Brown discharge
Brown discharge before and after menstruation
Vaginal discharge is a fact of life for every woman. The importance lies in distinguishing natural discharge from discharge symptomatic of an illness. Can a healthy person ever experience brown vaginal discharge? Is it normal or a sign of a disease or some kind of disorder? Every woman who worries about her health asks herself these questions.
Medically speaking, not all discharge is created equal. A normal, healthy vagina secretes fluid, but not all discharges are a sign of health. “Okay” secretions: clear, thin, odorless mucus, around 50 milligrams (0.05 ccs) a day or more. Regular vaginal discharge should cause no discomfort, itching, burning, or vaginal irritation. If performed, a vaginal smear should show normal leukocyte levels, with Lactobacillus flora predominating. The mucoid discharge should increase up until ovulation (about 14 days after the last period). Over this stretch of time, the discharge undergoes some changes. During this time of the cycle, it is perfectly normal to feel wetness around external genitalia.
Brown vaginal discharge is unusual. Therefore, if you are having a brown or brownish discharge right before or right after your period, it’s worth paying attention to, as it can attest to a disruption in the regular workings of the reproductive system. Further down we will talk more about main Ob/Gyn illnesses of which brown vaginal discharge prior to or after the period can be a symptom, as well as experiencing brown discharge during pregnancy.
Causes of brown discharge
• Endometritis
Brown discharge can be a sign of chronic endometritis, or inflammation of the endometrium, the inner lining of the uterus. Brown discharge during endometritis appears before and after menstruation, often accompanied by an unpleasant odor. Sometimes brown mucus appears in the middle of the cycle, accompanied by ache in the lower abdomen. Chronic endometritis is dangerous during pregnancy, because it can cause miscarriages at various stages of fetal development. These pathological developments stem from the disruption of the process through which the fertilized ovum attaches to the uterine lining; its subsequent development is also at risk. Chronic endometritis can stem from incompletely treated acute postpartum or postabortion endometritis, intrauterine disruptions, a hormonal or immune system imbalance, or underlying infection. Read more …
• Endometriosis
Brown discharge or discharge accompanied by spotting are also the main symptoms of endometriosis of the uterus or of the cervix. The condition is not necessarily painful. Cervical endometriosis occurs with the formation of nodular microcysts or the spread of red or crimson and blue stripes. Some of the lesions can produce bloody dark-red or brown secretions. Endometriosis of the uterus is the growth of cells from the endometrium (uterine lining) in the myometrium, or the muscular middle layer of the uterus. Pathological discharge tend to decrease after menstruation, also lightening in color. Read more …
• Endometrial Hyperplasia
Spotting, bloody and brown discharge before the start of a period or for a prolonged time after its end can indicate endometrial hyperplasia. Hyperplasia can have a variety of causes. Often, this pathology is the result of a hormonal imbalance, as well as potential carbohydrate, lipid, or other metabolic disorder. Genetics can play an important role, as well as the presence of uterine fibroids, genital or breast cancer, hypertension or other diseases, manifestation of harm sustained during gestation, some illnesses experienced during puberty and the accompanying menstrual and subsequent reproductive disorders. The development of hyperplasia in adulthood is often preceded by a gynecological illness, abortion, or surgery performed on the reproductive organs. Read more …
• Polyps
Brown discharge might be a sign of an endometrial, or uterine, polyp. The polyp might be caused by some abnormality of the uterine mucosa or the cervical canal when coupled with chronic inflammation. However, uterine polyps are most often caused by hormonal disorders. Read more …
• Hormonal contraceptives
Brown secretions may appear in the first months of using hormonal contraceptives. This is normal. However, if the discharge persists after three months, that means the contraceptive is unsuitable, and a new method of contraception is strongly advised. Read more …
Brown discharge during pregnancy
• Detachment of the ovum
Brown discharge during pregnancy – also spotting or bloody – can be the first sign of the detachment of the ovum or of the placenta several days or even a week prior. Often, this brown discharge is accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen or in the waist region, in a manner similar to light “contractions”.
• Ectopic pregnancy
Sometimes brown discharge with lymph can indicate an ectopic pregnancy. The woman can also simultaneously experience a decrease in blood pressure, occasional or constant pain in the lower abdomen, quickened pulse and dizziness.
Vaginal discharge preceding or following menstruation, brown or otherwise, can often attest to a reproductive disorder or illness. That is why it is important to keep an eye on one’s health. If you notice something out of the ordinary, for instance the appearance of brown discharge prior to or after menstruation or during pregnancy, it is advisable to schedule an appointment with your Ob/Gyn. Read more …
