Dark brown discharge. Dark discharge that occurs before and after menstruation. When using oral contraceptives and IUDs

Brown discharge in women is usually a signal from the genitourinary system about developing inflammation of an infectious or bacterial nature. It is strictly forbidden to treat yourself or use folk remedies, as this can lead to irreversible consequences, loss of fertility or oncology. And even if brown discharge appears before menstruation or continues for some time after it, you should not turn a blind eye to the problem and hope that these are only physiological characteristics of the body; you need to go to the doctor. A consultation with a gynecologist is necessary, and you cannot postpone visiting the clinic for a long time.

Brown discharge in women - what is it?

Discharge in women that corresponds to the normal functioning of the genitourinary system is the so-called leucorrhoea. Any deviation, in the form of a change in color or the appearance of an unpleasant odor, should prompt you to immediately consult a doctor.

A brown spot on linen with an unpleasant odor, accompanied by itching and burning, is characteristic of inflammatory or infectious diseases. If nothing except the color has changed, then they can be a harbinger of menstruation, and in the case of pregnancy, a spontaneous miscarriage or other problems with the embryo, especially in the second and third trimester. In addition, brown vaginal discharge in women may appear

while taking contraceptives,

due to a change in the drug of this group,

against the background of hormonal disruption of an endocrine nature,

after the first sexual intercourse,

as a result of complications from a prolonged cold,

· due to bladder problems.

Only a medical specialist is able to identify the cause of the appearance of brown discharge, determine where it comes from - from the vagina or urethra, what it may mean, prescribe adequate treatment or a more in-depth examination, and recommend consultation with a doctor in another direction. In rare cases, the cause of brown discharge may be problems with the bladder, in which case it is necessary to examine a therapist, urologist, and collect urine for a detailed analysis.

Brown discharge in a healthy woman - what is the reason

Discharges of this color always indicate the presence of contaminants of dried blood in the substance. In healthy women, they can appear at any stage of the menstrual cycle if there is a malfunction in the reproductive system. There are many reasons:

· aggressive sexual intercourse,

careless movements during hygiene procedures,

· the use of certain types of contraceptives - a spiral, a patch, a cup,

· changing the contraceptive drug or choosing the wrong one.

A change in color does not always indicate the presence of serious problems, and after eliminating the cause, the secretion secreted by the mucous membranes of the vagina again becomes transparent or milky white. It is necessary to sound the alarm if

· the amount of mucus has increased sharply,

· there was a rotten smell,

· the consistency of the discharge has become heterogeneous,

· discomfort or pain is observed,

symptoms are stable for more than 5 days and are accompanied by nausea,

· brown discharge is a substitute for menstruation, but the pregnancy test is negative.

In healthy women, brown vaginal discharge appears one or 3-5 days before menstruation, it has no odor, is scanty in nature, does not flow, but simply smears the underwear, and does not force one to change panty liners to sanitary pads. After the end of menstruation in healthy women, brown discharge may persist for several days, and the cause of the symptom lies in the individual characteristics of the body and the structure of the uterus.

Brown discharge in pregnant women

During pregnancy, a woman's entire body changes. The main burden, of course, falls on the reproductive organs, and they may react in an unusual way, including producing brown mucus. During pregnancy, it is necessary to closely monitor the color and consistency of vaginal discharge. Their brown color can be a signal of serious problems with the uterus and embryo. You should seek medical help immediately if:

· discharge is accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen,

· along with them dizziness and weakness appeared,

body temperature rises,

· the symptom was preceded by physical activity.

The degree of danger of brown discharge during pregnancy can only be determined by a gynecologist observing the expectant mother. In the first trimester, this color can only indicate that the embryo is firmly attached to the wall of the uterus, slightly destroying the tissue structure and causing micro bleeding.

Brown discharge, even minor, during the second trimester indicates the development of pathology and signals that the woman needs the attention of a medical specialist. It is best to call a doctor at home, and before his arrival, try to calm down, not make unnecessary movements, and take a horizontal position.

At any stage of pregnancy, and especially during the 3rd trimester, it is important to pay due attention to the texture of brown discharge if it appears. Liquid consistency and the presence of dark-colored clots in the secreted mucus indicate that premature labor may begin.

