- adaptation to birth control pills;
- intense physical activity or sports;
- stabilization of the girl’s monthly cycle;
- preparing the body for menstruation;
- release of the remaining endometrium after menstruation;
- premenopause and menopause.
If the phenomenon occurs in the middle of the cycle
During the fertile period or ovulation, blood may appear in the abundant mucous fluid of the cervical canal. At first, but after the rupture of the follicle in which the egg matures, the mucus may darken due to the ingress of coagulated blood, acquiring a brown tint. Normally, the liquid should have the following characteristics:
- Insignificant volume.
- Smearing character.
- (see photo).
- Duration up to two days.
- No unpleasant odor, pain or feeling of tension in the ovarian area.
It is imperative to go to the hospital if such a situation occurs constantly, the general condition worsens, and, without interruption, turns into menstruation.
Before your period
A few days before monthly bleeding, a girl may notice traces of slight brown mucous discharge on her underwear or daily routine. This phenomenon is isolated. The fibrous structure of the secretion should not be scary, since this is how the body signals the beginning of the process of rejection of the mucous layer of the uterus.
Prolonged spotting of a brownish or dark burgundy hue a week before menstruation can be caused by:
- stress;
- improper diet;
- strict diets;
- overweight;
- wrong lifestyle;
- lack of sleep;
- smoking, drugs and alcohol;
- constant physical overstrain;
- severe hormone deficiency.
Brown discharge between periods in most cases indicates a menstrual irregularity or the presence of pathology. A particularly dangerous symptom is the unpleasant odor of the secreted fluid and constant pain in the abdomen and lower back.
After menstruation
There should not be a lot of brown mucus from the genital tract, since implantation damages a small number of blood vessels. Some women do not have such an early sign at all, so secretion with the blood does not always mean pregnancy.
Brown discharge in women after ovulation 6-12 days can indicate fertilization. The time interval depends on the individual characteristics of the organism.
Additional symptoms:
- swelling and tenderness of the mammary glands;
- frequent urge to go to the toilet;
- increased drowsiness;
- sudden mood swings;
- dizziness and fatigue.
Hormonal fluctuations
When you start using oral contraceptives or an intrauterine device, your body gradually adapts to the contraceptive. The adaptation period can last about three months, accompanied by minor symptoms.
In this situation, it is necessary to pay attention to the discomfort, as well as the specific period of the cycle when this or that vaginal secretion occurs. A woman can cause dark vaginal discharge:
- skipping a pill;
- violation of instructions;
- taking a large dose of the drug;
- the wrong type is OK.
When discharge indicates pathology
Without serious knowledge of gynecology, it is difficult to independently determine why there is brown discharge, and there is significant discomfort and pain in the lower abdomen. But a woman can pay attention to the following signs, which should prompt an immediate visit to the gynecologist:
- The bloody secretion is too thick or watery.
- The amount of fluid released increases each time.
- The gasket gets wet in less than an hour.
- Blood is noted in the mucus systematically.
- Sexual contact is accompanied by pain.
- There is a high body temperature for no reason.
- There is an unpleasant odor.
- Itching and burning are felt.
- There are no periods for a long time.
- A large number of clots are observed during pseudomenstruation.
Often the pathological condition of the reproductive system manifests itself by the release of a large amount of secretion with blood. However, gynecological pathologies do not always make themselves felt with clear symptoms, so they can be mistakenly correlated with the consequences of stress, starvation, inaccurate coitus and other relatively harmless provocateurs. Therefore, if you detect brownish discharge of any intensity, you should visit a gynecologist. Let's consider the most common pathologies accompanied by the described symptom.
If discharge occurs instead of menstruation
This secretion may occur instead of menstruation. This is a scanty spotting secretion (up to 50 ml), which is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- lower back pain;
- feeling of tightness or pain in the chest;
- shadow the lower abdomen or suprapubic area;
- dizziness;
- nausea.
The symptom may be caused by the following reasons:
- Hormonal disbalance.
- Pituitary dysfunction.
- Endometrial injury.
- Consequence of abortion.
- Protracted inflammatory process.
- Improper functioning of the endocrine system.
- Strong physical activity.
- Exhausting sports.
- Beginning of pregnancy.
Why does the discharge change color?
The brownish color of vaginal fluid varies depending on the factor of origin: light brown, brown, or even black. Vaginal secretion may darken due to:
- taking antibiotics;
- hormonal imbalance;
- worsening of the disease;
- development of diabetes mellitus;
- disruption of the endocrine system;
- treatment with hormones.
Remember that normal secretion, once on linen after some time under the influence of oxygen, darkens slightly, acquiring a light yellow-brown tint.
Gynecological diseases and pathologies of pregnancy
The appearance of copious dark brown discharge cannot be associated with normal processes in the body. A similar sign indicates:
- inflammatory processes;
- sexual infections;
- ectopic (ectopic pregnancy);
- threat of miscarriage (from the first to the third trimester);
- endometritis;
- cystitis;
- endometriosis;
- cervical erosion;
- polyps;
- endometrial hyperplasia;
- benign neoplasms;
Diseases may not be diagnosed for a long time because symptoms do not appear immediately. A woman may not be aware of the pathology and may not observe any obvious signs. The appearance of dark brown discharge often indicates an already advanced case, which will be much more difficult to treat. It is for this reason that you should visit a gynecologist every six months without a good reason, and immediately if you have unnatural symptoms.
