Some brown discharge. What discharge is considered a sign of pregnancy? Video: Causes of brown discharge after sex

Vaginal discharge is a physiological process that is considered normal if it is colorless and has no strong odor. In the event that brown discharge appears, there may be a threat to the woman's health. You should find out as soon as possible why brown discharge appeared: otherwise, there is a risk of missing the moment, and a latent disease will lead to unpleasant consequences.

The nature of dark secretions

In women who do not have health problems, the discharge is a transudate of the glands located on the wall of the vagina. Under normal conditions, mucus is colorless and odorless. If it turns white and acquires a sour smell, this may indicate a problem with the microflora of the vagina.

If the bacterial balance is disturbed and against the background of various diseases, the color of the transudate may change. By the color of the discharge, doctors can roughly guess the disease that caused such changes.

Brown discharge in women very often indicates the presence of a serious pathology. However, there are conditions under which the transudate will turn brown, but this will be considered normal. We are talking about the phases of the cycle and taking certain medications.

The appearance of dark brown discharge should alert if Together with them, the following signs are revealed:

  • Brown discharge appears between periods.
  • Dark transudate appears between menstruation, and at the same time the woman does not take medications containing hormonal components.
  • The appearance of brown whites is accompanied by the appearance of pain in the lower abdomen, lower back and sacrum.
  • Leucorrhea accompanied by burning in the vagina.
  • Sexual intercourse becomes painful.
  • Rashes appear on the vaginal mucosa.
  • Discharge appears during menopause.
  • Discharge appears after sex.

Usually brown color indicates the presence of blood cells in the transudate. If bloody impurities come out outside certain phases of the cycle, then the woman should immediately contact a specialist to determine the cause of the brown discharge.

Causes of brown transudate

Dark discharge can appear due to normal physiological processes and various pathological conditions. For this reason, doctors divide the factors that affect the appearance of a brown transudate into 2 groups: normal and pathological.

Normal Factors

Brown discharge often appears the day before the onset of menstruation. They always indicate that rejection of endometrial cells has begun in the uterus. This is the norm, but only if spotting leucorrhoea disappears within 2 days. If this does not happen, then you should consult a gynecologist.

Brown discharge can completely replace menstruation. This usually happens in the first month of pregnancy. In this case, the appearance of dark whites is explained by the implantation of the embryo into the endometrium of the uterus, which provokes harmless bleeding in the middle of the cycle.

Dark transudate can also be released after menstruation. The reason for this is the rapid clotting of blood. At the end of the cycle, the volume of bleeding decreases and they move more slowly. The blood in them has time to clot, which gives the secretions a specific shade.

Finally, dark leucorrhoea can provoke such a contraceptive as an intrauterine device. As a rule, after its removal, pathological signs disappear.

Pathological causes

When dark whites persist after menstruation for a long time, then they can be considered pathological. To establish their causes, you need to go to the gynecologist and undergo a full examination.

The brown hue of the discharge indicates the presence of impurities in coagulated blood. This may indicate both vaginal dysbacteriosis and more serious diseases and pathological conditions:

Brownish and sometimes almost black discharge in women can also be triggered by stress, lack of sleep, hormone deficiency, poor diet and bad habits.

By the way, a passion for strict diets can also cause smearing whites on a girl's underpants.

Establishing diagnosis

External signs and results of the anamnesis are not enough to make an accurate diagnosis. Before deciding on treatment, the doctor prescribes the following types of research to the patient:

If necessary, doctors of other specialties can be involved in the examination. In the future, they take part in the preparation of treatment tactics.

Medical tactics

All drugs for the treatment of brown discharge should be prescribed by a doctor. Self-medication is very dangerous. Moreover, the greatest danger is the uncontrolled use of hormonal drugs.

The treatment regimen is determined by the results of the studies.

When identifying bacterial vaginosis a woman may be prescribed Clindamycin and Metronidazole.

If a spotting whites provoked by urogenital candidiasis, then the patient receives Fluconazole or Clotrimazole.

With trichomoniasis, a woman is prescribed drugs such as Tieidazole, Nimorazole, Ornidazole.

Detection of neoplasms in the uterus complicates the treatment somewhat. For their treatment, hysteroscopy or surgical treatment can be used. With endometriosis, doctors today often resort to laparoscopy.

For the treatment of fibroids at the initial stages, hormonal contraceptives are prescribed: Janine, Dufaston, Regulon.

Erythromycin, Roxithromycin, Acyclovir, Panavir are often used to treat various infections.

Medical and surgical treatment is always supplemented with the intake of immunomodulators and vitamin complexes.

The use of alternative methods of treatment is allowed, but before that you need to obtain permission from the treating specialist.

When spotting whites appear ethnoscience recommends use the following tools:

  • Drink at least 100 ml of barberry juice daily.
  • Chew locust flowers throughout the day, but do not swallow them.
  • Eat fresh juniper berries at least 3 times a day.
  • Douche the vagina with a decoction of immortelle flowers.
  • Drink 3 cups of St. John's wort daily.

Many traditional healers recommend being treated with a decoction of the womb uterus. It's pretty effective remedy, but you can use it only if the doctor has not prescribed hormonal drugs for the woman. In addition, the hog uterus should be discarded if the patient has low blood clotting.

Preventive measures

Every woman can, if not prevent, then reduce the risk of brownish discharge from the genitals. To do this, follow the following recommendations:

You should not think that you can get rid of spotting with the help of pads and tampons. They indicate the presence of a pathological process in the body. You must immediately make an appointment with a specialist. Only a doctor can identify and cure the disease.

The color of leucorrhoea is one of the characteristic signs by which a woman's reproductive health is judged. A change in shade is not always a sign of pathology. Individual characteristics of the body affect the state of the hormonal background, the composition and coagulability of blood, the production of vaginal mucus. The appearance of brown discharge in women is often associated with the course of normal physiological processes, but may be the result of a serious illness. It is important to find out the cause and, if necessary, treat it in a timely manner.

Content:

Why do such discharges occur?

The brown color of the discharge always indicates the presence of clotted blood in them. The intensity of the color depends on its amount, as well as on the consistency of the mucus. Liquid leucorrhoea is usually light brown, almost pink. The discharge is thick, containing stagnant blood or clots, and is dark brown.

The causes of bleeding may be:

  • physiological processes associated with damage to blood vessels (these include menstruation, ovulation, the introduction of the embryo into the endometrium, postpartum self-cleaning of the uterus);
  • hormonal changes in the body, leading to menstrual irregularities;
  • damage to the epithelial membranes of the genital organs during abortions, gynecological procedures, sexual intercourse;
  • age-related changes in the structure of the vaginal mucosa;
  • damage to the surfaces of the cervix and vagina as a result of inflammatory processes;
  • processes in the uterus and ovaries, leading to improper development of their tissues and blood vessels;
  • genital trauma;
  • cystitis.

Normal discharge

Normal brown secretions are not abundant, do not have an unpleasant odor, they are uniform in composition. Such secretions appear when using hormonal contraceptives, with slight damage to the capillaries of the vagina during douching, examination by a gynecologist, sometimes after violent intercourse, as well as at the beginning and after the end of menstruation, during ovulation, implantation of a fertilized egg.

Brownish leucorrhoea can also appear after nervous stress, physical overwork.

Pathological discharge

They are abundant or smearing, depending on the type of pathology. They have an unpleasant odor, contain dark blood clots or particles of dead tissue, and may contain pus, lumps, foam. Often alternate with bright red bleeding.

A clear sign of pathology is the appearance of spotting on any day of the cycle, if they are accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, lower back, and other menstrual disorders occur, infertility is observed.

The pathology is indicated by the appearance of bloody whites during menopause (after the onset of menopause). sign serious illnesses there may be constant bleeding after sex.

Pathological are brown discharge, accompanied by itching and burning in the vagina, frequent urination, fever.

Diseases and pathologies in which bloody whites appear

Ectopic pregnancy. This is a dangerous condition in which the fetal egg is fixed outside the uterine cavity (most often in the fallopian tube, less often in the cervix). The cause may be inflammation of the appendages, the formation of adhesions and tumors in the uterine cavity. Damage to the tissues at the site of attachment of the embryo leads to the appearance of smearing dark brown leucorrhoea. They are also associated with rupture of the membrane of the fetal egg, its rejection, "tubal abortion." One of the most dangerous scenarios is the rupture of the fallopian tube at 6-8 weeks.

Erosion, dysplasia of the cervix. Diseases are associated with a change in the structure of the epithelium of the pharynx of the cervix, which extends into the vagina, ulceration of the surface and damage to small vessels.

Colpitis, cervicitis- inflammation of the vagina and cervix. There is a thinning and atrophy of the mucous membranes, the formation of bleeding cracks on them. Violation of the microflora leads to the fact that fungi (thrush) begin to develop, the penetration of pathogens of sexually transmitted infections into the urinary organs is facilitated. Brownish discharge has an unpleasant odor, an unusual consistency.