Brown discharge in teenage girls

For teenage girls, vaginal mucus production is normal and natural. Daily norm - 4 ml. A healthy girl's discharge may be clear or translucent. Many parents begin to unreasonably accuse a girl of having sexual intercourse if they notice unusual marks on her underwear or panty liner. The brown color does not mean that she has lost her virginity, but can only indicate the approach of her first period or the development of an inflammatory process.

It is not worth focusing a girl’s attention on the change in the color of vaginal discharge, since unfounded accusations or panic on the part of parents can upset her psychological balance, make her afraid, feel inferior, sick, and dangerous to others. It is necessary to explain to the teenager in what cases it is necessary to see a doctor, what problems brown discharge may indicate at this age, find out whether the girl has been hypothermic recently, and what sensations accompany the symptom.

If a teenage girl has already started menstruation, and brown discharge periodically appears against it, then this should alert parents and be a reason to contact a pediatric gynecologist. After examining and analyzing biological materials, the doctor will prescribe treatment, tell parents how to behave and how to explain to the girl the appearance of such symptoms.

How to get rid of brown vaginal discharge

Self-diagnosis and self-medication, the use of folk remedies in this case is unacceptable. A woman should understand that the brown color of vaginal discharge is colored by particles of blood, which is stagnant and already partially coagulated.

Treatment of brown vaginal discharge can be conservative, and if necessary, surgical. If the doctor recommends the second option, do not panic, since such intervention in gynecology is often limited to vacuum cleaning of the uterus. In rare cases, major surgery is required. Indications for surgical treatment may include:

· fibroids or cysts,

· ectopic pregnancy,

frozen fruit

· cervical erosion,

· complicated endometritis, endometriosis.

More often, in the presence of brown discharge, the patient is prescribed conservative treatment, which consists of stopping the inflammatory process, adjusting the diet, limiting activity, and reducing the intensity of physical activity.

If a pregnant woman complains of dark brown discharge, she is immediately admitted to a hospital, under the constant supervision of medical specialists. Treatment is prescribed after collecting and analyzing biological materials and ultrasound examination. Timely treatment by the patient allows you to save the fetus and prevent the development of embryo pathologies, eliminating the risk of losing the possibility of childbearing in the future.

You should not postpone a visit to the gynecologist when brown discharge appears, even if there are no other unpleasant symptoms, it is difficult to find time in a busy work schedule or there is no one to leave the child with. For a woman, her health should be paramount, since it is she who is responsible for her children, comfort in the home, the success of her husband and much more, and simply does not have the right to risk her life.

Tip 2: Pink and brown discharge in the middle of the cycle: reasons for its appearance

The appearance of intermenstrual discharge that is pinkish or brown in color can have various causes. In some cases, they indicate serious illnesses that require immediate treatment.

Causes of pink discharge in the middle of the cycle

Pinkish discharge in the middle of the cycle is often called ovulation, as it indicates the body’s readiness for fertilization. After the egg matures, the hormonal background changes and the level of estrogen increases. As a result, the endometrium changes and minor bleeding appears.

Other reasons for the appearance of pinkish discharge in the middle of the cycle include: rupture of the follicle as a result of the release of the egg, installation of an intrauterine device, the use of hormonal contraceptives, and certain medications. However, if pink discharge is accompanied by burning, itching, and discomfort, they may indicate infectious and inflammatory processes, the formation of fibroids and polyps. In these cases, you should consult a doctor.

Causes of pink brown discharge

Brown spotting may occur in the middle of the cycle. If they are scanty, this is considered a physiological norm. Usually in this case the woman does not need treatment. Bloody discharge may indicate developing uterine bleeding, which is a symptom of the following diseases: cervical erosion, endometritis, fibroma, cancer of the cervix, adnexa, tumors, internal adenomyosis, sarcoma. These conditions require urgent medical intervention.

