My discharge is brown. Brown discharge in women

A healthy woman has a menstrual cycle without interruptions. If unexpected violations occur, this should be the basis for contacting an antenatal clinic. One of the pathological conditions is black discharge during or between menstruation. There can be many reasons for this, which are sometimes difficult for a woman to figure out on her own.

Features of the menstrual cycle

Before you begin to figure out when black discharge is the norm, and in which case it is a deviation, you should remember what the menstrual cycle is.

Each female body is individual, and therefore everyone experiences their periods differently. But the general parameters apply to everyone:

The normal cycle is 28 days. However, this indicator is typical for only 60% of women. For the rest, the duration ranges from 21 to 35 days.
Menstruation has several phases: under the influence of estrogen, an egg is formed in the ovary (proliferative period), lasting from 1 to 17 days; the corpus luteum begins to function, due to which the hormone progesterone is formed (secretory phase), lasting around 13-15 days; In the interval, the bleeding phase begins, which is called menstruation.

From this we can conclude that menstruation is a cyclical process that occurs if the egg is not fertilized.

Normal menstruation has the following indicators:

Bloody discharge in women lasts for 2-7 days.
On the first day, a woman loses more blood than on subsequent days. From the beginning of menstruation to the last day, the amount of discharge decreases.
During the entire period of menstruation, blood loss averages 50 ml.
Spotting is considered normal if it has a red or scarlet tint, without the presence of a specific odor. At this time, there should be no itching or burning in the intimate area.
Blood during menstruation should not have impurities or foreign shades.

Note! Black or brown discharge is considered a deviation from the norm.

When is specific discharge normal?

If black or brown discharge appears shortly before the onset of your period, this is normal. Drops of blood just got into them, which is why they got this color. This can be observed several days after menstruation, when the body removes the remaining blood from the uterus.

At this time, even dark-colored clumps can be observed. This situation is also observed in completely healthy women. This is a sign of the onset of the menstrual cycle. During menstruation itself, the blood coming out of the vagina can have different shades.

There are several other factors in which dark daub should not cause concern:

It is normal to have black or brown discharge in women taking hormonal birth control. In this case, spotting can appear at any time during the cycle.
If a girl has had sexual intercourse for the first time, dark discharge may persist for several more days.
They can also appear after active sex, without a sufficient amount of lubrication, which can result in injury to the vaginal mucosa.
In girls, before the menstrual cycle normalizes, until about 16 years of age, black and brown discharge is normal.
In women with the onset of menopause, hormonal disruption occurs. This leads to the fact that the cycle becomes irregular; periods may not come for several months. But when the discharge comes, it can be quite scanty and dark in color.

Even if a woman has one of these factors, consulting a gynecologist will not hurt.

Dark discharge is a harbinger of a serious illness

Only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis and understand the cause of black vaginal discharge. After all, they can signal not about natural processes in the body, but about serious diseases. There may be several reasons why there is dark discharge.

Complication of pregnancy

When the egg is fertilized and implanted on the wall of the uterus, some fragments of the mucous membrane are rejected, which can cause scanty black or dark brown discharge. A woman may feel slight pain in the lower abdomen. This symptom does not pose a threat to the life or health of the fetus or mother. This only means that menstruation should have come, but fertilization occurred. You should start to worry if the daub has a bright shade and at the same time it is quite abundant. This is the first sign of pathology. You should immediately contact a antenatal clinic.

Important! Black discharge with clots during pregnancy may be a sign of a threatened miscarriage.

At first, the woman does not feel pain, but gradually both bleeding and pain increase, and attacks similar to contractions appear. If you consult a doctor at the first sign of a miscarriage, the fetus can be saved.

Black discharge also appears when an ectopic pregnancy occurs, when the egg does not enter the uterus, but attaches to the ovary or abdominal cavity. In this case, the woman experiences severe pain in the groin. They can also radiate to the lower back and rectum.

If you do not seek medical help in time, pipes may burst. Not only the pain will increase, but also the amount of blood.

Cervical erosion

Black or brown discharge is also possible with cervical erosion - a defect in the mucous membrane of the cervix. During a routine examination by a gynecologist or during sexual intercourse, tissue injury may occur, resulting in dark-colored blood.

Another reason is infection with ongoing inflammation. In such a situation, the secretion of dark swelling appears shortly before menstruation and has a specific smell.

Healthy cervix and susceptible to erosion - click to view

Erosion is treated with a laser. After the procedure, black discharge may appear, which will gradually lighten.