Endometritis. The inflammatory process in the uterus causes purulent brownish discharge to appear instead of the usual menstruation. There are pains in the lower abdomen, possibly an increase in body temperature. The chronic process becomes the cause of infertility.

Hyperplasia of the endometrium, endometriosis. Pathological growth of the endometrium leads to various menstrual disorders, the appearance of spotting dark brown leucorrhoea with clots after menstruation, as well as between them.

Polyps. Their formation is considered one of the manifestations of endometrial hyperplasia. Polyps are rounded outgrowths in the basal layer. Most often they are found in women of menopausal age.

Ovarian cysts. Manifestations depend on the type and origin of such neoplasms. Spotting brown discharge may appear before and after menstruation. This increases the duration and total volume of blood loss. There may be blood clots.

Tumors of the uterus. Manifestations depend on their location and size. Bloody discharge of a smearing nature appears when the tumors are large enough, which makes it difficult to diagnose such diseases early.

Brown discharge that appears at different periods of the cycle

The appearance of brown discharge in women can be both a norm and a pathology. If in any doubt, it is best to consult a doctor.

Before menstruation

If dark discharge occurs in a woman 1 day before menstruation, this is normal, it indicates the beginning of endometrial detachment. Their appearance a few days before the onset of menstrual bleeding may be associated with the use of hormonal contraceptives, as well as with the presence of diseases of the genital organs.

Video: Why bloody whites appear before and after menstruation

In the middle of a cycle

Light brown discharge normally appears in the middle of the cycle in connection with ovulation, when the follicle ruptures and a mature egg is released from it. They are scarce, do not cause discomfort, last no more than 2 days.

Instead of menstruation

The reason that spotting brown whites appear instead of normal menstruation may be:

  • the onset of pregnancy (including ectopic);
  • hormonal contraception;
  • the use of hormonal drugs, antidepressants and anticoagulants;
  • sudden weight loss, nervous or physical fatigue;
  • gynecological diseases;
  • the onset of puberty or menopause.

After menstruation

Spotting brown discharge can be observed after the end of menstrual bleeding, if she has reduced blood clotting, weakened uterine tone, and also if in the last days of menstruation the woman was too physically active. If such discharge appears within 1-2 days, it is not dangerous. If they last longer, are accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, the cause may be endometriosis, polycystic, uterine tumors.

When using oral contraceptives and IUDs

The reason for the appearance of spotting bloody whites is an artificial change in the hormonal background in order to suppress ovulation. The body adapts to the new state within about 3 months. If brown daub appears longer, then you need to choose another drug or method of contraception.

After intercourse

With insufficient mucus production in the cervix, microcracks can form on the walls of the vagina, which leads to the appearance of scanty brownish mucus. Dryness can be the result of a woman's weak arousal during sex. Most often, this condition occurs during menopause.

Video: Causes of brown discharge after sex

During pregnancy

After the onset of pregnancy, there should be no true menses, but scanty brownish-pink discharge may appear instead. This happens if a woman has a low level of progesterone, due to which the endometrium partially exfoliates.

"Monthly" after a delay can be both normal implantation bleeding and a sign of an early miscarriage, as well as a symptom of an ectopic pregnancy.

Teenagers

The instability of the hormonal background in the first years after the onset of puberty leads to the fact that menstruation comes randomly. Instead, scanty brown discharge may appear.

With menopause

A sharp decline in the production of female sex hormones leads to the gradual disappearance of menstruation. In this case, there are long delays, menstruation turns into irregular dark brown discharge. This is a natural process, but the same condition is characteristic of various serious diseases. In particular, similar symptoms are observed in the presence of malignant tumors. Moreover, the likelihood of their occurrence in women older than 50 years is increased. Therefore, after the onset of menopause, it is especially important to undergo an examination if suspicious signs appear.

What to do if brown discharge appears

Since the reasons for their appearance can be quite serious, do not hesitate to visit a doctor. It is impossible to make a correct diagnosis on your own. However, getting rid of a neglected disease is much more difficult. If the cause of the pathology is not established in time and treatment is not started, infertility, severe complications and dangerous conditions are possible.

If there are signs of an obvious pathology, or even if there are simply doubts about the origin of the brownish discharge, it is necessary to go to the doctor. Pap smear, blood and urine tests will help detect inflammatory and infectious diseases. Ultrasound will show the presence of neoplasms. If necessary, blood tests for hormones will be ordered. You may need to consult a urologist and an endocrinologist.


If there is a brown discharge in women, then as soon as possible you need to contact a gynecologist. There are many diseases that are characterized by the appearance of brown discharge in women.

The first thing to do is to figure out why a woman's brown discharge began at one time or another. After that, it will be possible to decide on effective therapeutic measures.

Causes

Every woman knows that vaginal discharge is normal. However, brown discharge in women indicates that there is an ichorus or bloody inclusions in the whites, which means that there is a dysfunction in the reproductive system.

Below are all the possible reasons for this phenomenon, for clarity, you can see the photo of each manifestation, characteristic of each of the reasons.

Diseases

First of all, it is worth paying attention to several diseases, which are characterized by the appearance of an atypical secret from the vagina:

  • endometritis. The disease is characterized by the appearance of a strong focus of inflammation on the uterine mucosa. You can observe the appearance of brown discharge with an unpleasant odor shortly before or after menstruation. In some cases, brown mucus appears in the middle of the cycle. If the patient has a disease with chronic endometritis, and she plans to become pregnant, then you should initially get rid of the disease, since there is a risk of miscarriage, regardless of the gestational age;
  • endometriosis. If endometriosis is localized on the cervix or body of the uterus, then one of the symptoms is dark brown discharge. At its core, the development of the disease on the cervix is ​​the formation of nodular, cystic seals, which over time grow and take the form of stripes. You can notice an atypical secret. In some cases, their color becomes light brown;
  • endometrial hyperplasia. If an atypical pathological secret with brown bloody inclusions of a smearing nature went after menstruation or began shortly before menstruation and continued after it, then most likely the cause is endometrial hyperplasia. Any gynecological disease, abortion or surgical intervention in the reproductive system, as well as a predisposition to this disease, can provoke a disease;
  • polyps. Due to hormonal disorders, it is likely that a polyp forms in the uterine mucosa. Additionally, an inflammatory process can provoke such a phenomenon;
  • detachment of the fetal egg. If a woman encountered brown secretions during pregnancy, while their nature is smearing or there are blood inclusions in the transparent mucus, then most likely the reason for this is detachment of the fetal egg. At the same time, the woman has a severe stomach ache in its lower part. Pain can also radiate to the lower back. The nature of the pain is cramping;
  • ectopic pregnancy. If the appearance of transparent mucus is observed, in which blood inclusions are clearly visible, then this is probably a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. At the same time, the patient's blood pressure decreases. Sometimes the stomach hurts, the pulse quickens and dizziness is present;
  • any disease characterized by the appearance of an inflammatory process. Such diseases include thrush, bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, gonorrhea and others. Any and diseases are characterized by the appearance of brown discharge with a smell, there may also be itching and brown discharge and other manifestations. The discharge varies in color, from dark brown to yellow-brown or very light with a slight brown tint.

If a woman has started taking contraceptives, which include hormonal substances, then the first 3 months from the start of the intake, the appearance of brown discharge in odorless women may be observed.

Brown discharge is an occasion to pay attention to the health of the reproductive system and understand the nature of the phenomenon. It is important to do this as soon as possible, because in most cases brown discharge is a symptom of a dangerous disease. It is not recommended to postpone a visit to the gynecologist in such a situation.

In most cases, a dark-colored vaginal secretion is considered completely normal and should not cause undue excitement.

Ladies should pay attention to what period of the cycle happens daub. Depending on the menstrual phase, one or another reason for the occurrence of spotting can be established.

Thus, it turns out how serious what is happening and whether the woman needs medical help.

Critical days

If brown discharge appears immediately after menstruation, this indicates the final stage of the removal of coagulated blood clots from the uterus. In a healthy woman, such a daub lasts no more than 1-3 days.

The maximum duration of all cyclic discharges should not exceed 7-10 days.

Their color varies from light brown to black. This situation is considered absolutely normal for most of the fair sex.

Ovulation

Sometimes a dark brown secret appears at the time of the release of the egg. In a healthy woman, its excretion lasts about a day. Dark brown rejection during this period may indicate the fertilization of the egg. A similar daub in the middle of the cycle, lasting more than two days, is considered a reason to see a doctor.

The use of hormonal contraceptives affects the nature and duration of vaginal discharge. Noticeable changes occur in the first 2-3 months of taking the tablets. It is this period that may be accompanied by abundant brown discharge after menstruation.

