Brown discharge from vagina may not necessarily pose any major health threat if the key cause of spotting between periods is related to implantation bleeding, ovulation, delayed period, menopausal spotting, hormonal changes etc. On the other hand, if one of the vital causes of spotting is indicative of cervical cancer, diabetes, dysfunctional endometrial elimination, serious viral or bacterial infections of the reproductive organ, STD etc, it is a serious matter that requires immediate medical intervention.
Brown Discharge From Vagina Between, Before Or After The Period Cycle
If the normal bacteria present within the vagina gets unsettled in some women for whatever reason, it tends to mess the normality. This in turn will cause an array of abnormalities including brownish vaginal discharge. The most commonly known causes that can upset a normal balance include:
a. Specific medications or drugs
b. Certain antibiotic or steroids
c. Contraceptive pills
d. Scented soaps
e. Pelvic infection after a surgery
f. Cervical cancer
g. Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea
h. Vaginitis
i. Diabetes
j. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
There are some worrisome vaginal discharge symptoms that will raise an alarm. If you experience any of the below listed symptoms in addition to brown vaginal bleeding, it may be a sign of a vaginal infection.
Top 5 Worrisome Causes And Best Relief For Vaginal Bleeding
Outlined below are the five most common causes for brown vaginal discharge. In majority of cases, it is a normal occurrence caused due to ovulation or delayed periods. In some cases, brownish vaginal secretion is likely to be caused due to dysfunctional endometrial elimination or any of the below listed infections. However in a few rare cases, brown discharge could indicate towards a more serious issue such as cervical or uterine cancer. Here’s a brief look at some of the key causes for vaginal bleeding.
1. Dysfunctional Endometrial Elimination
This condition will include a brown discharge in addition to pain. Additionally, you may also experience sudden vaginal dryness.
Signs And Symptoms:
– Your discharge will be watery and you may feel pain while trying to have intercourse.
– You may also experience a severe rash and feel intense itching.
– Vaginal dryness can be a signficant problem during sexual lovemaking.
Treatment:
– Your doctor will diagnose if there any other vital underlying causes for this type of discharge.
– Appropriate measures will be recommended to care of this problem.
– If the reason of discharge is due to dysfunctional endometrial elimination, homeopathic treatment offers quick relief.
– Getting the ph balance back can relieve the burning, pain and itching.
2. Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is usually easily treatable. There is an unusual discharge caused due to improper cleansing of the vaginal area.
Signs And Symptoms:
– Bleeding in between the monthly periods.
– Pain when urinating.
– Foamy discharge with bad odor.
– Itching.
Treatment:
– If you experience any of the above symptoms, do not panic as this condition is easily curable.
– The above symptoms are a result of the infection and with proper care and hygiene, they will be cured.
3. Bacterial Vaginosis
This is a bacterial infection commonly seen in pregnant women and those with multiple sexual partners. Similar to the yeast infection, it is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria that upsets the vaginal environment balance.
Signs And Symptoms:
– Itchiness, redness, inflammation and burning of the vagina/ vulva.
– Increased amount of discharge.
– Thin, watery discharge.
– Foul or fishy odor with vaginal discharge.
– Increased odor in the discharge immediately after sexual intercourse.
Treatment:
– There is no specific over-the-counter medicine available.
– There are two key treatment options with an oral antibiotic and a topical antibiotic cream.
– Alcohol consumption must be avoided while taking the medication and also for 48 hours post treatment.
– The vaginal antibiotic preparation should be used daily for a prescribed period.
4. Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is typically spread through sexual intercourse. Also, since the protozoan organism survives for nearly 24 hours in a moist environment, wet towels and bathing suits can be a possible instrument of transmission from an infected person.
Signs And Symptoms:
– Frothy discharge with a foul odor.
– Increased amount of discharge.
– Vulva/vaginal inflammation.
– Increased frequency of urination.
– Severe vaginal itching.
Treatment:
– The treatment is prescribed as oral antibiotics.
– No alcohol should be consumed while taking medications and for 48 hours post treatment.
– It is advised that both partners should be treated simultaneously to avoid a recurrent infection.
– Avoid intercourse until the treatment is completed.
5. Yeast Infection / Candida albicans
There is usually a small amount of yeast also called as Candida albicans present in the vagina. However, a yeast infection will occur if the yeast is in overabundance. This is usually caused due to a change in the vaginal pH balance. Yeast infections aren’t always sexually transmitted. It is also caused by use of oral contraceptives, increased stress, pregnancy, diabetes, use of antibiotics etc.
Signs And Symptoms:
– Increased amount of brown vaginal discharge.
– Clumpy and cottage cheese-like discharge.
– Redness, burning and itching in the vaginal or vulva area.
Treatment:
– Since there is normally a small amount of yeast present in the vagina, all of it cannot be eliminated.
– The treatment goal is to reduce an overgrowth of yeast organisms to bring the vagina back to a healthy pH balance.
– Treatment consists of various antifungal agents in varried forms such as tablets, suppositories or vaginal creams.
Top 10 Treatment And Prevention Guidelines For Vaginal Infections
1. Wear condoms during sexual lovemaking.
2. Stay healthy by eating well and getting enough sleep.
3. Keep the vaginal area dry and clean.
4. Drink plenty of fluids.
5. Wipe from the front to back after a bowel movement or urination.
6. Avoid using a deodorant pad or tampon.
7. Do not use petroleum jelly or any other oil for lubricating.
8. Do not douche.
9. Take medications for as long as directed by a physician.
10. Avoid sex until your treatment is complete and you become symptom free.
Keep in mind, brown discharge from vagina is a normal bodily function. It assists in the cleansing process of the vagina. What is not normal is a sudden change in color, an abrupt increase in quantity or when it turns smelly. So how can you tell when a vaginal discharge is not what it should be? Well as indicated above, color, quantity and occasionally the smell, is a sure sign that implies an abnormality.
Read also:
Brown Discharge From Vagina Top Causes And Prevention Guidelines For Abnormalities
Everything You Need To Know About Light Brown Discharge
Some Information On Causes, Prevention And Treatment Of Dark Brown Discharge