If spotting appears after sexual intercourse, it may be caused by cervical cancer or erosion. If the discharge is accompanied by nagging pain in the lower abdomen, it is a symptom of inflammation of the inner layer of the uterus. They may also indicate injuries to the genital organs, hormonal imbalances (progesterone deficiency, hyperprolactinemia), polycystic ovary syndrome. Intermenstrual discharge may appear after some gynecological procedures, deep emotional shock, stress, severe shock, climate change.

Brown spotting in the middle of the cycle may be due to hormonal contraception. In this case, they are considered a variant of the norm. However, if hormones are not taken, discharge may include the following: the use of medications containing estrogen, the use of emergency contraception drugs (Postinor, Gynepriston), the presence of an intrauterine device, thyroid dysfunction, low levels of thyroid hormones, vaginal inflammation caused by infections, STDs (sexually transmitted diseases).

Brown, odorless discharge is not at all normal. Very often, women who care about their health come to the doctor with just such a symptom. Sometimes such a manifestation is the body’s reaction to a disease of the genital organs. These discharges also appear with the onset of menopause. During this period, a woman’s monthly menstruation stops, and spotting appears instead.

brown discharge without odor. This may be a manifestation of hormonal changes and the body’s preparation for menopause.

Disruptions in the cycle

Very often, women experience brown, odorless discharge instead of normal periods. This state of affairs is not normal. From a gynecological point of view, a healthy woman should have bleeding every month - menstruation. If there is a delay, and after it a “daub” occurs, it is a matter of hormonal imbalance. In this case, it is necessary to find out the cause of the imbalance and try to eliminate it. There is no need to self-medicate for any illness! Only a specialist should, based on the test results, determine the causes of this manifestation and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Consultation with a doctor

The first thing the doctor will ask is: “When was the last time you had sexual intercourse?” The fact is that often, if after a certain time after sex brown

discharge, then we are talking about either a serious illness or pregnancy. In any case, it is necessary to get checked and get tested. Based on the results of laboratory tests, the doctor will report that your partner awarded you with either a child or a sexually transmitted disease. Be that as it may, clarity is better than thinking about the nature of the secretions.

The main causes of brownish mucus from the vagina

1. Brown, odorless discharge that continues for a long period may be a symptom of endometriosis. This is an inflammation of the endometrium as a result of the proliferation of staphylococci, pneumococci, streptococci, which entered the uterus as a result of difficult childbirth, abortion or miscarriage. If this is not treated in time, cell proliferation may occur in the endometrial tissue.

2. Hyperplasia caused by the growth of the inner wall of the uterus. It must be treated urgently, since the disease can develop into the formation of malignant tumors.

3. Chlamydia, ureplasma, herpes, mycoplasma can also cause long periods with brown discharge.

Pregnancy

Special attention should be paid to pregnant women. Brown discharge during early pregnancy may indicate the presence of a serious illness. For example, the presence of bleeding or spotting brown mucus may indicate placental abruption. This may lead to miscarriage. In the first trimester of your pregnancy, you should be especially careful; if you detect the slightest deviation, immediately go to the doctor. Brown discharge with an unpleasant odor can also occur as a result of the development of a sexually transmitted disease. You should not joke with this matter, since the fetus may develop abnormal development and other pathologies. Consultation with a specialist and timely treatment is the key to saving the child.

Brown vaginal discharge may not be a dangerous symptom of any disease. If such discharge characterizes the end of your period, then most likely this is the norm for you. The thing is that the color and consistency of menstrual flow is a purely individual matter. For example, brown discharge indicates that menstrual fluid comes out slowly and has time to come into contact with air, which naturally leads to its pigmentation.


But what to do if brown vaginal discharge appears a few days after the end of menstruation? Could this be a sign of a disease? Let's look at the cases in which brown discharge after menstruation poses a health hazard.

Chronic endometritis

The cause of brown vaginal discharge is often a disease such as endometritis. Its chronic form is characterized by inflammation of the mucous membrane of the uterine cavity. The disease can be caused by intrauterine interventions during the prenatal period or the process of inflammation after an abortion. Brown discharge with endometritis can occur either at the beginning, at the end or in the middle of the menstrual cycle. Moreover, in the latter case, the discharge is accompanied by aching pain in the lower abdomen.