However, in the future, the nature of the menstrual secret should return to its normal state. If after four months the situation has not stabilized, it is obvious that the body rejects this drug. A woman should see a doctor who will prescribe another method of contraception for her.

The presence of such a vaginal secret may indicate the occurrence of a number of gynecological diseases. Depending on the type of disease, clots have characteristic shades and appear in different phases of the menstrual cycle. Women may experience the following unpleasant symptoms:

  • burning;
  • pain in the lower abdomen;
  • heat;
  • repulsive odor.

In addition, you need to pay attention to the following manifestations of the body:

  • bloody or beige clots after intimacy;
  • brown discharge began a few days after the end of menstruation;
  • a significant increase in the duration of menstrual bleeding;
  • daub appeared a year after menopause.

All these signs are a signal warning of the development of serious diseases that should not be left to chance. Otherwise, the problems may worsen and negatively affect the quality of life of the patient.

endometriosis

This is an ailment characterized by pathological proliferation of uterine tissues. Among the symptoms are prolonged heavy bleeding, pain in the lower abdomen and prolonged brown daubing after critical days. This disease requires mandatory medical attention. Lack of treatment leads to serious complications up to the development of oncology.

endometritis

This is an inflammatory process on the mucous membrane of the uterus, caused by a large number of opportunistic and pathogenic microorganisms. Most often, endometritis develops after abortions and due to injuries of the birth canal. The acute phase of the disease is accompanied by the following symptoms:

  • heat;
  • prolonged brown vaginal discharge before and after menstruation;
  • unpleasant odor of the secret;
  • aching pain in the lower abdomen.

In chronic endometritis, the temperature does not rise, which often makes it difficult to identify the disease. Women go to the doctor late when serious complications occur. One of them is prolonged bleeding, which additionally causes the development of iron deficiency anemia. Lack of timely therapy leads to irreversible reproductive dysfunction.

uterine fibroids

This is a benign neoplasm that rarely requires surgical treatment. Surgical intervention is indicated only with a significant size of the tumor or if it has a pedicle. Large fibroids quite often provoke the occurrence of small bleeding between periods.

If such discharges are of a breakthrough nature, they will be red. In other cases, the secret becomes dark brown. Constant blood loss can lead to a decrease in hemoglobin levels.

Patients diagnosed with fibroids should be constantly monitored by a gynecologist and take iron supplements.

The presence of multiple tumors on the surface of the ovaries also causes the appearance of dark discharge 2-3 days after the end of menstruation. In the secret, there may be pinpoint inclusions of clotted blood clots. With the development of cystic formations, the duration of critical days often increases. Pathology requires a mandatory examination by a female doctor.

polyps

One of the reasons for the appearance of brown daub is the presence of benign neoplasms in the uterus. They arise as a result of chronic inflammatory processes, accompanied by hormonal disruptions.

This kind of growth often does not manifest itself as clearly expressed symptoms. Sometimes the presence of polyps causes pain and bleeding before and after menstruation.

An effective diagnosis of polyposis is an ultrasound examination.

Various sexually transmitted infections affect the composition and nature of vaginal discharge. Ureaplasma, mycoplasma, chlamydia often provoke the appearance of dark postmenstrual bleeding, which have a repulsive smell of rotten fish.

Infected women experience itching and burning in the genitals while using the toilet. You should not start sexually transmitted diseases, because in the future they can provoke inflammatory processes in the female genital organs and lead to infertility.

Hypothyroidism

Pathology occurs when there is insufficient secretion of thyroid hormones. Its development is common among women aged 25-55 years.

One of the many clinical manifestations of hypothyroidism are menstrual irregularities and frequent uterine bleeding after menopause.

In women of reproductive age, brown discharge is noted for 7-8 days after the end of menstruation. For the treatment of hypothyroidism, you should contact an endocrinologist.

anovulation

The absence of ovulation is a pathological condition in which the maturation and release of the egg from the follicle is not possible.

With anovulation, scanty periods or their absence are observed. 7-8 days after the expected menstruation, dark blood clots are released.

This pathology requires long-term complex treatment, otherwise a woman will not be able to conceive a child.

This complication is one of the many reasons that provoke the appearance of brown vaginal discharge. This situation is deadly and requires urgent surgical intervention. Lack of medical attention leads to inevitable internal bleeding. With this pathology, the vaginal secret has the appearance of smearing dark clots.

The presence of such postmenstrual secretion may indicate the development of certain inflammatory processes in the female organs.

Cervical erosion

This disease often occurs without clinical manifestations. It is possible to identify the presence of changes in the uterine epithelium during a routine physical examination by a gynecologist.

If a woman neglects visits to the doctor, this can lead to significant erosion. Affected tissues become the basis for the development of infectious diseases and the appearance of neoplasms.

A neglected ailment is accompanied by light brown postmenstrual discharge.

Salpingitis

This is an acute inflammatory process in the fallopian tubes. The main symptoms of the disease are weakness, fever, severe pain in the groin area.

Depending on the type of infection that provoked salpingitis, there are discharges of various shades: yellowish, greenish, whitish, light brown.

Secretion in this pathology is always abundant, regardless of the type of pathogen.

Vulvovaginitis

The disease develops in the presence of various infections, most often fungal. The occurrence of the disease may be associated with the intake of antibacterial and hormonal drugs, which caused a decrease in the body's defenses.

In addition, the development of the disease is provoked by tight underwear, an excess or lack of hygiene procedures. Vulvovaginitis is accompanied by copious light brown discharge with a repulsive odor.

Secretion is especially enhanced during critical days and during sexual intercourse.

A woman who has brown discharge after menstruation should take a closer look at her health. Perhaps this kind of secretion is caused by natural processes. It would be useful to visit the doctor's office and consult about your condition.

Timely diagnosis significantly reduces the risk of unwanted complications. If a woman, in addition to brown discharge, is also concerned about other unpleasant symptoms, a visit to the doctor should not be postponed for a long time.

In this case, the presence of a pathological process is not excluded, which must be treated with antibacterial drugs and other restorative medicines.

Conclusion

The female body is often subjected to various hormonal fluctuations, which can cause an atypical course of critical days. There are quite a few reasons for the occurrence of brown postmenstrual discharge.

If residual bleeding does not cause discomfort, a woman need not worry about the presence of a hidden disease. When brown discharge is accompanied by unpleasant symptoms, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Timely medical care will help preserve the threatened reproductive function of a woman.

During the day, in healthy women, about 1 teaspoon of mucous fluid is normally released from the genital tract. Fresh secretions are transparent, however, during the day, being on linen, they can acquire a yellowish tint and a slight sour smell.

Characteristics of the norm

When brown discharge is smeared for up to three days, there is no reason for concern. In many women, daubing begins shortly before menstruation, gradually acquiring the features of natural bleeding characteristic of the regulations.

Pathology should not be suspected with the following secretion characteristics:

  • homogeneous consistency (small clots);
  • reddish or brown tint;
  • small volume (enough daily);
  • no itching and burning;
  • no unpleasant odor;
  • occurs a few days before menstruation;
  • not every cycle.

The main factor in the appearance of brown discharge with blood instead of menstruation is hormonal imbalance. The woman herself can provoke it. Certain conditions can affect the functioning of the reproductive system.

A small amount of blood in the secretions on the most early dates may be the norm when a fertilized egg is implanted into the uterine cavity. This phenomenon is called implantation bleeding. It occurs due to a violation of the integrity of the endometrium during the attachment of the blastocyst. One of the options for such natural bleeding may be light brown discharge in a small amount about 8-9 days after the intended conception (or after ovulation - for ease of calculation).

Brownish spotting on panty liners or underwear is not long lasting. Usually there is no trace of them in a day or two. There is nothing alarming in such a phenomenon.

Moreover, so early sign pregnancy is not manifested in every woman. You should know that the appearance of dark brown discharge with clots before the delay can hardly be considered a sign of implantation. Quicker we are talking about hormonal failure, in which menstruation began prematurely. During the first 2-3 months of pregnancy, moderate or scanty yellow-brown discharge may be due to global hormonal changes.

Raging in the body future mother progesterone usually gives vaginal secretions a yellowish tint, brown "notes" in it may appear due to high or low levels of progesterone, due to the vulnerability of the genital tract due to friability under the action of hormones. Normally, such discharges appear without pain, they do not contain inclusions and impurities, streaks of blood, and do not disturb the woman. Usually they stop after the body of the expectant mother fully adapts to the new situation and circumstances.

On the later dates(a week or two before the expected date of birth), a woman may pay attention to the appearance of brown discharge with streaks. Usually they are accompanied by the secretion of mucus in small quantities or a rather impressive mucous clot. In this case, we are talking about the discharge of the mucous plug, which during the gestation period closed the cervical canal and prevented the penetration of everything foreign and dangerous into the uterine cavity where the baby grew up.