During pregnancy, when the uterus enlarges, the eroded mucosa is injured, which also causes scanty bloody smear. The disease cannot be treated during this period, but the woman should be under constant supervision.

Endometrial hyperplasia

The uterine cavity contains a layer of endometrium. Its thickening is called hyperplasia. The first sign of the disease is menstrual irregularity. Partitions appear in the uterus, which prevent blood from getting out; it coagulates, turning into clots. The discharge at this time is black or dark brown, scanty, and in rare cases abundant.

Treatment of hyperplasia consists of curettage of the uterine cavity followed by the administration of hormonal drugs.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is another disease in which the endometrium grows as a result of hormonal imbalance. The bloody smear is quite strong and dark in color. They can also appear in the interval between menstruation for 2-3 days. A few days before and during menstruation itself, a woman experiences severe pain.

Oncology

Cervical cancer is one of the most common diseases in women. At the onset of the disease, the main symptom is dark-colored spotting between periods, the appearance of blood after sex, and a disruption in the cycle. Little blood is released. It has a black color, sometimes with a greenish tint, and most often a specific odor.

As you can see, black or dark brown discharge is a sign of quite serious diseases. If there are disruptions in the cycle or pain, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Additional factors that provoke discharge

In addition to the listed factors, there may be additional reasons that cause dark-colored daubs:

stress;
disruption of the usual rhythm of life;
imbalance in food;
climate change;
some time after childbirth;
disruptions in metabolic processes;
inflammation of the ovaries or uterus;
infectious diseases;
installation of the spiral.

Important! If the cause of the spotting is inflammation, then an increase in temperature and pain are observed.

You should consult a doctor immediately if bleeding is accompanied by:

burning in the intimate area;
unpleasant odor;
bloody clots;
changes in the amount of blood released during menstruation;
discharge between periods;
dizziness, poor health, brittle nails and hair.

These signs indicate possible infection or inflammation. The concern of the fair sex about dark vaginal discharge between menstruation is understandable. Thus, the body can signal about serious pathological processes occurring in the body. Delaying a visit to the doctor can lead to serious complications.

Discharge from the female genital organs is a fairly physiological phenomenon if it is colorless, odorless and free of impurities. Brown discharge, which can appear at various periods - before and after menstrual periods, during pregnancy, after sexual intercourse, etc., can serve as an unpleasant signal. But a brownish tint to discharge in women can also be normal. What are the reasons for such phenomena and what should you pay attention to?

The discharge can be of different shades: from light brown to dark and rich. This can indirectly reveal the cause of their occurrence.

Light brown discharge is the result of bacterial vaginosis, an infectious process that is sexually transmitted, and microtrauma of the uterine cervix.

Dark brown discharge usually indicates the presence of clotted blood in the discharge. Blood can be of vaginal, cervical or uterine origin.

In what situations can they appear?

Brown discharge in the form of spotting marks can appear in a teenager before puberty, at the onset of menopause, during reproductive age and during menopause. They all have different causes.

Photos of brown discharge of varying consistency and character are presented below:

Causes of brown discharge

The brown tint of the discharge always indicates the presence of coagulated blood in it. The intensity of the color depends on its volume and consistency of mucus. Liquid leucorrhoea, as a rule, can be light brown, almost pink. Thick discharge that contains stagnant blood or clots may be dark brown.

The causes of bleeding can be:

Physiological processes that are associated with disruption of blood vessels (these include menstrual periods, ovulation, the introduction of a fertilized egg into the endometrium, cleansing the uterus after childbirth);
Hormonal disruptions in the body that lead to pathologies of the menstrual cycle;
Violation of the epithelial membranes of the genital organs during abortion, gynecological procedures, sexual contact;
Age-related changes in the structure of the vaginal mucous layer;
Violation of the surface layer of the cervix and vagina due to inflammation;
Processes in the uterus and ovaries, which lead to improper development of their tissues and blood vessels;
Traumatic lesions of the genital organs;
Inflammatory process of the bladder.

Normal discharge

Normally, brown discharge is not profuse, does not have an unpleasant aroma and is uniform in structure. Such discharge may appear when using hormonal contraception, with minor damage to the capillaries of the vagina during douching, examination by a doctor, in some cases even after violent sexual contact, as well as at the beginning and end of menstrual days, during ovulation, and consolidation of the fertilized egg in the uterus.

Brownish leucorrhoea can also occur after nervous stress or physical fatigue.