Problems with pregnancy and malignant tumors are considered especially dangerous, because in these situations there is a threat to the patient’s life without timely treatment or surgical intervention.
Cystitis
When the urethra or bladder itself becomes inflamed, blood is released, which is not related to diseases of the reproductive system. After frequent urination, a woman not only notices pain in the lower abdomen or lower back. Additional symptoms of urethritis resemble the common cold. The following symptoms and characteristics of the secreted fluid should alert you:
- the appearance of blood in the urine;
- frequent urge to urinate;
- cloudy urine;
- high body temperature;
- vomiting and nausea.
Infectious diseases
Infection of a woman's genital organs in the absence of timely treatment causes prolonged inflammatory processes. Such violations affect the quantity and shade of vaginal secretion. To prevent complications, women need to know the nature of dangerous brown discharge and what infections they occur with.
- chlamydia;
- gonorrhea;
- trichomoniasis;
- candidiasis (thrush);
- genital herpes;
- mycoplasmosis;
- ureaplasmosis;
- bacterial vaginosis;
- gardnerellosis.
The occurrence of these diseases can be asymptomatic until the infection provokes inflammation. Each type of pathology has its own symptoms, but in any condition, brown vaginal discharge is a serious reason to visit a doctor and take a smear for microscopic examination.
Dark discharge can be considered normal or indicate the development of a pathological process in the body. In case of any ailments, you should consult a specialist and under no circumstances self-medicate. Only based on the results of the examination and tests, the doctor will prescribe effective treatment.
Brown discharge in women in most cases is associated with the presence of a pathological process that needs to be diagnosed and treated. Brown discharge is not normal, especially if observed during the intermenstrual period.
A symptom such as brown vaginal discharge causes a lot of inconvenience for a woman and can be a sign of serious health problems. How to identify the cause of this manifestation?
Causes
To understand that the discharge is not normal, it is recommended to know the characteristics of a typical vaginal secretion. Normally, a woman’s genital organ always secretes a certain amount of fluid, which has the following properties:
- The mucus is transparent.
- Small volume compartments - about 50 ml per day.
- Has no smell.
- Not accompanied by pain, discomfort, itching or burning.
- Upon examination, the vaginal mucosa is clean and pink.
- A smear from the posterior fornix reveals a normal number of lactobacilli and a certain number of leukocytes.
- Normal discharge increases in volume until ovulation in the middle of the cycle.
Any deviation from this characteristic should alert a woman. A symptom such as brown vaginal discharge may accompany the following diseases:
- Inflammation of the uterine mucosa – endometritis.
- The appearance of endometrial areas in the wrong places is endometriosis.
- Proliferation (hyperplasia) of the endometrium and the formation of polyps in the uterine cavity.
- Benign and malignant neoplasms of the organ.
- Pathological course of early pregnancy.
- Pathology of the cervix.
Brown discharge in women also appears as a side effect of certain hormonal medications.
Symptoms
Brown spotting should be a reason to contact a specialist. The doctor will determine the cause of the brown discharge with the help of some tests and medical history.
When interviewing a woman, a specialist can clarify:
- When did the spotting brown discharge appear?
- At what point in the menstrual cycle do they appear?
- How has the nature of menstruation changed? Do you have dark vaginal discharge during your period?
- What volume does the discharge have? Do you experience heavy brown discharge?
- What other symptoms accompany spotting?
- What medications does the woman regularly take? What contraception does she use?
- Are there any delays in menstruation or other signs of pregnancy?
These questions allow the doctor to find out why this unpleasant symptom occurred.
Endometritis
Brown discharge in girls is very often associated with a disease such as endometritis. This process is an infectious pathology and is characterized by inflammation of the inner layer of the uterine wall.
Endometritis has acute and chronic forms. The first manifests itself quite violently with high body temperature and abdominal pain, which forces the woman to consult a specialist. Chronic endometritis may be generally asymptomatic; the only symptom will be brown vaginal discharge.
This disease develops due to:
- Transition of acute postpartum endometritis to chronic.
- Untreated consequences of abortion.
- Any intrauterine intervention, frequent abortions, hysteroscopies.
- Pathologies of the female immune system.
- An infectious process in the lower parts of the reproductive system or urinary tract that has spread to the uterus.
Endometritis is a rather dangerous condition; the following help to suspect it:
- Regular dark discharge.
- Unpleasant smell of discharge.
- Infectious process in other organs of the genitourinary system.
- Previous interventions on the uterus, abortions.
- Pain in the lower abdomen.
Endometriosis
Brown, odorless discharge most often occurs with another pathology of the female reproductive system - endometriosis. This disease is similar to endometritis, but has a completely different character.
Endometriosis occurs due to hormonal disorders, changes in the reactivity of the immune system, and exposure to adverse environmental factors. The mechanisms of development of the disease have not been fully elucidated.