Small brown discharge after sex or a doctor's examination is also a variant of the norm. Their reason lies in the extreme vulnerability of the genital tract of a pregnant woman. Under the influence of progesterone, they become loose, vulnerable to even minor mechanical stress.

Such discharges usually do not last long - no more than a day, they are not accompanied by any unpleasant sensations and additional symptoms. There are no clots in them, they do not increase, their number changes downward. These are the three main reasons why brown discharge can be considered normal. All other situations, alas, are exclusively pathological.

The appearance of mucous fluid from the vagina is a common physiological feature of the genital organs. The color of mucus is different: from light, almost transparent to slightly yellowish, milky. The shade and consistency of secretions for each organism is individual, but a deviation from the standard sample indicates the presence of a disease in the body. What should be a healthy fluid discharged from the vagina?

The allowable amount of mucus per day is 50 mg. At the same time, the woman does not experience discomfort, pain, itching. Allotments must be:

  • transparent or dull white;
  • have no smell;
  • do not cause irritation;
  • not be accompanied by itching, burning, pain.

At the time of ovulation (two weeks after the menstrual cycle), an increase in the volume of mucous secretions is acceptable. The predominance of humidity in this period is an acceptable phenomenon.

When taking tests for microflora, you need to pay attention to the number of leukocytes. Up to 5 leukocytes per field of view is considered a normal result of a survey vaginal smear. Bacteriological culture should be dominated by lactobacilli.

Vaginal discharge, which is a symptom of diseases, is called leucorrhoea in medicine. Violation of the expiration is one of the main reasons why women visit a gynecologist. A change in the color of mucus is dangerous to health if the following signs are present:

  • discharge continues for a long time, on any day, regardless of menstruation;
  • elevated temperature;
  • burning, pain in the vagina;
  • tingling in the lumbar region;
  • pulling pain in the lower abdomen;
  • problems with urination;
  • the presence of an unpleasant odor;
  • pus;
  • outflows are large clots.

Brown vaginal discharge occurs for many reasons. They are associated with infectious problems, the possible presence of malignant tumors and a number of other disorders. According to the available clinical signs, the color of the mucus and laboratory tests, this or that pathology is determined.

The most common pathological causes

One of the frequent complaints with which patients turn to a gynecologist is the occurrence of bloody or brownish discharge.

Most often, they lead to such processes as:

  • injuries of the internal membranes of the genital organs received in the process of intimacy;
  • improper gynecological manipulations;
  • the use of mechanical contraceptives, unsuitable "aggressive" spermicides;
  • violation of the hormonal status;
  • frequent stressful situations;
  • venereal infections;
  • cervical erosion;
  • ovarian cysts;
  • endometriosis;
  • glandular hyperplasia;
  • cancer of the uterus, ovaries.

Since bloody dark and light brown mucus from the vagina can be a symptom of dangerous precancerous and oncological diseases, with its constant release, it is important to consult a doctor in order to examine, determine the cause and prescribe the necessary treatment.

Influence of drugs

Why are black periods coming? Not only hormone therapy or birth control pills provoke abnormal secretion at the very beginning of the cycle. Spotting instead of menstruation can be the result of taking the following medications:

  1. Antibiotics. themselves medications do not directly affect the female hormonal background. But the failure occurs due to the impact on the vagina. After prolonged use of antibiotics, the beneficial microflora suffers, which can affect the functioning of the uterus, as well as the ovaries. Hence the slight brown secretion of a smearing character with a delay in menstruation. The main reason is the delayed maturation of the egg.
  2. Antiulcer drugs. In most situations, they affect the stability of monthly bleeding. Often they provoke a change in the duration of the cycle, as well as a delay against the background of brownish marks on the daily.
  3. Hemostatic agents. Doctors prescribe these drugs for heavy monthly bleeding. But violation of the dose or non-compliance with the instructions often causes pseudo-monthly, and sometimes the complete absence of menstruation.
  4. Antidepressants. Drugs reduce the intensity of menstruation. With a significant duration of the course of treatment, a situation arises when there is brown discharge for three days, but there is no menstruation. Against the background of antidepressants, a delay of up to three to four days is allowed.

Modern contraceptives contain hormones. Therefore, the female body needs some time to get used to the new conditions. Dark brown discharge instead of menstruation when taking OK, may be characterized by an adaptation period that lasts several months. If the blood continues to be released for more than three months, you need to visit your gynecologist.

To cause a secret of strange duration with blood clots and a delay can:

  • lack of a dose of the hormone;
  • violation of instructions;
  • skipping pills;
  • overdose;
  • drug intolerance;
  • the presence of bad habits or diseases.

Most often, hormonal cycle disruptions are observed in women after Escapel, Postinor or Agest. These are popular emergency contraceptives. The girl begins to suspect pregnancy, but conception did not occur. The cycle should be restored, but for this it is necessary to exclude the repeated intake of such pills for several months.

The intrauterine device also requires the body to get used to. But sometimes it causes abnormal secretion due to:

  • incorrect installation;
  • exfoliation of the agent;
  • bringing infection.

Therefore, protection of this type from pregnancy requires medical supervision. It is highly undesirable to buy drugs on your own.

Hormones control monthly menstrual bleeding. Progesterone in the second half of the cycle gradually decreases, the concentration of estrogens rises and menstruation begins. Do not think that menstrual discharge during pregnancy is a variant of the norm. As a rule, this happens in the first months after conception due to a lack of progesterone.

Of course, there are rare situations in which menstrual bleeding during pregnancy can be conditionally considered normal. This happens if a woman has developed two eggs in the current cycle instead of one, and ovulation occurred twice with a difference of several days. In this case, the first egg was not fertilized, it died and descended into the uterus, and the second was fertilized and went to the uterus for implantation.

Bloody discharge will come on the day of the expected menstruation, but such periods will differ significantly. First of all, there will be few allocations. After a few days, scanty and incomprehensible periods will stop and will not be repeated within the next 9 months. People used to say about such a phenomenon that “the fruit is washed”, but in practice this is not common.

With hormonal deficiency or an imbalance of hormones in the body, the discharge resembles slight pale brown marks on linen or a thin sanitary napkin. They may increase slightly or disappear completely, after which they appear again.

After childbirth

During intense sexual contact, microdamages of the mucous membranes of the vagina may occur, accompanied by the release of drops of blood, which, upon contact with air, acquire a frightening dark brown color. In doing so, you need:

  • Follow the rules of personal hygiene, choose suitable intimate gels, do not use soap and douche to avoid infection of damaged mucous membranes.
  • Use a lubricant purchased at a pharmacy or a specialized store, be careful in the process of intimacy.

Normally, brown discharge after sex is usually not abundant and lasts no more than two days. Their formation for a long time indicates serious injuries of the genital tract or the development of an infectious pathology.

In the intermenstrual period - shortly before the start of the regulation or a few days after menstruation - women should not have any discharge of brown or other pronounced color.

Any vaginal discharge that has an unnatural color, smell and texture, that is, it is not transparent, foul-smelling and smear-viscous, should be taken as a signal of problems in the woman's reproductive system.

True, bloody brown discharge after menstruation in some cases speaks of physiological processes in the body. Consider what these processes are and when such discharge should be considered pathological.

If brown vaginal discharge appeared 1-2 days before the onset of menstruation or 2-3 more days after they ended, we can say that this is normal. The process of endometrial detachment (in fact, menstruation) can proceed according to this pattern and be considered normal if the discharge is odorless, does not irritate the vulva, and is not accompanied by itching.

If brown marks appear much earlier than menstruation, an infectious disease of the genital tract, endometriosis and other pathologies can be suspected.

A violation of the norm is also considered discharge after menstruation of a blood-red or brown color, if they have an unpleasant odor - this sure sign inflammatory process in the female reproductive system. If they continue to go after 10 days or longer, the risk of developing an ectopic pregnancy or the threat of spontaneous abortion is likely.

Light

Light brown discharge can be attributed to the normal variant if they do not have pathological signs (smell, lumpiness, flakes, foam and other impurities) and go no more than 3 days after menstruation. If there are symptoms indicating a deviation from the norm, the light brown color of the discharge may be due to a purulent-inflammatory process or a bacterial infection.

Dark

In most cases, dark brown discharge is physiologically understandable after menstruation and should not be cause for concern unless it has the symptoms mentioned earlier.

If they are released in the ovulatory phase (usually the 7th day of the cycle), after the end of menstruation and are too abundant, this may indicate progesterone deficiency, polycystic ovaries and other pathological abnormalities.

When determining the reasons why brown discharge occurs after the end of menstruation, special attention should be paid to the time of their appearance. It is useful to remember that appearing 1-2 days before the start and lasting 2-3 days after the end of the monthly discharge can be attributed to normal.

Brown discharge that appears a week after the end of menstruation can be considered normal only in one case - if pregnancy has occurred.

