Brown Vaginal Discharge: Causes, Treatment, When To Worry
Brown vaginal discharge is often related to periods. However, it can also be due to numerous other factors, thanks to hormonal changes and other conditions that affect the ovaries and uterus. Blood is naturally red in colour, but if has taken a bit of time to leave your body, then it is oxidised and turns brown. The article explores the brown discharge meaning, what causes it, its treatment options and when you should seek medical advice.
Understanding Brown Discharge Meaning
Brown discharge meaning can vary considerably. It depends on numerous factors; for instance, brown discharge is the result of oxidised blood mixing with normal discharge. Sometimes, brown discharge also means spotting during ovulation. Hormonal birth control also plays a role in brown discharge. This takes place during perimenopause or in early pregnancy. If the discharge seems unusual or alarming, particularly if it is coupled with odour, fever, itching or pain, do consult with a healthcare professional.
The meaning of brownish discharge can often be linked to the shedding of the uterine lining. However, it can also be linked to other conditions and processes such as infections, hormonal imbalances, miscarriage, lochia and others.
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Common Causes of Brown Discharge
Brown discharge can be a result of an array of factors. Listed below are a few:
Menstruation: Very often, brownish discharge meaning is remaining menstrual blood leaving your body. At the beginning of menstruation, your period blood may look pink or brown, and after your period, you may experience brown discharge.
Ovulation: When an egg is released from your ovary, that process is called ovulation. Ovulation brings with it hormonal changes that could potentially cause your uterine lining to shed. This can cause brown discharge coupled with cramping.
Pregnancy: In early pregnancy brown discharge means implantation bleeding. This may take place when a fertilised egg attaches to the uterine lining. However, implantation bleeding can happen at the same time when you expect your period, and you might assume you got your period.
Infections: In certain cases, brown fluid discharge or spotting can be the result of infections like bacterial vaginosis. Often, this is a greyish discharge, but it looks brown eventually. It has a fishy odour and could be more prominent after intercourse or your period. If you notice the odour, you must consult a doctor at once.
STIs: If you experience unusual discharge, including brown discharge, it could be because of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are two common examples of STIs. This could be accompanied by foul odour, itching, swelling, pain and irritation.
Lochia: Women might experience brownish discharge meaning postpartum discharge and bleeding called lochia. This heavy discharge can be akin to heavy period blood and clots. Eventually, lochia could become lighter in colour and consistency.
Perimenopause: Once you enter perimenopause, brown creamy discharge can occur. This takes place because perimenopause is a transitional stage where your periods become irregular, and you may experience brown discharge or spotting.
What Does Brown Discharge Means in Different Contexts?
After Period: If you experience brown discharge at the end of the menstrual period, then it means it is old blood leaving your body. This meaning of brown discharge is not a reason to be concerned.
Between Periods: If you are spotting mid-cycle, then it could mean you are ovulating, and it could also suggest hormonal imbalances. Educating yourself about what does brown discharge mean between periods can help you figure out if you need a doctor’s appointment.
During Early Pregnancy: During pregnancy, brown blood discharge might suggest implantation bleeding. This happens when blood is mixed with normal discharge. If you have any doubts that the discharge is problematic, then do reach out to a healthcare provider.
When Brown Discharge Means It's Time to Worry
While brownish discharge meaning tends to be harmless in most cases, it can be a grave cause for concern if it comes with other symptoms. These symptoms are listed below:
- Foul fishy odour
- Itching or irritation
- Spotting
- Pain
- Fever
These particular symptoms can indicate an infection or even other health issues that require thorough evaluation and treatment.
How To Get Rid Of Brown Discharge
If brown fluid discharge is a nagging cause of concern, there are measures you can take to help you with it:
Good Hygiene: First and foremost, you need to maintain good hygiene at all times to prevent brown discharge. Experts suggest avoiding douching. Instead, you can use water to keep the area clean. Moreover, scented soaps, wipes and sprays are better avoided. You can also rely on pantyliners, which you can discard routinely, to efficiently deal with discharge. Be sure not to self-medicate under any condition. It is advisable to only take medication prescribed by the doctor.
Medications: If you have a vaginal infection, you doctor could prescribe you with antifungals and antibiotics. The choice of the medication given to you completely depends on the type of infection present. Just make sure you complete your course to best deal with brown discharge. Make sure you do not self-medicate under any circumstances. Instead, always consult a medical professional before taking any kind of medication.
Hormonal Therapy: If you are experiencing brown discharge because of hormonal imbalances, doctors may recommend hormonal therapy. This could help you reduce spotting and also regulate your menstrual cycle. Occasionally, a doctor may prescribe a birth control method with higher oestrogen to help deal with spotting. Be sure not to self-medicate, as that may lead to unwarranted complications.
Surgical intervention: At times, brown discharge means the looming of something serious. In such cases, your doctor could ask you to undergo surgery to remove polyps and problematic tissues. Just be sure not to take matters into your own hands, which means do not self-medicate. Consulting with a doctor for medication is a safer bet.
Understanding how to get rid of brown discharge depends greatly on first identifying its cause. These can often be clarified through a medical consultation. There are many ways in which you can protect yourself from brown discharge. If you found this article helpful, be sure to pass it on to anyone who might need it.
Disclaimer
Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Always is committed to ensuring that all of our products meet rigorous safety standards; Always pads prioritize safety, protection and comfort of its consumers.