Pathological discharge

They may be abundant or spotting, depending on the type of pathological disorder. It has an unpleasant aroma, includes dark-colored blood clots or particles of dead tissue, and can include pus, foam, and lumps. May often alternate with bright bleeding.

A clear symptom of the disorder is the occurrence of spotting on any day of the menstrual cycle, if it is accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, lower back, and other menstrual pathologies also appear, infertility is diagnosed.

The disorder is indicated by the occurrence of bloody leucorrhoea during menopause. A symptom of significant diseases may be the regular occurrence of bleeding after sexual intercourse. Brown discharge, which is accompanied by itching and burning in the genitals, frequent urination, and an increase in body temperature, is considered pathological.

Diseases and disorders when bloody leucorrhoea occurs

Ectopic pregnancy.

This is a dangerous condition when the fertilized egg is attached not in the uterine cavity, but outside it (often in the fallopian tube, rarely in the uterine cervix). The reasons for this may be inflammatory processes in the appendages, the formation of adhesions and tumors in the uterine cavity. Violation of the tissue in the area of attachment of the fertilized egg leads to the appearance of spotting dark brown discharge. They are associated with rupture of the membrane of the embryo, its rejection, and “tubal abortion.” One of the riskiest options is considered to be a rupture of the fallopian tube at 6-8 weeks.

Erosion, uterine dysplasia.

The diseases are associated with changes in the structure of the epithelium of the pharynx of the uterine cervix, which extends into the vagina, ulceration of the surface and disruption of small vessels.

Colpitis, cervicitis.

Inflammatory process of the vagina and cervix. Thinning and atrophy of the mucous membranes occurs, and bleeding cracks form on them. Microflora pathologies lead to the development of fungi (candidiasis), and the penetration of pathogens of sexually transmitted diseases into the genitals improves. Brown discharge has an unpleasant odor and an unusual consistency.

Endometritis.

Inflammation in the uterus is the reason why purulent brownish discharge occurs instead of the usual critical days. Pain appears in the lower abdomen, and an increase in body temperature is likely. Chronic course causes late infertility.

Endometrial hyperplasia, endometriosis.

Pathogenic growth of the endometrium leads to various disorders of the menstrual cycle, the appearance of spotting brown discharge after menstruation, as well as in the intervals between cycles.

Polyps.

Their formation is one of the signs of endometrial hyperplasia. Polyps are rounded growths in the basal layer. They are often found in women during menopause.

Cysts on the ovaries.

Signs depend on the type and origin of such neoplasms. Spotting brown discharge with ichor may occur before and after menstrual days. This increases the duration and total amount of blood loss. Blood clots may occur.

Tumors of the uterus.

Signs depend on their location and volume. Discharge mixed with blood occurs when the tumors have become quite large, which complicates the diagnosis of such diseases.

Brown discharge after menstruation

A signal from a woman’s body about an emerging disorder is considered to be discharge that occurs a few days after the menstrual period. In this case, the woman must consult a doctor to determine the causes of the discharge and, if necessary, select the necessary therapy for the woman.

What does this mean? Such discharge may appear due to the following reasons:

Prolonged endometritis;
Endometriosis;
Significant mucosal injuries;
Uterine hyperplasia;
Sexually transmitted diseases and other infections;
Polyps;
Ectopic pregnancy.

As a rule, in addition to brown discharge, which is dangerous for women’s health, a woman may experience other unhealthy symptoms. This can be a pulling and sharp pain in the lower abdomen, in the lower back. In addition, there is a loss of strength, mood, reluctance to have sexual contact, etc.

The most reasonable decision that can be taken in such a situation is to immediately contact a specialist. Perhaps everything will not be so dangerous, but just a normal option, but another outcome is also likely. And in this case, consulting a doctor on time can not only relieve you from significant health problems, but also protect your life.

Light brown discharge : if they last more than 3 days and have an unpleasant aroma, then this is often considered a symptom of chronic endometritis - an infectious and inflammatory disease of the uterus, which in most situations occurs due to difficult childbirth or abortion.

Copious dark brown discharge : Discharge of this color can become a symptom of uterine hyperplasia or endometriosis. Often, such discharge occurs with submucosal (located directly under the mucous membrane) endometrioid nodes in the uterine wall. In addition to bleeding, the main symptom of endometriosis is severe pain in the lower abdomen.

Brown spotting can be observed after the end of menstruation if a woman has reduced blood clotting, weak uterine tone, or if the woman was overly active in the last days of menstruation. If such discharge occurs within 1-2 days, it does not pose any danger. If they last more than 2 days and also have unpleasant pain in the lower abdomen, then the cause may be diseases of the genital area.