Endometriosis

Nodular, small cystic formations or growths in the cervical area cause virtually no pain and are difficult to diagnose in a timely manner. An alarming symptom of the disease is brown vaginal discharge. They usually appear a few days after menstruation. They have an unpleasant odor and sometimes contain small blood clots.

A collective name for various pathological processes in the uterus. The inner mucous membrane of the uterine body is susceptible to a huge number of diseases, from delayed embryonic development during pregnancy to fibroids and. In any case, if you suddenly have brown discharge outside the menstrual period, this is a good reason to consult a specialist.

Inflammatory diseases of the vagina

Drugs to stop bleeding

Often young (and sometimes not so young) people, having read women’s forums on the Internet, resort to independently purchasing drugs that stop bleeding in any phase of the menstrual cycle. It should be remembered that drugs such as dicynon, vitaxol or transekam should be used only as prescribed by a doctor. Some hemostatic agents, especially in the early stages of pregnancy, can cause irreparable harm to health. So for any bloody discharge, be it brown or bright red, first see a doctor - and then go to the pharmacy!

And finally...

The gynecologist often does not care what color your vaginal discharge is. The light or dark brown color of the discharge indicates the presence of blood in it. And if you have spotting, bloody brown discharge that is not associated with menstruation, this is already a reason to think about its cause. So don’t self-medicate and wish you good health!

Dmitry Belov

The flow of fluid from the genitals is normal for the fair sex, but when brown and pain appear, many women begin to panic, although sometimes there is no reason for this. To understand the situation and find out exactly what caused the unusual phenomenon, you need to consult a doctor.

If the discharge appeared in the middle of the menstrual cycle and lasted only a few hours, you don’t have to worry, since this is just a sign of successful ovulation. If brown liquid comes out of the genital tract for more than one day, you should definitely consult a doctor, as this may indicate the development of a pathology.

Main etiological factors

If brown fluid is discharged for a long time in the middle of the menstrual cycle, this requires special attention. Even if this does not cause discomfort or pain, such a phenomenon is a cause for concern.

First of all, it is worth noting that they are often signs of endometriosis. This is a rather unpleasant disease that can become an obstacle to the desired pregnancy. It is imperative to treat endometriosis, as it can lead to serious complications. Moreover, this disease is also distinguished by some extremely unpleasant symptoms that prevent a woman from living a normal life. We are talking about abundant and, as well as instability of the menstrual cycle.

There can be many reasons for the development of endometriosis. This disease is characterized by the proliferation of endometrial tissue, which causes a lot of unpleasant symptoms. Often, endometriosis is a consequence of abortion and the birth of a child by cesarean section. And yet, it can be difficult to accurately determine the reason why the pathology developed. Women whose periods are very painful and prolonged should be tested for endometriosis.

The second common cause of odorless and painful discharge is hyperplasia. This is a very dangerous pathology of the female body, as it can become a provoking factor for the development of a malignant neoplasm. Therefore, when your period appears, you must immediately consult a doctor and undergo all the necessary diagnostic procedures.

Another danger is posed by an infectious fungal infection of the reproductive system. It manifests itself in various unpleasant symptoms, but one of the first will be menstrual irregularities and the presence of brown discharge. Moreover, in some cases, this type of liquid completely replaces menstruation. If the menstrual cycle is disrupted, and instead brown discharge appears, which may be odorless and painful, you need to contact the clinic. It is quite possible that we are talking about chlamydia, ureaplasmosis or herpes in the active stage. All this is dangerous not only for the woman herself, but also for her partner, so such diseases must be treated.

Other possible origins

Representatives of the fair sex always get very nervous when the body gives incomprehensible signals. As for brown discharge, which does not cause much discomfort and does not have an unpleasant odor, there can be a lot of reasons. Some of them require immediate treatment, while others go away on their own. And yet, to be sure that this symptom is not caused by a disease, you need to consult a specialist.

Often the appearance of brown discharge is associated with contraception. If a doctor prescribes oral contraceptives to a patient, he must warn about possible side effects, which include brown discharge. The first few months after starting to take the pills, a similar phenomenon is not excluded. It indicates that the body is adapting to new rules. However, if the symptom does not go away for more than 3 months from the moment you started taking oral contraceptives, this is a good reason to consult a doctor, who will most likely cancel the previously prescribed drug and choose a new one.

