Menu 
  • Vaginal Discharge
  • Pink Discharge
  • Clear Discharge
  • Green Discharge
  • Brown Discharge

Brown Stringy Discharge: Cause for Alarm?

Brown stringy discharge

Although alarming at first, brown stringy discharge is a common type of discharge that women of all ages experience. However, other symptoms that can accompany brown discharge may be a sign of a more serious problem.

Brown stringy discharge, although odd in sight and rare in occurrence, is actually quite common amongst women of all ages.

Although caused by many conditions, brown discharge is usually no cause for alarm. Brown discharge is old endometrial tissue that finds its way out a couple of days to weeks after menstruation or other occurrences. In some instances, it is a sign that a girl or teenager is about to begin menstruation.

Brown discharge is brown because it is essentially old blood. Blood lines the uterine walls. When a girl or woman experiences her menstrual cycle, the uterus begins to expel this lining. When it cannot expel everything, brown discharge results at a later time.

The vagina has several forms of discharge throughout each month. For instance, clear discharge is a sign for ovulation. Discharge is a normal process that allows the vagina to cleanse itself. Depending upon the time of the month, the color and thickness can change in discharge. However, there should not be a smell to the discharge. Discharge that has odor may be a sign of a problem.

Brown discharge may be a sign of pregnancy in its early stages. This can come in the form of “spotting” when the egg is attaching itself to the uterine wall. This can be easily ruled out by taking a pregnancy test within the range of time that the woman’s menstrual period is to begin.

Brown discharge may also signify the beginning of menopause. In the case of menopause, irregular menstrual cycles may occur and brown discharge may be the result of this. In some instances, women can experience something called atrophy where the blood vessels in the uterine lining burst. The blood released comes in the form of brown discharge.

In other instances, dysfunctional endometrial elimination can cause brown discharge as well. This simply means that the menstrual period happens at a later time than expected. However, this doesn’t present a serious issue.

However, at times, brown discharge can be a sign of a more serious problem. These problems can include: gonorrhea, cancer, chlamydia and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, amongst other conditions. However, the conditions previously listed often have other symptoms that go along with them. If a girl or woman has brown discharge alone, there is probably no reason for alarm.

Although usually not serious, but more of a matter of inconvenience, girls and women can take steps to avoid brown stringy discharge by eating a good diet, drinking the proper amount of water and engaging in regular exercise. Check for other signs that may accompany brown discharge as this is an indication of a more serious problem. As with any medical condition, it is always best to seek medical help from a doctor.