In some cases, such brownish discharge may appear after an examination by a gynecologist or after sexual intercourse, if there is erosion of the uterine cervix and the mucous membrane is injured. This condition should also be treated by a specialist.

Brown discharge mid-cycle

If brown spotting occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle, then you first need to pay attention to its quantity and nature. The color of the discharge matters:

Dark discharge often occurs when a woman just starts using oral contraceptives (there is a sharp change in hormonal levels).
Light brown discharge can occur not only when taking hormonal contraceptives, but also as a result of abnormalities in the woman’s genital organs. In such a situation, traces of oxidized blood from damaged small vessels give the discharge a tint.
Red-brown discharge occurs due to the formation of microcracks on the vaginal walls due to insufficient formation of protective mucus during sexual intercourse. A similar situation appears, for example, during the first sexual acts, when deflowering. Often a woman encounters this symptom at the very beginning of menopause.

Normal brown discharge mid-cycle

It is considered normal when a woman experiences lightly colored spotting of a brownish-brown hue right before or immediately after menstruation. In the middle of the cycle, brown discharge is natural if it is insignificant and does not have any unpleasant odor. The cause can be physiological processes in the body.

Ovulation.

When the follicle ruptures and a mature egg is released, an insignificant amount of blood may be released, which, after oxidation from the air, receives a brownish tint. This is usually done on the 14th day from the start of menstruation.

Attachment of the fertilized egg to the uterine wall.

During the period of implantation of the embryo into the endometrium, minor damage to the endometrial vessels may occur. Drops of clotted blood may stain the mucus that is released. During this period, the woman is able to feel mild pain in the lower abdomen.

Short term miscarriage.

If for certain reasons the embryo detaches from the endometrium, then slight bleeding occurs. It takes on a reddish-brown hue, lasts 1-2 days, and then acquires the usual color of menstruation. Moreover, the woman often does not even know that she was pregnant and had a miscarriage.

Puberty.

The first menstrual cycles in teenage girls usually occur with deviations; the cycle will be established after approximately 1.5-2 years. Until hormonal processes are fully regulated, adolescents may experience brown spotting between menstruation.

During menopause.

Menstruation during menopause can also become irregular, as ovarian function weakens. Between and after menstrual cycles, scanty reddish-brown discharge often occurs.

Please pay attention ! It is important not to miss a significant disease (inflammation, tumor formation) in the presence of such a sign.

Pathological discharge in the middle of the cycle

Pathological discharges include those that, in addition to a brown tint, also have other unusual symptoms. In this case, breakthrough intermenstrual uterine discharge is considered one of the signs of diseases of the uterus or appendages.

You need to contact a specialist in the following cases:

Brown discharge with an unpleasant aroma occurs between menstrual cycles, and the woman does not use hormonal contraception.
Pain occurs in the lower abdomen and lower back. You feel dryness in the vagina, irritation, burning, and an increase in body temperature. Sexual intercourse brings pain.
The discharge is of an unusual nature (lasts several days, includes clots of dried blood, appears regularly between periods, is profuse).

Experts advise that if you have any doubts about the reasons for brown discharge that occurs between critical days, immediately carry out a gynecological examination, even if there are no specific symptoms of ailments.

Brown discharge before menstruation

The organs that are part of the reproductive system are considered among the most vulnerable in the female body. Their functioning can be affected by various conditions that are not related to diseases. Doctors identify some causes of brown discharge before menstruation, which are determined by physiological processes:

The end of the formation of the organs of the reproductive system

If a girl’s period began not so long ago, and the cycle has not yet stabilized, then experts do not consider brown premenstrual discharge as a pathology. Discharge is normal for six months to two years from the first menstruation and there is no need to worry about it. It is worth thinking about the presence of disorders in a woman’s body if such discharge is constant and continues for 7-8 months. In this case, you need to immediately consult a doctor to identify an accurate diagnostic conclusion.

Introduction of hormonal contraception

Such drugs have an effect on the hormonal levels of the whole body. The presence of characteristic brown mucus a few days before menstruation is a symptom of the presence of the desired effect of contraception on the body. You need to worry if such discharge has been going on for more than 3 months. Such a symptom may indicate the need to select another method of contraception.

Use of an intrauterine device

The principle of influence of this method affects not only the likelihood of pregnancy, but also the shade of the discharge. After installing the IUD, experts assume the possibility of light brown discharge before menstruation during several cycles.

