Dr. Lori Gore-Green explains what brown discharge is and what is causing it to happen.

1. Dr. Lori Gore-Green | Gynecology and Obstetrics
Dr. Lori Gore-Green's professional experience as an OB/GYN Physician
by Dr. Lori Gore-Green on January 25, 2020
The Cause Behind Brown Discharge
Before a Period
When you see brown discharge, you may feel distressed. But no worries, brown discharge
is usually harmless and there are many reasons why it may happen in the first place.
Sometimes brown discharge can be an indication of pregnancy or perimenopause. Very
rarely is brown discharge an indication of an underlying health condition.
Below we will look at the various causes for brown discharge and when it is time to see a
doctor.
What is Brown Discharge?
Women have vaginal discharge on a relatively normal basis. Usually, vaginal discharge is
thin and clear or white in color. When the vaginal discharge is brown it indicates that there
is a small amount of old blood. If there is blood still in the uterus and it takes a longer time
to come out, it may be brown.
Non-Pregnant Women
If you have brown discharge while you are not pregnant you may be experiencing the start
of your period just at a lighter flow or ovulation spotting. You may also be having a reaction
to a Pap smear test or a reaction to having sex.
Pregnant Women
If you happen to be pregnant, pink or brown discharge is sometimes an early sign of
pregnancy. Not every pregnant woman will experience this symptom, but it does occur in a
few women. The discharge occurs due to implantation bleeding. The bleeding may occur
one to two weeks after the egg has been fertilized. Brown discharge during your pregnancy
isn’t anything to be concerned over, but if the discharge is a dark brown, be sure to speak
with a doctor.
Approaching Menopause
For women who are approaching their 40s or 50s and experiencing brown discharge
before their period, it may be a sign of perimenopause. Perimenopause is a transition
period that happens before menopause begins. Along with brown discharge, women may
be experiencing mood swings, hot flushes, night sweats, a hard time sleeping, and vaginal
dryness.
Serious Causes of Brown Discharge
There are a few other more serious causes of brown discharge and can occur at any age
and will be accompanied by other symptoms. Pelvic inflammatory disease, a sexually
transmitted disease, a retained foreign body (tampons, condoms, vaginal contraceptive
sponges, diaphragms, etc.), polycystic ovary syndrome, and cervical cancer.
When to See a Doctor
As mentioned before, brown discharge isn’t something you usually have to worry about.
Although it can be a symptom of something more serious, it won’t require you to go to the
doctor. However, if you are experiencing brown discharge that continues for several weeks,
happens after sex, smells bad, is accompanied by pain, cramping, or vaginal itching.
Filed Under: Dr. Lori Gore-Green , OBGYN Tagged With: Dr. Lori Gore-Green ,
Gynecology , OB/GYN , pregnant , vaginal health , women , women's reproductive
health , Womens Health
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