Then the "ointments" will be short-term (no more than 2 days), not plentiful, odorless.

Around this time, the fertilized egg implants in the wall of the uterus, and in some women this is accompanied by a little bleeding or spotting brown discharge.

  • vitamin K deficiency, thrombocytopenia, other factors that reduce blood clotting;
  • various diseases internal organs including thyroid, heart, kidneys;
  • ovarian dysfunction and polyps, fibroids, uterine adenomyosis, endometritis and other diseases of the female genital area;
  • hormonal instability during periods of "hormonal storms" - puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, premenopausal;
  • Iron-deficiency anemia- this pathology is characterized by meager menstruation, more like brown discharge out of time, that is, coming a few days after the expected onset of menstruation and remaining for more than 5 days.

Provoke prolonged bleeding or brown discharge after the end of menstruation is capable of installing an intrauterine device. This factor is a contraindication for the further stay of the IUD in the body of the uterus, the spiral will have to be removed.

To find out why brown or spotting goes on for a long time after menstruation, you will have to visit a gynecologist and be examined.

The presence of mucus in vaginal secretions is quite normal, as they are initially mucus.

  • mucus in the female reproductive system acts as a lubricant, protecting the vulnerable vaginal mucosa from damage - capillary ruptures, microscopic cracks, and others.
  • it also serves as a cleansing agent that constantly removes dead cells of the vaginal epithelium, small foreign bodies and particles from the genital tract.
  • finally, she is assigned the role of a protective barrier against pathogenic flora that can infect the genital tract.

Of course, with a massive attack of bacteria or fungi, infection is inevitable, but in the absence of mucus, the risk of infection increases hundreds of times. That is why throughout life - from birth to old age - the reproductive organs of a woman secrete saving mucus.

The presence in the mucous secretions of brown blotches or complete staining in brown, indicating the presence of dead red blood cells, after menstruation is quite normal.

The discharge of brownish mucus after sexual intercourse is also physiologically understandable - blood from broken capillaries of the vagina enters the discharge, this happens. It is bad if the mucus has a pronounced unpleasant odor - then this is a signal of an inflammatory process.

As we have already found out, brown spotting after menstruation, which does not have pathological signs, is not dangerous. If on the 7-10th day after the end of menstruation (14-20th day of the cycle) brownish discharge of a smearing consistency appears, pregnancy and implantation of the fetal egg (with a short menstrual cycle) can be assumed.

Brown discharge 3 days after menstruation and later may be a symptom of hormonal disorders.

If brown discharge after menstruation is odorless and not accompanied by abdominal pain or itching, they can be attributed to the norm, but the appearance of a smell in them should be treated with caution. In general, an acidic environment is considered normal for the vagina, which is provided by beneficial lactobacilli. It is lactobacilli that provide a protective barrier to the urogenital tract of a woman.

At normal pH levels, vaginal discharge has no odor or a very subtle odor. Brown discharge after menstruation, which has a pronounced sour smell, indicates a violation of the acid balance and the predominance of opportunistic or pathogenic flora in the vaginal environment.

Brown discharge with an unpleasant odor after menstruation may indicate a lack of hygiene procedures or their incorrectness (the use of hygiene products that have a detrimental effect on the microflora, “drying” the mucous membrane).

By appearance and smell alone, it is impossible to establish what such discharge means, therefore, an examination by a gynecologist and a smear for microflora analysis are needed.

Modern gynecologists often prescribe to their patients a drug from the pharmacogroup of progestogens - Duphaston. It is used to treat progesterone deficiency and related:

  • endometriosis;
  • dysfunctional uterine bleeding;
  • secondary amenorrhea;
  • infertility caused by luteal insufficiency and other pathological conditions.

According to the instructions for use of the drug, in rare cases, while taking Duphaston, such side effects, like breakthrough uterine bleeding, and sometimes brown discharge after or instead of menstruation. The second, judging by the reviews of women, almost always happens after taking Duphaston, and after it is canceled, the brown discharge, similar to menstruation, goes away.

Short-term discharge of brown mucus after menstruation for a few more days is usually not pathological, but is a residual phenomenon after menstruation.

If brown discharge does not stop after a week or 2 weeks after the end of menstruation, this is a dangerous signal.

It can mean the development of serious diseases of the female reproductive system, including an ectopic pregnancy or a tumor, so you need to check without delay.

If brown or bloody discharge appears on the 10th day after menstruation, pregnancy can be suspected. Approximately at this time, implantation of the ovum into the endometrium occurs, which is manifested by "daub" in many women.

Brown discharge on the 5th day after menstruation with blood impurities can be considered a residual manifestation of menstruation and do not worry if they are painless, odorless and do not irritate the labia.

In addition to brown discharge immediately after menstruation, the color of the vaginal secretion periodically changes in a woman, depending on the state of her immunity, vaginal microflora and the presence of chronic diseases.

The colors and shades of mucus can vary from clear whitish to pink with blood streaks, and from cream to yellowish green.

Normally, the discharge should not have a pronounced color, so a change in the color and smell of the discharge should be a reason to visit a gynecologist.

Conclusion

  1. The brown color of the vaginal mucus is due to the presence of red blood cells in it and can be both physiologically justified and a pathological factor.
  2. Allocations that occur 1-2 days before menstruation or persist for 2-3 days after its completion, not accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, itching in the genitals and an unpleasant odor, are normal.
  3. Discharge is considered pathological, which does not meet the signs of the norm, that is, it appears in the intermenstrual period, is accompanied by pain, an unpleasant odor, irritation of the genital tract and does not stop for a long time.

Secretion as a sign of the appearance of neoplasms in the genitals

The abyss of monthly menstruation can be due to:

  • smoking;
  • drinking alcohol;
  • drug addiction;
  • prolonged intoxication;
  • work in hazardous production;
  • great physical exertion.

At first, a slight delay may appear, but with a decline in strength and immunity, spotting during the period of the alleged menstruation is not excluded. It is possible to solve the problem only with the complete rejection of bad habits, a change of work and the beginning of a proper lifestyle.

A banal move can provoke abnormal bloody secretion. Most often, women suffer from this after a long flight to another climatic zone. It is necessary to go to the hospital if pseudomenstruation lasts more than a week, and against their background the general state of health worsens.

Poor nutrition

Such a load on the body in the form of a lack of essential trace elements in most cases provokes a delay of several days. With a sharp decrease or increase in weight, menstruation sometimes disappears completely. Failure for 2-3 days with a brownish scanty secret indicates that there is not enough iron in the body. Its deficiency causes dark color blood.

Great physical exertion, nervous shocks provoke problems in the work of the central nervous system, which is responsible for the course of the entire monthly cycle. The problem manifests itself individually. Some women suffer from profuse brown discharge instead of scheduled periods, while others have no menstrual bleeding at all.

Against the background of physiological factors, the appearance of brown discharge instead of menstruation for a week is allowed only if there is no pain and discomfort. It is extremely important to consult a doctor in the absence of menstruation and in the second month.

Oncology

At the very beginning of the development of cancerous tumors in the reproductive system, there are practically no pronounced symptoms. Therefore, the disease is difficult to diagnose solely on the patient's well-being. The delay in menstruation is a consequence of hormonal disorders. Because of this, the doctor will first of all suspect cancer cells in the organs of the reproductive system.

Abundant secretions of a dark color should alert. They can be very thick, but against the background of the development of pathology, they become watery, sometimes contain pus. In the later stages of development, the stomach begins to hurt badly, pull the lower back, intestines, and thigh. This means that the woman needs urgent help. The earlier the disease is detected, the higher the chance for a full recovery.

ovarian cyst

When, instead of menstruation, brown discharge and a sharp pain in the stomach, one can assume the formation of a tumor with fluid in the ovaries. Menstruation may be weak or heavy. A common symptom for an ovarian cyst is a delay of 5 days to a month. Pseudo-monthly can anoint for several days, often accompanied by aching pain in the lower abdomen. Read about the nature of the discharge with an ovarian cyst in one of our articles at the link.

Having studied the material presented in the article, it should be concluded that regular visits to the gynecologist are necessary. What exactly caused the appearance of this phenomenon, only a doctor can determine. The specialist, after a thorough examination and diagnosis, will take therapeutic measures regarding the abnormal vaginal secretion.

infectious causes

Light brown discharge often acts as one of the signs of sexually transmitted diseases. With viral and bacterial inflammatory processes in the genitals, the discharge flowing down on linen or pads can be of any color. However, in the presence of blotches of blood that has been in contact with air for a long time, they acquire a light brown tint.