Eating disorder

Sudden changes in body weight, diseases (bulimia, anorexia), regular strength training sessions that exceed the body's load can cause fluctuations in the menstrual cycle and the occurrence of spotting. This phenomenon can be eliminated with the help of treatment. To do this, you should contact a nutritionist.

Premenopause

This period characterizes the beginning of the restructuring of the reproductive system. The entire hormonal background is subject to change. Changes in estrogen levels can cause dark brown or black discharge before your period is due. To eliminate such phenomena, a specialist may prescribe the woman to take hormonal medications.

After sex

Insufficient lubrication or excessively active sexual intercourse can lead to injury to the surface of the vagina, uterine cavity and labia. This phenomenon can cause discharge of brown clots. They can go away a couple of days after sexual contact and do not require special treatment. In addition, after sex, such a symptom may occur due to the presence of erosion of the uterine cervix.

The main actions that are aimed at identifying the cause of discharge before menstruation include:

Examination by a gynecologist;
Taking a vaginal smear;
Ultrasonography;
Complete blood count and hormone analysis;
Histology;
Colposcopy;
Biopsy;
Study of heredity.

This range of procedures is required to better study the root cause of this phenomenon and select an effective course of therapy.

Brown discharge during pregnancy

Brown discharge during pregnancy - spotting and bloody - is a violation. Normally, discharge can occur when the embryo attaches to the uterine wall, when the integrity of the endometrium is disrupted in the early stages of 1-2 weeks of pregnancy. In addition, spotting may occur during pregnancy in the first trimester on days when menstruation was expected. For any brown discharge, you need to contact a specialist or call an ambulance.

Causes of brown discharge during pregnancy:

Insufficient levels of the hormone progesterone, which causes endometrial rejection and poses a risk of miscarriage;
Ectopic pregnancy;
Placental abruption, previa.

Any brown discharge during pregnancy in later stages carries the risk of miscarriage or premature birth.

About normal discharge

Normal brown discharge may not be abundant and does not have an unpleasant aroma; it is uniform in structure. Such discharge occurs when using hormonal contraception, with a slight violation of the integrity of the capillaries during douching, examination on the gynecological chair, in some situations after too active sexual intercourse, as well as at the beginning and end of critical days, during ovulation, and the attachment of the embryo to the uterine wall.

Brown vaginal discharge can also occur due to nervous stress and physical fatigue.

Treatment

If any brown discharge occurs, you should contact a specialist. First of all, it is necessary to exclude pregnancy and the threat of miscarriage.

If there is no pregnancy, then detection and treatment of the cause that caused the appearance of brown discharge is required.

The appearance of clear, odorless discharge from the genital tract is a physiological process that occurs in almost every healthy representative of the fair sex. Depending on the period in a woman’s life, discharge may slightly change in volume and color. However, in most cases, a change in color to brown indicates the occurrence of a pathology, which necessarily requires medical intervention.

During the day, healthy representatives of the fair sex normally secrete about 1 teaspoon of mucous fluid from the genital tract. Fresh discharge is transparent, however, during the day, when it is on the laundry, it may acquire a yellowish tint and a faint sourish odor.

In some cases, brown vaginal discharge may appear. This symptom is observed:

On the 14-15th day of the menstrual cycle, during the period of ovulation. The process of egg separation is manifested by the release of a small amount of brownish mucus with thin blood streaks.
A few days before and within 1-3 days after menstruation. Slight brownish drops observed on underwear or pads during this period are oxidized blood.
In the first 1-2 months of taking combined oral contraceptives. The appearance of a characteristic brown “smudge” is normal at the beginning of taking medications and indicates a restructuring and adaptation of the body to changes in hormonal levels. However, brown discharge that bothers a woman for more than 2-3 months is a reason to contact an endocrinologist and discontinue COCs.
After using Postinor and its analogues for emergency postcoital contraception.
After childbirth during the period of lochia separation. This clinical manifestation indicates a normal healing process of the internal membranes of the genital organs.

According to statistics, brown discharge periodically occurs in 80% of women at different periods of life, but it does not cause discomfort and even in the absence of treatment goes away without a trace.

Brown discharge without odor and accompanying discomfort should not bother a woman and be a reason for an urgent visit to the doctor. However, if you regularly detect brown, dark spotting on your underwear, accompanied by pain, fever, unpleasant odor and other pathological symptoms, it is important to undergo a full examination and start treatment in a timely manner.

