Brown discharge should i be worried

For more information, be sure to read out guide on how contraception can impact your period. Perimenopause refers to the natural process of your body transitioning to menopause. The symptoms of perimenopause typically start a few months or even years before your periods stop, and can continue for around four years afterwards [1]. During this time, there may be changes within the consistency, colour and texture of your discharge as your menstrual cycle becomes more irregular, and eventually stops.

During pregnancy, there are multiple reasons for brown vaginal discharge — one of those being implantation bleeding. It happens when an embryo attaches itself into the side of the uterus, causing little blood vessels to burst. Although it may seem alarming, most of the time there is no reason to worry about bleeding or discharge during pregnancy.

However, if you are concerned about any of your symptoms, please do get in contact with your doctor for more information on brown spotting during early pregnancy. STI Discharge: If you are experiencing visible brown discharge before your period, along with other symptoms, it could potentially be an indicator of an STI such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea. If you experience a burning sensation when peeing, strong smelling or discoloured discharge or pain during sex, please visit your local sexual health clinic.

Please remember to discuss protection, as well as safe sex, with your partner. Brown discharge: in summary. While brown discharge can come at unexpected times and you may not understand why, try not to worry too much. If you are concerned your discharge may be linked to any of the conditions above, always get in contact with your doctor to discuss further.

Medical disclaimer. Continue learning. 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. Another potential cause: Your birth-control methods.

The same goes for other hormonal methods of birth control that contain progestin, along with a lower dose of estrogen like the Pill, patch, or vaginal ring —they might cause spotting or darker colored discharge.

That spotting or darker colored discharge comes from lower levels of estrogen in the body, which makes the uterine lining less stable—and when that happens, you're more likely to experience breakthrough bleeding that can be brown by the time you see it mixed with your discharge, says Berens.

When they occur together, this can point to specific medical issues. In this article…. What causes pinkish-brown discharge? Twelve causes What is normal discharge? Twelve causes of pinkish-brown discharge. Share on Pinterest Pinkish-brown discharge often occurs a few days before a period begins as the body is preparing for menstruation. Share on Pinterest Taking birth control can create a hormonal imbalance that may lead to breakthrough bleeding.

Share on Pinterest Symptoms of ovarian cysts include abnormal discharge, pain, and pressure in the lower abdomen. What is normal discharge? When to see a doctor. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. What causes brown discharge before a period? Medically reviewed by Holly Ernst, P.

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Other symptoms may include:. There are some other more serious causes of brown discharge. 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.