They meet at:

  • Acute thrush, during which intense itching leads to self-harm during scratching. From the resulting microtraumas and cracks on the inflamed mucosa, drops of blood are released, which, mixing with the cheesy discharge characteristic of candidiasis, give it a pink or brownish tint.
  • Trichomoniasis - infectious disease, sexually transmitted, leading to dryness, burning and discomfort in the intimate area, the appearance of profuse foaming yellow, brown-orange or bloody discharge. In addition, the pathology is accompanied by dull pains in the lower abdomen, discomfort during urination, an unpleasant, rotten smell from the genitals.
  • Gonorrhea, manifested by pain, itching, impaired urination, white-yellow discharge, which, with a long course of the disease, acquire a brownish tint.

In the presence of brown discharge with an unpleasant odor and itching of the skin, the gynecologist must take a swab from the woman for the flora, and also prescribe serological and PCR tests. They help to identify infectious pathologies even on early stages and prescribe appropriate therapy (antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic drugs).

Age changes

At puberty, the monthly cycle is just beginning to stabilize, so ovulation does not occur constantly. Because of this, there are no periods, and instead of them, the girl notices slight dark discharge. For the same reason, light brown discharge can also be observed. This situation is the norm only in the first 12 months after menarche.

Climax

Around the age of 40, women gradually lose their ability to bear children. The functions of the ovaries fade away, provoking a smearing secretion, which has nothing to do with menstruation. Premenopause does not have a strict time frame, so its occurrence is possible even earlier - at 35 years old.

Allocations as a sign of pathology

Sometimes the delay occurs due to serious hormonal disruptions and the development of gynecological diseases. It is worth highlighting the following reasons for spotting brown discharge instead of regular menstruation:

  • inflammation of the pelvic organs;
  • getting an infection;
  • neoplasms (benign and not);
  • ectopic pregnancy;
  • spontaneous abortion;
  • other negative processes.

Symptoms that indicate pathology:

  • pain in the lower abdomen;
  • increased body temperature;
  • redness of the external genitalia;
  • discomfort during intercourse;
  • long delay (from 10 days);
  • lack of menstruation for two months or more.

ovarian cyst

In conditions of constant stress, poor ecology, eating disorders, bad habits, as well as in cases of aggravated heredity, women may experience disruptions in the hormonal background, which, if not corrected, lead to dangerous pathologies.

The following diseases are most often diagnosed in patients of reproductive age:

  • Endometritis is a chronic inflammation of the inner lining of the uterus. The prerequisites for the disease are intrauterine interventions, abortions, miscarriages. This disease manifests itself as aching, pulling pains in the lower abdomen and back, brown discharge before and after menstruation, and a violation of the cycle.
  • Endometriosis is a pathological condition characterized by the growth of endometrial nodules outside the uterine cavity, in the myometrium, cervical canal, on the ovaries, peritoneum, bladder. The main clinical manifestations of pathology include pain during menstruation in the abdomen, lower back, sacrum.
  • Hyperplasia - excessive growth and thickening of the inner lining of the uterus, which is benign and manifested by the appearance of a brown spotting discharge, intermenstrual bleeding and heavy, prolonged menstruation.

In the early stages, these pathologies may not manifest themselves, but over time they lead to anemia, exhaustion of a woman, aggravation of hormonal imbalance and infertility. That is why it is important to regularly visit a gynecologist for preventive examinations and, if a pathology is suspected, undergo a thorough comprehensive examination. Treatment of these diseases is carried out with the help of hormonal drugs and, if necessary, surgical intervention.

Brown mucus in most cases is a signal of a disease of the genital organs. This symptom indicates the possible presence of the following pathological conditions:

  1. Malignant neoplasms.
  2. Pathology of the cervix.
  3. Endometritis.
  4. Endometriosis.
  5. Endometrial hyperplasia and polyps.
  6. Pathology of the thyroid gland, endocrine organs.
  7. Ectopic pregnancy.
  8. Termination of uterine pregnancy.
  9. Infections of the genitourinary system.

Any of these diseases is characterized not only by brown discharge, but also by a number of other symptoms. Below are the main differences between each of them.

Such pathologies are considered one of the most dangerous. Most often, cancer occurs in the cervix and ovaries. Tumors appear against the background of other previous diseases of the genital organs, hereditary predisposition. The main symptoms of malignant neoplasms are:

  1. Bloody brown vaginal discharge.
  2. Bad smell.
  3. Pain in the lower abdomen, in the lower back.
  4. Constipation, diarrhea.
  5. Difficulty urinating.
  6. Unmotivated weight loss.
  7. Symptoms of general intoxication (weakness, malaise, fever).

If you have one or more of the above symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor. Timely diagnosis will help to identify cancer, and regular preventive examinations will help to avoid it.

This definition implies various diseases of the female genital organ:

  • dysplasia;
  • ectropion;
  • true erosion;
  • leukoplakia;
  • ectopia;
  • papillomatosis;
  • cervical polyps.

Pathologies of the cervix are divided into three types: background, precancerous, cancerous. It is difficult to identify such diseases at the initial stage, they are asymptomatic. Among the possible tangible signs are the following:

  • painful sexual contact;
  • brown, bloody, watery discharge;
  • pain in the lower abdomen;
  • bleeding.

A number of methods carried out in gynecological institutions will help identify pathology in the cervix. The sooner the examination is carried out, the more chances to avoid serious complications.

endometritis

Endometritis is an inflammation of the endometrium, the mucous membrane in the uterine cavity. With this disease, brown discharge appears before, during and after menstruation, accompanied by aching pains, an unpleasant odor.

The direct cause of endometritis is the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the uterine cavity. The following conditions can provoke infection:

  • abortion;
  • infectious processes in the vagina;
  • complications after childbirth, miscarriage - retention of parts of the fetal egg or placenta;
  • intrauterine intervention.

The condition is dangerous during pregnancy, contributes to the loss of the child at all stages of its formation.

The disease is characterized by the presence of foci of endometriosis inside the uterus. It is difficult to identify it, it is asymptomatic for a long time. Brown discharge is one of the signs, sometimes dark bloody mucus appears. With this pathology, after menstruation, the expiration decreases, the color becomes several tones lighter.

Endometrial hyperplasia is a disease of the inner wall of the uterus. Hormonal imbalances are considered to be the main cause. Pathology can appear in women who are obese, have hypertension, have suffered severe stress have liver problems. Associated symptoms include:

  • prolonged brown or spotting between periods;
  • irregular menstrual cycle.

Polyps in the uterus appear with hormonal disorders and infectious processes. Their occurrence is facilitated by abortions, internal mechanical intervention in the genitals. Brown discharge is considered one of the main symptoms of this problem.

The thyroid gland directly affects the functioning of the genital organs. Violation of its functioning affects the menstrual cycle. One of the signs of the pathology of this organ is brown discharge that appears between menstruation.

Ectopic pregnancy

If for a number of reasons the fetal egg cannot enter the uterine cavity and implant where it is supposed to, it can be fixed in the fallopian tube or lower and be fixed in the cervix. This is possible if a woman has difficulty passing the egg through the tubes due to the narrowed lumen of the tube. The cause can be inflammatory diseases of the tubes, appendages, ovaries, as well as endometriosis, the presence of tumor formations in the uterine cavity, in the fallopian tubes.

If the transfer of the zygote, and subsequently the blastocyst, is impaired, then the development of the embryo outside the uterine cavity is not excluded. An ectopic pregnancy before a certain period may not make itself felt. There will be a delay, tests will show a second strip (slightly paler than during uterine pregnancy, but this is an optional sign). And only when the embryo becomes quite large, the pathology can manifest itself.

Rejection of the fetal egg, if it is attached in a place not intended for this by nature, is inevitable. This process, at best, will begin before the organ to which the fetal egg is attached is seriously injured.

Rejection is accompanied by severe cutting pain in the abdomen, rather profuse brown discharge, which quickly becomes a brighter red color. In the worst case, a rupture of the fallopian tube may occur with massive bleeding into the abdominal cavity, which can be fatal for a woman. The exact place of attachment of the fetal egg is quite well determined by ultrasound already at 5–6 weeks of gestation.

Women with a history of ectopic pregnancies, as well as miscarriages, inflammatory diseases of the gynecological profile, operations on the reproductive organs, after which scars and adhesions could remain, with a positive pregnancy test, should visit a doctor as soon as possible and do an ultrasound scan to rule out incorrect attachment of the fetus. With an ectopic pregnancy, there is no other option than the removal of the fetal egg.

With rarer and more dangerous types of such pregnancy - cervical and isthmus pregnancy, it is usually not possible to save the uterus. With a tubal ectopic pregnancy, if there is no rupture, it is most often possible to save the tubes, and the woman will subsequently be able to become pregnant and give birth to a child.

It is also necessary to consider the appearance of brown discharge instead of menstruation as a sign of pregnancy. Therefore, if menstruation begins for a long time, you first need to do a test or check the blood for hCG. And then look for other possible causes.

With the onset of fertilization, a smearing nature of the discharge of a beige, brown, dark shade may appear during a delay. Conception can only occur during the period of ovulation, but it must be borne in mind that spermatozoa remain active in the vagina for up to 7 days.