During the course of the disease, sections of the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterine wall) appear in other places - in the thickness of the organ, on the surface of the appendages and peritoneum, and so on.
They are subject to the same hormonal changes as normal endometrium. Before menstruation, they hyperplasia, and when menstruation arrives, they are rejected, which leads to symptoms of the disease:
- Dark brown discharge appears.
- Sometimes mucous discharge has small streaks of blood.
- Menstrual blood may be dark and clotted.
- Abdominal pain can vary in intensity and extent.
- It can be smeared throughout the entire cycle, since the pathological endometrium cannot separate completely.
Why does brown discharge occur between periods? This is usually associated with the departure of areas of pathological endometrium from the abdominal cavity, fallopian tubes, or damage to the uterine wall.
Endometrial hyperplasia and polyps
Dark brown discharge in women can appear as a result of endometrial hyperplasia. Today, this disease is combined by common causes and mechanism of development with endometrial polyps.
Both pathological processes can cause brown discharge; the causes of the disease are usually hormonal imbalance, which leads to pathological growth of the endometrium. If the inner layer of the uterine wall grows evenly, we speak of hyperplasia, and local compactions in the form of outgrowths are called polyps.
Heredity, genital cancer, hypertension, metabolic disorders, pelvic inflammatory diseases and abortions can predispose to the onset of the disease.
The only symptom of the disease is most often only red-brown discharge, which appears even before the onset of menstruation. Your period may be long and heavy.
Over time, the body can experience significant iron deficiency due to constant blood loss. This leads to symptoms of anemia.
That is why you cannot ignore discharge with blood; you need to consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Fibroids and cancer
Blood can be separated with mucus during neoplasms of the body and cervix. Even a myomatous node, which does not pose a threat to life, can cause bleeding of the uterine lining, due to which blood is discharged between menstruation and a brownish tint appears in the discharge.
The appearance of brown discharge may indicate the presence of cancer of the body or cervix, so you must always remember about the possible development of cancer.
Associated symptoms may include:
- Loss of body weight.
- Irregular menstrual cycle.
- Weakness, decreased performance.
- Increased volume or duration of menstruation.
- The appearance of a palpable formation in the lower abdomen.
Such symptoms may not always mean that there is a tumor in the uterus, but a full diagnosis will help to exclude it.
Ectopic cervix
Brown discharge and itching are most often a symptom of cervical pathology. The movement of the epithelium of the cervical canal to the vaginal part of the cervix is called ectopia. It is often confused with the term “cervical erosion,” which means damage to the epithelium.
Ectopia occurs due to hereditary predisposition, hormonal imbalance and certain environmental factors. Usually the process has no symptoms and does not require treatment.
Sometimes changes in the endothelium lead to itching and bleeding, which explains the appearance of brown discharge.
Pathology of pregnancy
If menstruation does not come on time, and instead brown discharge appears from the genital tract, this may be a sign of early pregnancy pathology. This symptom most often indicates 2 common conditions: abruption of the ovum and ectopic pregnancy.
The first situation can occur in the early stages, when the woman has not yet realized that she is pregnant. The only sign will be the appearance of brown or dark red spotting instead of the usual menstruation. The appearance of discharge indicates that the detachment occurred about a week ago. At the time of a miscarriage, a woman sometimes feels heaviness in the lower back or a pulling pain in the lower half of the abdomen.
Another common obstetric problem is ectopic pregnancy. Sometimes the fertilized egg does not pass from the fallopian tube into the organ cavity and develops directly in the appendage or abdominal cavity.
Tubal pregnancy leads to damage to the wall of the organ and the release of blood into the uterine cavity. As a result, a brown or dark red liquid is released from the genital tract, which mixes with vaginal secretions.
Heavy bleeding is accompanied by symptoms of blood loss - a drop in blood pressure, palpitations, dizziness, and symptoms of anemia. Tubal pregnancy often causes abdominal pain and requires surgical treatment.
Side effects of drugs
Quite rarely, hormonal contraceptives cause such a side effect as the appearance of brown discharge. It is usually observed only in the first 2–3 months of taking combined contraceptives and does not require treatment or discontinuation.
If symptoms occur 3 months after starting the drug, it should be discontinued and the possibility of using an alternative drug or another method of contraception should be considered.
Be sure to remember to tell your doctor about the medications you take on a regular basis. Then the specialist will be able to make a correct diagnosis.
Diagnostics
History and symptoms alone are not sufficient to make a correct diagnosis. Your doctor may recommend several of the following additional diagnostic methods:
- General blood and urine analysis.
- Biochemical blood test.
- A smear from the posterior vaginal vault, a smear for cytology from the cervical canal.
- Ultrasound examination of the pelvic and abdominal organs.
- Hormonal studies.
- Blood test for hCG to determine pregnancy.
- Colposcopy.
- Hysteroscopy.
- Diagnostic curettage of the uterine cavity.
- Laparoscopy.
Of course, not all of the methods listed are used in routine practice; usually the diagnosis is established with the help of several additional studies.