But it’s not just oral contraception that can lead to unusual discharge. The intrauterine device can manifest itself in the same way. This does not mean that it was installed incorrectly. The discharge should not last long.

If brown discharge appears immediately after the end of the menstrual period, this indicates that the woman needs to be more careful about her personal hygiene. In the middle of the cycle, a similar phenomenon signals successful ovulation.

But still, brown discharge is not always the norm. Sometimes they are a symptom of a serious illness. For example, such signs may signal the presence of polyps in the uterus and the development of dangerous hyperplasia. In addition, this phenomenon may be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. But in this case, in addition to dark brown discharge, the woman will be bothered by other unpleasant symptoms.

Problem during pregnancy

The brown liquid coming out of the genital tract may also be familiar to representatives of the fair sex who are pregnant. This is a rather dangerous phenomenon that requires mandatory consultation with a specialist. Often the presence of brown discharge is associated with abruption of the placenta or ovum. But in such a dangerous situation, the expectant mother will certainly be bothered by other symptoms. First of all, it is worth noting that the discharge in this case will be accompanied by unpleasant sensations. In this case, the pain is usually localized in the lower abdomen.

Brown discharge is especially dangerous for pregnant women in the first trimester. At this stage, such a phenomenon may indicate an approaching miscarriage. At first, the liquid may come out without significant pain, so you need to be very careful.

At the very beginning of pregnancy, brown discharge may also appear. This occurs when the embryo is successfully implanted into the wall of the uterus. Many women confuse this phenomenon with the arrival of menstruation, believing that they are not delayed. But after a while, a big surprise awaits them when the pregnancy is confirmed.

Symptoms after an abortion or miscarriage

Termination of pregnancy, whether spontaneous or surgical, is always associated with a great risk to the woman’s health. In this case, there is always a significant loss of blood, and then the copious red discharge turns brown. This indicates that the wound healing process has already begun.

But the discharge should not last too long. As a rule, they go away within a week or two. Women who have had an abortion need to remember that they are at risk for developing many diseases of the reproductive system. Some of these pathologies can lead to the appearance of brown, odorless and painful discharge. This should primarily include the development of endometriosis and cervical hyperplasia, which manifests itself in the form of brownish discharge immediately after menstruation. If a woman has had an abortion, she should be extremely attentive to her health and undergo timely examinations by a doctor.

Vaginal discharge is a secretion produced by the glands of the vagina and uterus, characterized by the absence of odor, mucous consistency and lack of color (the whitish color of the secretion is also considered normal). The secretion contains mucus secreted by the cervical canal of the cervix, dead cells of the epithelium of the cervical canal and vagina, bacteria that provide an acidic environment for the vagina and the secreted secretion, which in some cases causes the sour smell of the discharge. The amount, consistency, color and odor of vaginal discharge varies according to the phase of the cycle, due to changes in hormone levels. Vaginal discharge is a natural physiological process of the female body. Normally, vaginal discharge is not accompanied by unpleasant sensations: itching, burning, vaginal dryness and irritation of the external genitalia. The acquisition of discharge of an uncharacteristic color, smell, consistency and the appearance of accompanying symptoms indicates the development of pathological processes in the uterus and vagina.

The nature of brown discharge

Brown discharge is a natural secretion mixed with blood, which indicates the pathological nature of the discharge. Bloody periodic discharge is the norm for a healthy woman of reproductive age. Normally, the color of menstrual discharge varies from bright red to dark shade, which is due to the presence of enzymes in it. Menstrual bleeding lasts from 3 to 8 days in a healthy woman. The appearance of bloody discharge (brown discharge) in any other phase of the cycle is a deviation from the norm. Brown discharge appears in 80% of women. Depending on the reasons causing uncharacteristic discharge, they speak of a physiological norm or a pathological disorder.