Dangerous states

A significant part of all gynecological diseases is occupied by tumors of the ovaries, uterus and cervix. They can be either benign, slowly growing and not affecting other tissues, or malignant, prone to aggressive growth and metastasis.

The main danger of cancer is that it has few symptoms for a long time and practically does not bother the patient. This leads to late diagnosis of the disease, which worsens the prognosis.

You can suspect the presence of a malignant tumor of the organs of the reproductive system by the following signs:

  • Brown, spotting leucorrhoea, which may occur after sex, before and after menstruation.
  • Profuse brownish, bloody discharge, discharge like "meat slops".
  • Constant pulling pains in the lower abdomen, in the perineum, lower back.
  • Dysfunction of the pelvic organs (discomfort during urination, defecation).
  • Unmotivated weight loss. Disturbance of appetite, refusal of meat food is especially common. Weakness, decreased tolerance to physical activity.

In addition to cancer of the ovaries and uterus, oncopathologies of the external genital organs can occur. They manifest themselves by the presence of ulcerative defects and long-term non-healing erosions, the appearance of bright red, dark brown drops on pads or underwear, thickening of the skin, dryness and itching. For tumors of the reproductive organs of any localization, the patient is shown specific treatment by an oncologist.

In this video, a venereologist talks about brown discharge.

Peculiarities

Highlights should not be underestimated. The vaginal secretion is produced by the epithelial cells of the cervix. At different stages of pregnancy, they can tell a lot about the condition of the expectant mother and fetus. Immediately after conception and up to 8–9 weeks of pregnancy, the discharge from a woman is normally quite meager, and sometimes, in general, is practically absent. This is the effect of progesterone, which conducts the main preparation of the body for long-term gestation.

From the 10th week, the vaginal secret becomes more abundant, and by the end of pregnancy, not only abundant, but also liquid. This is how the hormone estrogen acts on the vaginal secretion. The task of the secretory function of the female genital tract is to maintain a healthy, stable microflora. The genital tract will be the first place the baby will enter in the birth process after it leaves the uterine cavity. The health of the baby depends on their health.

The current medical literature describes normal pregnancy discharge as being light, odorless, or having a slight sour-milk odor. Other variants of the norm are also considered, but only under certain conditions and for certain periods.

Brown highlights are no exception.They can not only talk about dangerous complications, but also be a natural variant of normal vaginal secretion. Red blood cells give the discharge a brown color. This means that brown discharge is a type of blood discharge.

Risk of miscarriage

Brown discharge in the early stages is often accompanied by the threat of miscarriage. It is not difficult to recognize a threatening condition: a woman notes not only a change in the color of the vaginal secretion, but also a general deterioration in well-being. Severe attacks of dizziness can be observed, pain in the lower abdomen and lower back is almost always present.

Blood in the discharge appears due to detachment of the fetal egg. A space filled with blood appears between the membranes of the fetus and the wall of the uterus. With a small retrochorial hematoma, the discharge will be predominantly pink-brown and not abundant, with a significant detachment - abundant, with clots, red-brown.

A threat can develop for a variety of reasons. These include anomalies in the structure of the uterus, genetic pathologies of the fetus that are incompatible with its further development, inflammatory and infectious diseases of the genital tract and reproductive organs, hormonal deficiency, as well as bad habits, severe stress, excessive exercise.

A developing miscarriage is characterized by an increase in discharge over time, the appearance of cramping pains in the lower back and in the cervical region, as well as pulling pains with an “echo” to the anus. The brown daub turns into a more saturated color, the consistency liquefies until liquid scarlet blood with blood clots begins to flow out.

Such a metamorphosis usually indicates that the miscarriage has already taken place, and along with the vaginal secret, fragments of the membranes and the embryo come out. What it really is and at what stage the threat of miscarriage, only a doctor can understand. Therefore, when the characteristic symptoms described above appear, you should definitely call an ambulance. In 95% of cases, pregnancy can be saved with timely treatment.

Light brown discharge

Inflammatory processes can become a serious problem if not diagnosed and treated in time. Instead of menstruation, a light brown secretion of a scanty nature may indicate inflammation. But it is important to consider the accompanying symptoms:

  • there is itching and burning;
  • can sometimes sip the lower back and lower abdomen;
  • felt sharp pain during urination;
  • body temperature rises;
  • Feeling pain during sex
  • in inflammation secretions flakes, purulent pieces or clots may appear.

The manifestation of similar symptoms may indicate an infection. Cycle failure and pathological discharge of the described shade often cause the following diseases:

  • chlamydia;
  • gonorrhea;
  • genital herpes;
  • trichomoniasis;
  • ureaplasma;
  • mycoplasma.

Brown discharge after menstruation: light and dark in color, why it started to go after a week, if it persists for a long time, causes of mucous consistency

A long delay is almost always associated with negative processes in the reproductive system. When there are darkish brown discharges for 4 days, and there are no periods, then the following pathologies can be assumed:

  • endometritis (inflammation of the uterine mucosa);
  • ectopia (erosion);
  • polyps;
  • endometriosis (growth of the endometrium outside the uterus).

Placenta previa or abruption

If the placenta (or chorion - its predecessor) is low in a woman, then a brown spot or discharge of all shades of brown may be a sign placental abruption. The most dangerous are brown intense discharge that occurs with complete and incomplete placenta previa.

With full presentation, the "children's place" is located at the bottom of the uterus and completely blocks the entrance to the cervical canal. Incomplete - the entrance to the cervical canal is closed by about two-thirds or less. Any negative impact and even the most common stress can cause severe bleeding in a woman with such a pregnancy pathology.

If such a diagnosis as low placentation has already been made and confirmed by ultrasound data, a woman should be very careful. If there is no such diagnosis and the placenta is located normally, the woman still risks experiencing her abruption. This becomes possible when falling, especially with an abdominal injury, a sharp jump in hormone levels, severe emotional shock, lifting weights, or taking certain medications that are prohibited during pregnancy.

Vaginal discharge during detachment is usually quite profuse, although pain may not be present. The age of the problem can be judged by the shade of the discharge. Fresh blood that has just separated and come out is always bright, scarlet. If, after detachment, the blood did not come out for some time and was in the space between the "children's place" and the wall of the uterus, then it will have brown shades of varying intensity.

Other gynecological problems

Inflammatory diseases reproductive and genitourinary system during pregnancy - this is not at all uncommon. The immunity of the expectant mother is significantly reduced (and this is also the merit of progesterone!), which is why any fluctuations in the balance of microflora can cause local inflammation.

If a woman before the onset of an "interesting situation" had chronic diseases genital organs or organs of the urinary system, then during the period of maximum decrease in immunity - by the middle of pregnancy, they may well make themselves felt. Many inflammatory processes of non-infectious origin proceed with the release of a vaginal secretion of a yellow, light brownish hue.

Diseases of infectious origin are not excluded. These can be sexually transmitted infections, as well as sexually transmitted diseases. Many of them have a rather long incubation period, so at the time of registration, the examination may not reveal pathologies, and real symptoms will appear later.

The most dangerous are brown and brown discharge, which have greenish purulent impurities, as well as with an unpleasant and pungent odor. They indicate the bacterial origin of the problem, which, in case of delayed treatment, can result in intrauterine infection of the fetus and even its death. Brown discharge of a smearing nature can manifest problems with the cervix, inflammation of the cervical canal.

After IVF

If a couple has had to resort to assisted reproductive techniques, such as IVF, you should be prepared for the fact that the discharge will be significantly different from the discharge that is normal for a natural pregnancy. So, after embryo transfer for almost two weeks, brownish discharge is considered a variant of the norm. This is the reaction of the female body to hormonal therapy, which she underwent before the replanting of embryos and passes after it.

As well as brown spotting discharge from the vagina may indicate successful implantation. If they are a sign of implantation, brown streaks or scanty spotting usually appear 5-6 days after hatching. For a third of women, a change in the color of the vaginal secretion appears only 8–10 days after replanting.

But there is no need to despair, because after an analysis of the concentration of the hCG hormone in the blood, a treatment will be prescribed that will help maintain the pregnancy and bear a healthy baby, maybe several babies. In the worst case, brown discharge after two weeks from the moment of replanting may indicate that the embryos have stopped developing and their rejection has begun. After treatment, an IVF attempt can be repeated.

What to do?

When brown discharge appears, a pregnant woman should in no case engage in self-diagnosis. All of the above is nothing more than material for self-education for reference purposes, and not a guide for making any diagnoses to oneself.

There are not so many options for the physiological norm with this kind of vaginal secretion, but there are more than enough options for pathologies. For this reason alone, a woman should immediately see a doctor. Ultrasound scanning, a vaginal smear, as well as blood and urine tests will help to find the exact answer to the question of why blood impurities appeared in the secretion of the genital tract.

