Brown Vaginal Discharge

Pelvis | Gynecology | Brown Vaginal Discharge (Symptom)


Description

In a woman’s menstrual cycle vaginal discharge can change. Normal discharge ranges from a white and sticky discharge to a yellowish one. Discharge is typically clear, but color, texture and odor changes can indicate problems. Not all cases of brown vaginal discharge are cause for concern.

Causes

Brown vaginal discharge is most often associated with old endometrial tissues. In other words, if your period is late you might get a brown, rather than red, discharge. It could also mean that for whatever reason during your last menses the entire uterine lining failed to make a timely exit. What you are seeing now is the late exit. Following birth, bleeding occurs for several weeks, beginning as a heavy flow and tapering down to a light discharge. This bleeding is known as lochia, and turns brown as it nears its end, which may take six weeks.

In some cases however there is cause for concern. Brown vaginal discharge can also be a symptom of a medical concern that is much more sinister than leftover endometrial cells.

Some common conditions causing brown vaginal discharge include: cervical cancer, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), perimenopause, menopause, or sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea, Chlamydia or vaginal warts.

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