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 are caused by processes such as:

injuries to the internal membranes of the genital organs received during intimacy;
improper performance of gynecological manipulations;
use of mechanical contraception, inappropriate “aggressive” spermicides;
violation of hormonal status;
frequent stressful situations;
sexually transmitted 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, if it is constantly discharged, it is important to consult a doctor for examination, determining the cause and prescribing the necessary treatment.

Important! Very often, brown, spotting discharge is the first sign of an ectopic pregnancy. If, against the background of a delay in menstruation, its quantity increases, pain occurs in the lower abdomen, weakness, or blood pressure drops, it is necessary to immediately call an ambulance to resolve the issue of a possible violation of the tubal pregnancy and hospitalization of the woman.

Discharge after sex

During intense sexual contact, microdamage to 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 this case you need:

Observe the rules of personal hygiene, select suitable intimate gels, do not use soap and do not resort to douching to avoid infection of damaged mucous membranes.
Use lubricant purchased at a pharmacy or specialty store, and be careful during intimacy.

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

Important! Brown discharge with drops of bright red blood, noted by a woman after painful sexual intercourse, indicates possible erosion of the uterine cervix.

Infectious causes

Light brown discharge often acts as one of the signs of sexually transmitted diseases. In case of viral and bacterial inflammatory processes in the genitals, the discharge that flows onto underwear or pads can be of any color. However, in the presence of inclusions of blood, which has been in contact with air for a long time, they acquire a light brown tint.

They occur when:

Acute, during which intense itching leads to self-harm during scratching. From the resulting microtraumas and cracks in the inflamed mucosa, drops of blood are released, which, when mixed with the cheesy discharge characteristic of candidiasis, give it a pink or brownish tint.
- an infectious disease, sexually transmitted, leading to dryness, burning and discomfort in the intimate area, the appearance of copious foamy yellow, brown-orange or bloody discharge. In addition, the pathology is accompanied by dull pain in the lower abdomen, unpleasant sensations when urinating, and an unpleasant, rotten odor from the genitals.
, manifested by pain, itching, difficulty urinating, white-yellow discharge, which, with a long course of the disease, acquires a brownish tint.

If there is brown discharge with an unpleasant odor and itchy skin, the gynecologist must take a smear from the woman for flora, and also prescribe serological and PCR tests. They help to identify infectious pathologies even in the early stages and prescribe appropriate therapy (antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic drugs).

Important! When an STD is detected, in addition to the woman, it is necessary to carefully examine her sexual partner and, if the same infection is detected in him, a full course of treatment should be prescribed to both patients.

Chronic pathologies

In conditions of constant stress, poor ecology, poor nutrition, bad habits, and also in cases of family history, women may experience hormonal imbalances, which, if left uncorrected, lead to dangerous pathologies.

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

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

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

Important! In case of uterine endometrial hyperplasia, it is necessary to undergo an ultrasound of the pelvic organs and hysteroscopy with a biopsy. This will allow us to determine the nature of the overgrown tissue and prescribe the correct treatment. This disease cannot be ignored because in some cases it can lead to cancer.

Dangerous conditions

A significant part of all gynecological diseases is occupied by tumors of the ovaries, uterus and its 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.

The presence of a malignant tumor of the reproductive system can be suspected based on the following signs:

Brown, spotting leucorrhoea that can occur after sex, before and after menstruation.
Copious brownish, bloody discharge, discharge like “meat slop.”
Constant nagging pain in the lower abdomen, perineum, lower back.
Dysfunction of the pelvic organs (discomfort during urination, defecation).
Unmotivated weight loss. Loss of appetite, refusal of meat food is especially common. Weakness, decreased tolerance to physical activity.

In addition to ovarian and uterine cancer, 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 location, the patient is indicated for specific treatment by an oncologist.

Important! If any, even slight brownish discharge appears, lasting longer than 3 days, you should contact a gynecologist as soon as possible. Early detection of the disease and timely initiation of therapy are the key to good results in treatment and recovery. .

In this video, a venereologist talks about brown discharge.

Date: 04/30/2019
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When a woman experiences brown discharge unrelated to her period, it is advisable to contact a gynecologist as soon as possible. What influences their appearance?

Intermenstrual discharge

The occurrence of unusual discharge between menstruation should alert a woman. To prevent possible complications, she should immediately contact a qualified gynecologist who will diagnose her condition and prescribe the necessary therapy. However, in some situations, brown discharge in women, the causes of which have not been established, occurs in the middle of the cycle and does not signal serious conditions. So, how dangerous is this phenomenon?

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According to world statistics, unexpected heavy brown discharge in women is extremely rare; more often they are scanty in nature.

