If you notice brown discharge with a strong, unpleasant odor, you should speak with your doctor as it could be the sign of a vaginal infection like and STI or a retained foreign object such as a tampon. Retained foreign objects can result in serious infections and need prompt evaluation in person. To prevent infections that can cause abnormal discharge—usually characterized by a four odor and gray or green color—vaginal hygiene is important:. They may consider prescribing a new birth control method with higher estrogen that can help stop the spotting.
Hormonal contraception can also help manage chronic menstrual pain from conditions like PCOS or endometriosis. Men and women can also be vaccinated against human papillomavirus HPV , the most common cause of cervical cancer.
However, if the brown discharge lasts for several weeks, frequently happens after sex, has an unpleasant smell, or occurs after your menopause, you should speak to your doctor. Additionally, if you experience any of the symptoms below alongside brown discharge, you should consult with your doctor:.
Did you know you can get affordable primary care with the K Health app? Download K to check your symptoms , explore conditions and treatments, and if needed text with a doctor in minutes. K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. Patterns and predictors of vaginal bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy. Vaginal Discharge. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.
She completed her residency in emergency medicine at Christiana Care Health System. In addition to her work at K Health, Dr. Fowler is a practicing emergency medicine physician in Washington, DC. By Chesney Fowler, MD. Medically reviewed. Table of contents What is Brown Discharge? Table of contents. What is Brown Discharge? What Is Brown Discharge? Get started. Top conditions. These may occur at any age regardless of whether there is a pregnancy.
They are likely to be accompanied by other symptoms. Pelvic inflammatory disease PID is an infection of the cervix and uterus that can cause brown discharge. Anyone who thinks they might have PID should speak to their doctor. If the doctor diagnoses PID, they may prescribe antibiotics to treat it. Brown discharge before a period may indicate a sexually transmitted disease STD , such as gonorrhea or chlamydia.
Not all people with STDs experience symptoms, which is why it is essential for all sexually-active people to be tested regularly for STDs. Most STDs are easy to treat, although some are more serious and require more involved treatment. Treatment may include a course of antibiotics.
Bad-smelling brown discharge can occur if a foreign object gets left in the vagina accidentally. Objects that can cause this might include:. Anyone who notices a brown discharge with an odor should see their doctor, as they may have a retained object or vaginal infection. PCOS is a hormonal imbalance. It may cause a brown discharge from irregular, light bleeding. Other symptoms can include:. PCOS is not uncommon.
Those who suspect that they may have PCOS should speak to their doctor. There is a range of treatments available. Some treatments for PCOS may make it harder to get pregnant.
A doctor can advise on the most suitable treatment for those who do want to get pregnant. Brown discharge may be a symptom of cervical cancer , but this is extremely rare. Many women experience thrush, particularly after taking antibiotics. Normally the vagina has a number of bacteria which make the vagina more acidic, to help prevent infection of the uterus," explains Eskander.
Sometimes with this infection, discharge can appear normal at first, or just slightly thicker than usual - a bit like yoghurt.
Infections in the cervix can be caused by a reaction to chemicals, such as those found in tampons. However, the discharge may also be a symptom of a sexually transmitted infection STI , such as genital herpes or gonorrhoea. As well as a sign that your period is about to arrive, or a potential problem with ovulation, brown discharge can be associated with a vaginal parasite known as Trichomonas vaginalis , another STI. Finally, brown discharge may also be caused by a polyp a fleshy teardrop of tissue on the cervix or inside the uterus.
The source of the bleeding could be a polyp on the cervix or inside the uterus. It may also imply there is a problem with ovulation which can cause bleeding between periods," explains Eskander. As many women experience brown discharge from time to time due to hormonal fluctuations or breakthrough bleeding between periods, with brown discharge in particular it's worth waiting to see whether the problem resolves itself before seeking medical help.
However, if it's consistent after two weeks, or you think you could be at risk of an STI, it's important to consult your doctor," advises Eskander. Although it's hardly the most appealing of symptoms, vaginal discharge can be a good indicator of the health of a woman's reproductive system.
If you do experience any changes or are worried, it's important to seek medical advice. But weird-colored vaginal discharge can seriously freak you TF out—especially when it's brown.
But before you start spiraling, it's probably helpful to know what that brown discharge means , when it's NBD, and when you should see your ob-gyn about it. Vaginal discharge is, basically, mucosal secretions produced by glands in your cervix and walls of your vagina, according to the U. National Library of Medicine. Discharge keeps your purpose is to keep your vagina clean and healthy by clearing out dead cells from its lining, per the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ACOG.
It also provides lubrication to protect your vagina from infection and irritation. Berens, M. FYI: That process is called oxidization—when red blood mixes with air and turns a brownish hue.
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