Why is my discharge brown is a common query faced by millions of women worldwide. Often, the discharge color during spotting in between periods, ranges from red to dark brown. A pink blood discharge accompanying spotting in between menstruation, implies dilution. On the other hand, any bleeding in between your period that gives a bright red flow indicates that the blood is fresh and new. A key cause for the brown vaginal spotting between periods becoming evident, is time lag. Any abnormal changes that occur in terms of discharge color, amount, consistency, discomfort, presence of itching, rash, a burning sensation while urinating, presence of odor, heavy bleeding when it is not menstruation time, should be diagnosed by a qualified doctor.
Why Is My Discharge Brown 5 Reasons You Need Prompt Gynecological Consultation And Smear Test
Wondering if brown discharge is normal? The color change of the menstrual blood from red to brown is caused due to an extended length of time taken by the uterus to expel the blood out of the woman’s body. Keep in mind, normal spotting occurs in minor quantity and large clot or tissue is never expelled during such bleeding. The vaginal secretion helps a woman to keep her vagina clean, free from various infections and lubricated. Hence if any irregularities are noticed, it can point towards a serious problem. Here’s a list of key points that offer vital information about brown discharge.
1. Diagnosis Of Brown Vaginal Discharge To Avoid Future Medical Complications
Brown vaginal discharge is a natural way for your body to eliminate the fluids and old cells. This type of secretion will change color and smell different though the month. It will become scantier or heavier at different times through the month. Changes such as these are normal. On the other hand, you must watch out for any unusual changes caused by vaginal infections, reproductive diseases etc. These variations are often accompanied with vaginal itchiness and irritation. Having said that, change is not necessarily a sign of vaginal infection either. The inability to ovulate with menopausal progress also contributes to spotting between periods. Seek immediate medical advise if you are experiencing persistent vaginal pain, itchiness or discomfort.
2. Consider The Duration And Extent Of Irregular Blood Flow For Prompt Medical Advise
A significant factor that needs careful consideration in the diagnosis of any unusual vaginal discharge is the duration and extent of irregular blood flow. If the vaginal blood flow is accompanied with spotting in between menstruation and is light in volume, there is a lesser cause for worry. However if the flow is not in the form of a few droplets or in minor quantity, it is strongly recommended that you visit a gynecologist at the earliest. In a situation when there is heavy bleeding occurring in between your periods and your sanitary pad gets highly saturated in a brief period of time, you should consider seeking immediate medical attention.
3. Serious Causes Of Brown Vaginal Discharge
There are an array of causes that could result in brown vaginal discharge. Any of the following conditions could lead to heavy occurrence of light or dark brown bloody discharge in between, before or after your period cycle:
– Vaginal Infection
– Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
– Gonorrhea (STD)
– Chlamydia (STD)
– Cervical Cancer
– Vulvovaginitis
– Menopause
– Genital Warts.
4. Common Symptoms Of Worrisome Brown Vaginal Discharge
Brown vaginal bleeding problem can be caused due to many different reasons. These may or may not be accompanied by varied symptoms. The likely symptoms for each of the key causes resulting in brown vaginal discharge are listed below:
A. Vaginal Infection Symptoms Include:
– Itching
– Bad odor
– Swelling
– Brown, greyish or yellowish discharge
– Cottage cheese like and foamy texture discharge
B. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) Symptoms Include:
– Abdominal pain
– Reduced Appetite
– Fertility problems
– Brown vaginal discharge
– Infertility
C. Gonorrhea (STD) Symptoms Include:
– Brown or yellowish vaginal discharge
– Mouth lesions
– Vaginal Pain
D. Chlamydia (STD) Symptoms Include:
– Loss of appetite
– Weight loss
– Fertility issues
– Rectum discharge
– Brown vaginal discharge
E. Cervical Cancer Symptoms Include:
– Continuous Vaginal discharge
– Vaginal pain
– Painful intercourse
– Brown watery vaginal discharge
F. Vulvovaginitis Symptoms Include:
– Urethra pain
– Yellow discharge
– Brown vaginal discharge
– Vaginal dryness
G. Menopause Symptoms Include:
– Burning sensation in mouth
– Depression
– Clammy skin
– Unpleasant urine odor
– Brown vaginal discharge
– Reduced sexual desire
– Mood swings
H. Genital Warts Symptoms Include:
– Vaginal bleeding after intercourse
– Genital itching near or all over the infected region
– Heavy vaginal discharge
– Rise in moisture or dampness in the region of the vaginal or genital wart growth
5. Prompt Medical Advice For Possible STDs Or Other Critical Cause Of Brown Vaginal Discharge
It is vital that you seek medical advice for heavy blood flow in between periods. This is imperative since the bacteria, virus or STD causing the brown discharge can lead to precancerous and cancerous changes inside the cervix. A routine pap smear is important as it will pick up any of the vaginal abnormalities. In a rare condition where the HPV and herpes virus combine together, the odds of getting cervical cancer are further multiplied. You are at a higher risk for contracting STDs if you have several sexual partners, do not know if your partner is already contracted an infection, you are sexually active since a very young age or if you drink, smoke or abuse drugs. It is risky to delay treatment if you suspect having contracted any type of sexually transmitted disease. You could opt for a confidential STD testing clinic. Also, leading obstetricians, gynecologists and medical practitioners, are known to offer private and confidential consultation services.
If you have been wondering why is my discharge brown, the answer is easy. Typically, the color we deem normal for vaginal discharge, is when it appears whitish and clear. Clear white discharge is associated as being a healthy sign. However, the amount of discharge and color differs from woman to woman. Some women will produce very little discharge whereas others experience it daily. Remember, brown vaginal discharge is caused due to time lapse. It is a normal body function that should not be considered as unhealthy or unclean. Allow your doctor to establish the key cause and normalcy for the same.