A pregnant woman must inform her gynecologist that brown discharge has appeared, because such a condition may signal a possible spontaneous miscarriage. But why do such symptoms sometimes appear in non-pregnant women, and in some cases systematically?

Brown discharge in women may indicate the presence of gynecological diseases if:

dark bloody discharge occurs in the middle of the cycle;
the woman does not use hormonal drugs and contraceptives;
her lower abdomen hurts;
there is itching, burning and other discomfort in the vagina;
dark brown discharge occurs regularly after sexual intercourse;
general body temperature rises;
sexual intercourse is painful;
During menopause, there was no menstruation for more than a year.

All these conditions require treatment; it is advisable to diagnose dark brown discharge in a timely manner, and therefore a trip to the gynecologist cannot be put off “until tomorrow.” However, dark discharge does not always indicate any violations; sometimes such conditions are normal.

Normal situations

If women experience brown vaginal discharge, this indicates the presence of blood in the mucus. If the patient is healthy, dark discharge appears due to many provoking factors associated with menstruation or sexual intercourse. Thus, discharge in women may have reasons that do not in any way indicate problems with their health:

a few days or hours before menstruation, slight vaginal discharge is characteristic - this indicates the onset of menstruation;
after menstruation, the remaining blood is removed from the uterine cavity, so dark mucous discharge is also normal;
women who prefer contraceptive protection often experience dark-colored vaginal discharge;
due to damage to the uterine lining, when during violent sex insufficient lubrication is produced (in this case, vaginal discharge occurs due to microtrauma and damage to the mucous membrane);
The first sexual intercourse (as well as the next two or three) is also characterized by dark vaginal discharge.

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Ovulation is also characterized by the appearance of similar mucous discharge. At this moment, a woman can become pregnant most quickly. If they are scanty, the condition is considered normal. But if there is a gynecological disease, such mucous discharge requires treatment.

Pathological manifestations

Gynecologists divide any such mucous occurrence into uterine and intermenstrual. The appearance of red-brown discharge is normal only if it occurs within just one day. The saturation of a light or dark color directly depends on the number of drops of blood in the discharge.

Vaginal discharge often occurs due to uterine bleeding associated with erosion of the uterine cervix.

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This disease is observed in representatives of the fair sex of any age. More serious conditions that cause brown discharge include:

endometritis;
cervical cancer;
sarcoma;
internal adenomyosis;
uterine cancer;
neoplasms in the appendages.

Among the symptoms of these diseases, dark brown discharge is common, and sometimes even regular. All of these conditions require emergency medical attention, and in some cases even surgery.

If brown discharge occurs after sexual intercourse, the woman most likely has cervical erosion. However, cancer in the same area is also characterized by this sign. If the lower abdomen is tight, the inner uterine layer may be inflamed.

However, the appearance of dark brown discharge is not always associated with serious pathologies and diseases. Perhaps the woman is protected by hormonal contraceptives. Moreover, it does not matter what form of contraception is used (patch, ring or pill). In this case, after taking the drug, dark mucus will normally be released within 3 days. A longer period is already considered pathological.

If a woman does not use hormonal contraceptives, the condition and color of the mucous discharge may be affected by the use of drugs that indirectly affect the menstrual cycle. Thus, often supplements containing estrogen can provoke mucous discharge at the beginning of therapy and after its completion. The intrauterine device also provokes this unpleasant symptom.

Sometimes the endocrine system fails to cope with its assigned responsibilities. With diseases of the thyroid gland or with very low hormonal production, the entire woman’s body does not work well. As a result, various signs characteristic of thyroid diseases appear, including bleeding.

Possible diseases

A number of gynecological diseases associated with inflammatory processes inside the uterine cavity, trauma, sexually transmitted diseases, polycystic disease or lack of progesterone - all these reasons cause a number of reactions within the body. In this case, the discharge can be not only brown.

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Thus, with gardnerella, the vaginal microflora is disrupted and favorable conditions are created for thrush and infections. In this case, women of any age experience colorless or gray discharge with an unpleasant odor. Moreover, a woman does not have to be sexually active; perhaps she is regularly infected by a permanent partner. After the development of gardnerella, other infections easily develop, which are characterized by a dark discharge with drops of blood. Often, a woman experiences itching or burning in the vagina.

In the absence of gynecological diseases, spotting can signal the presence of an ectopic pregnancy. This only happens if the woman is not protected. Being in this state, she experiences serious pain in the lower abdomen. But even normal pregnancy is characterized by dark bloody discharge, only it is scanty, after which menstrual delay occurs. In any case, if you feel the slightest discomfort, you should consult a doctor to rule out serious causes.