Brown discharge in women: norm and pathology

Brown discharge in girls in the middle of the menstrual cycle is considered normal in the following cases:

  • The use of various hormonal contraceptives (oral, intrauterine devices, patches);
  • Possible injuries to the walls of the vagina or cervix (during personal hygiene, aggressive sexual intercourse);
  • At the first sexual intercourse;
  • On the eve of menstrual bleeding (in some cases, brown discharge appears several days before the expected menstruation, which only indicates the scarcity of menstrual flow, during which the blood has time to clot);
  • After the end of menstrual bleeding for several days.

Brown discharge in girls in these cases is a normal variant due to hormonal changes, but the amount of discharge, its consistency, and smell should also be taken into account. If the discharge acquires a brown tint, becomes abundant, has a heterogeneous consistency, and is characterized by an unpleasant odor, then in such cases a pathological process occurs. Brown discharge that appears during the period of ovulation (usually between days 11 and 19 of the cycle) is also considered a normal variant. Discharge may appear during egg implantation, and the discharge may be accompanied by stabbing pain in the lower abdomen. Such discharge is short-term and spotting. In this case, they talk about implantation bleeding.

Brown discharge in women is a sign of pathology in the following cases:

  • The appearance of pathological discharge in the middle of the cycle if the woman does not take hormonal contraceptives;
  • Brown discharge during menopause in the absence of normal menstrual bleeding for 1 year or more;
  • Regular occurrence of bleeding after sexual intercourse;
  • Discharge accompanied by pain, itching, burning, and increased body temperature.

In case of any pathological discharge, it is necessary to consult a doctor for a full examination, since brown discharge in women is a symptom of various gynecological diseases, which, if not properly treated, can result in infertility, the development of benign and malignant neoplasms.

Brown discharge: causes of appearance at different stages of the cycle

Brown discharge, which is essentially natural vaginal discharge mixed with blood, is divided by gynecologists into the following types:

  • Intermenstrual bleeding;
  • Uterine bleeding.

When diagnosing intermenstrual brown discharge, the causes may be:

  • The use of hormonal medications that affect the menstrual cycle;
  • Mental shock (emotional outbursts, shock, states of constant stress);
  • Hormonal imbalances of various etiologies;
  • Injuries to the genital organs, some types of gynecological procedures;
  • Inflammatory processes, gynecological diseases, STDs;
  • Intrauterine device.

Determining the causes of pathological discharge is necessary to prescribe effective therapy.

When diagnosing uterine brown discharge, the reasons may be:

  • Tumor processes of the uterus and appendages;
  • Pathological processes of the endometrium (endometritis, endometriosis);
  • Cervical erosion;
  • Cystic formations of the ovaries.

Brown discharge after menstruation: when to see a doctor

Brown discharge after menstruation is normal in the following cases:

  • Scanty spotting, not accompanied by itching or burning;
  • No pain, symptoms of inflammation, fever;
  • The amount of discharge gradually decreases;
  • The duration of such discharge does not exceed 3 days, and in total with the period of menstrual bleeding, menstruation lasts no more than 8 days.

Brown discharge after menstruation is a residual phenomenon, the removal of excess blood from the uterus. The discharge acquires a brown tint due to the fact that blood clotting increases at the end of menstruation.

If brown discharge after menstruation appears a few days after menstrual bleeding has completely stopped, then the following examinations must be carried out:

  • Pregnancy test, ultrasound to exclude ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage;
  • Smear, PCR analysis for the presence of chlamydia, ureaplasma, mycoplasma, gardnerella, CMV, herpes virus.

Brown discharge during pregnancy: norm and pathology

Brown discharge during pregnancy is considered a pathology. Normally, discharge may appear during implantation of the fertilized egg, when the integrity of the endometrium is disrupted for a period of 1-2 weeks. Spotting brown discharge may also appear during pregnancy in the first trimester on the days of expected menstruation. If you have any brown discharge, you should consult a doctor.

Causes of brown discharge during pregnancy:

  • Low levels of progesterone, which provokes endometrial rejection and poses a threat of miscarriage;
  • Ectopic (tubal) pregnancy;
  • Placental abruption, previa.

Any brown discharge during later pregnancy poses a risk of miscarriage.

Video from YouTube on the topic of the article:

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