If the discharge is scanty and not accompanied by pain, you should consult a doctor at the antenatal clinic at the place of residence. If brown discharge is abundant, with clots, pain syndrome, then you should go to bed, avoid standing or walking and wait for the ambulance immediately called.

Arriving doctors need to inform the gestational age (from the first day of the last menstruation), describe in detail all the symptoms, including even the most insignificant ones, in your opinion, and also tell about all previous pregnancies and their outcome. All this information will help doctors quickly guess the cause of the bleeding and take you to the gynecological hospital or the emergency department of the maternity hospital with the most accurate formulation of the problem. Every minute can be decisive, it is necessary to help doctors understand you correctly.

If brown discharge recurs sporadically, you should tell the observing obstetrician-gynecologist about this so that he can give the most complete and accurate recommendations regarding the lifestyle of the expectant mother, the daily routine, work and rest, the opportunity to have sex, and also prescribe the necessary supportive treatment depending on causes.

With the threat of a miscarriage of low placentation, antispasmodic drugs are prescribed that relax the muscles of the uterus, do not allow its tone, as well as vitamins, drugs to improve uteroplacental blood flow and light herbal sedatives. At placental abruption after inpatient treatment, a woman may be prescribed hemostatic drugs. With hormonal problems, a lack of progesterone, certain dosages of hormonal drugs are recommended, which completely compensate for the deficiency in the body.

Any problem that arises during the bearing of a baby, including one manifested by the appearance of atypical discharge, will be resolved faster and more correctly, if you follow simple safety rules, such as:

  • it is worth monitoring the nature of the discharge daily throughout pregnancy;
  • it is necessary to use only hygienic thin pads, tampons cannot be used during pregnancy;
  • responsibly it is necessary to treat the issues of intimate hygiene in order to prevent inflammatory processes due to its violation;
  • you should not change your sexual partner during pregnancy;
  • you need to take care of your reproductive health, avoid too harsh and rough sex, trauma to the genital tract and cervix;
  • it is necessary to regularly attend a antenatal clinic and undergo all the required examinations and tests;
  • you should stop smoking, do not take alcohol and drugs during pregnancy;
  • it is worth avoiding stress, conflicts, not lifting weights and limiting physical activity, which can provoke a threat of abortion.

Unusual discharge always scares a woman. Particularly suspicious are bloody or brown discharge. If there are no other ailments, then one can still doubt whether this is a pathology or some kind of peculiar reaction of the body to the action of hormones. But even in this case, it is better to go to the doctor, as there are quite a few serious diseases that have no other symptoms. Do not put off a visit to the gynecologist for later. It is much easier to eliminate the earliest manifestations of the disease than to deal with an advanced disease.

Content:

Natural Causes of Brown Discharge

The dark brown color of the discharge does not always indicate that a woman has any disease of the genital organs. The brown hue appears due to the ingress of clotted blood into them, but this can occur not only with illness, but also in many other cases that do not pose a health hazard.

Discharge before menstruation. Brown coloration in whites sometimes appears already a few days before the onset of menstruation, when the mucous membrane of the uterus begins to swell and gradually exfoliate. In this case, the smallest vessels are damaged, and a small amount of blood coagulates and enters the vaginal mucus, smearing dark brownish whites appear.

After menstruation for another 1-2 days, brown leucorrhoea is also the norm. If a woman's blood clotting is somewhat reduced, then her traces continue to stain the discharge at this time. In addition, the remains of stagnant blood come out of the uterus.

Allocations when using hormonal contraceptives. If a woman takes birth control pills, then within 2-3 months she will have a dark brown discharge between periods. There is nothing to worry about, since the reason is hormonal changes. After the body adapts to it, the leucorrhoea will again take on its usual form. If their character does not recover, the bleeding becomes more abundant, then you should consult your doctor about replacing the contraceptive.

The same thing happens when installing an intrauterine device. In addition to hormonal effects, it is also possible mechanical, which leads to damage to the capillaries. If the blood discharge is persistent, the coil is removed.

ovulatory bleeding. With them, brown whites appear in the middle of the cycle - at the moment of rupture of the follicle and the release of the egg from it. In this case, the smallest blood vessels of the follicular membrane are damaged.

Implantation bleeding. The appearance of a faint brownish spotting before a missed period may mean that a woman has become pregnant. It begins with the fact that a fertilized egg attaches to the endometrium, damaging the capillaries. The bleeding continues for several hours.

After intercourse the appearance of weak dark secretions is due to damage to small vessels on the surface of the vagina, which occurs if it is poorly moistened. This condition occurs when a woman is not sufficiently excited or there are age-related changes in the condition of the vaginal mucosa due to a lack of estrogen (with menopause).

Puberty associated with hormonal changes in the girl's body and the development of the genital organs. Within 1-2 years after the appearance of the first menstruation, the irregularity of the cycle and the arbitrary onset of bleeding of varying intensity are not a pathology. Between periods, even instead of them, dark brown scanty discharge may appear.

Beginning of sexual activity. Bloody whites appear not only due to damage to the hymen, but also as a result of the lack of sufficient lubrication in the vagina during the first few sexual intercourses. As soon as hormonal changes occur, the work of the glands of the cervix, which are responsible for the production of protective mucus, will increase, dark bloody whites will disappear.

Note: If the discharge, which is brown in color, is not plentiful, homogeneous in composition, odorless, then they are most likely harmless and are associated with natural processes occurring in the body.

Video: Causes of spotting between periods

Allocations when the physiological state changes

The onset of pregnancy, its artificial or spontaneous termination, as well as childbirth, are accompanied by spotting varying intensity and nature. They can be both normal and dangerous.

Discharge after an abortion

For several more days, they contain large dark clots of clotted blood and the remains of a fetal egg. Gradually, they become more and more scarce, smearing, and then turn into ordinary leucorrhoea.

Pathology is the appearance of scarlet blood after an abortion, especially if it turns into real bleeding. This indicates a possible damage to the uterus or incomplete removal of the fetal egg. The woman needs urgent medical attention and, most likely, surgery.

brown discharge during pregnancy

In the first trimester of pregnancy, a woman may have scant, dark, bloody leucorrhea on days when she would normally have her period. Such "menstruation" misleads a woman, especially if there are no symptoms of toxicosis. She may not know she is pregnant for several months.

In this case, the appearance of blood is associated with the individual characteristics of the hormonal changes that occur in the body during this period, the lack of progesterone. This hormone stops the growth and development of new follicles so that the embryo can develop normally in the uterus. After the formation of the placenta, which produces progesterone, the state of the body returns to normal, and scant bleeding stops.

At the same time, spotting brownish leucorrhoea during this period can be dangerous. If the lack of progesterone is significant due to the pathological condition of the corpus luteum, then a miscarriage occurs, which is warned by discharge. To save the pregnancy, it is urgent to start treatment.

Dark leucorrhoea also indicates that the fetal egg is not fixed in the uterus, but in the tubes or in the cervix (ectopic pregnancy). There are painful sensations. In this case, urgent surgical intervention is required. How quickly a woman will be helped, her life depends.

Discharge after childbirth

Immediately after childbirth, a woman develops lochia, as the uterus is released from the remnants of the fetal membrane, endometrium, as well as the healing of an open wound at the site of the departed placenta. Within 4 days, blood comes out with clots, then for another 5-6 weeks, gradually diminishing dark brown discharge appears, and only then do transparent whites appear.

If bloody lochia disappear earlier, this indicates poor uterine contractility and the formation of blood stasis, an inflammatory process occurs. Excessive bleeding indicates dangerous uterine bleeding.

Video: Brown discharge before and after menstruation

Pathological discharge

Signs of pathology are:

  • the appearance of an unpleasant odor in dark brownish whites;
  • the presence of impurities of pus in them;
  • prolonged presence in the whites of clots of clotted blood and particles of the uterine mucosa;
  • strengthening their intensity;
  • unusual duration;
  • color change to scarlet or bright red;
  • feeling of pain in the abdomen or lower back, other ailments.

The appearance of smearing dark brown discharge before and after menstruation may indicate hormonal disorders in the body, the occurrence of inflammatory processes in the uterine cavity (endometritis), in the cervix (cervicitis). Such secretions appear with endometrial hyperplasia and endometriosis due to the fact that the vulnerability of the mucous membrane increases precisely during this period.

If brownish mucus appears regardless of the phase of the cycle, between menstruation or instead of them, then the causes may be diseases of the cervix associated with damage and thinning of its membranes (with erosion, leukoplakia, dysplasia). Dark brown leucorrhoea can be the result of uterine fibroids, polyps in the mucous membranes, ovarian cysts, a symptom of cancerous tumors.

If signs of pathology appear in the discharge, a woman needs to urgently consult a doctor, as sometimes this indicates damage to organs.