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Vaginal secretion can indicate natural and signal pathological processes in a woman’s body, so attention is paid to it first. You can guess what brown discharge might mean based on the time of its occurrence, the duration of its course and the presence of additional symptoms.

When the symptom is within normal limits

Under certain conditions, the causes of brown discharge in women are not associated with pathology. Brownish vaginal fluid with mucus can be caused by:

inaccurate or prolonged sexual intercourse;
rupture of the follicular sac during ovulation;
conception;
beginning of pregnancy;
postpartum recovery;
adaptation to birth control pills;
intense physical activity or sports;
stabilization of the girl’s monthly cycle;
preparing the body for menstruation;
release of the remaining endometrium after menstruation;
premenopause and menopause.

If the phenomenon occurs in the middle of the cycle

During the fertile period or ovulation, blood may appear in the abundant mucous fluid of the cervical canal. At first, but after the rupture of the follicle in which the egg matures, the mucus may darken due to the ingress of coagulated blood, acquiring a brown tint. Normally, the liquid should have the following characteristics:

Insignificant volume.
Smearing character.
(see photo).
Duration up to two days.
No unpleasant odor, pain or feeling of tension in the ovarian area.

It is imperative to go to the hospital if such a situation occurs constantly, the general condition worsens, and, without interruption, turns into menstruation.

Before your period

A few days before monthly bleeding, a girl may notice traces of slight brown mucous discharge on her underwear or daily routine. This phenomenon is isolated. The fibrous structure of the secretion should not be scary, since this is how the body signals the beginning of the process of rejection of the mucous layer of the uterus.

Prolonged spotting of a brownish or dark burgundy hue a week before menstruation can be caused by:

stress;
improper diet;
strict diets;
overweight;
wrong lifestyle;
lack of sleep;
smoking, drugs and alcohol;
constant physical overstrain;
severe hormone deficiency.

Brown discharge between periods in most cases indicates a menstrual irregularity or the presence of pathology. A particularly dangerous symptom is the unpleasant odor of the secreted fluid and constant pain in the abdomen and lower back.

After menstruation

There should not be a lot of brown mucus from the genital tract, since implantation damages a small number of blood vessels. Some women do not have such an early sign at all, so secretion with the blood does not always mean pregnancy.

Brown discharge in women after ovulation 6-12 days can indicate fertilization. The time interval depends on the individual characteristics of the organism.

Additional symptoms:

swelling and tenderness of the mammary glands;
frequent urge to go to the toilet;
increased drowsiness;
sudden mood swings;
dizziness and fatigue.

Hormonal fluctuations

When you start using oral contraceptives or an intrauterine device, your body gradually adapts to the contraceptive. The adaptation period can last about three months, accompanied by minor symptoms.

In this situation, it is necessary to pay attention to the discomfort, as well as the specific period of the cycle when this or that vaginal secretion occurs. A woman can cause dark vaginal discharge:

skipping a pill;
violation of instructions;
taking a large dose of the drug;
the wrong type is OK.

When discharge indicates pathology

Without serious knowledge of gynecology, it is difficult to independently determine why there is brown discharge, and there is significant discomfort and pain in the lower abdomen. But a woman can pay attention to the following signs, which should prompt an immediate visit to the gynecologist:

The bloody secretion is too thick or watery.
The amount of fluid released increases each time.
The gasket gets wet in less than an hour.
Blood is noted in the mucus systematically.
Sexual contact is accompanied by pain.
There is a high body temperature for no reason.
There is an unpleasant odor.
Itching and burning are felt.
There are no periods for a long time.
A large number of clots are observed during pseudomenstruation.

Often the pathological condition of the reproductive system manifests itself by the release of a large amount of secretion with blood. However, gynecological pathologies do not always make themselves felt with clear symptoms, so they can be mistakenly correlated with the consequences of stress, starvation, inaccurate coitus and other relatively harmless provocateurs. Therefore, if you detect brownish discharge of any intensity, you should visit a gynecologist. Let's consider the most common pathologies accompanied by the described symptom.

If discharge occurs instead of menstruation

This secretion may occur instead of menstruation. This is a scanty spotting secretion (up to 50 ml), which is accompanied by the following symptoms:

lower back pain;
feeling of tightness or pain in the chest;
shadow the lower abdomen or suprapubic area;
dizziness;
nausea.

The symptom may be caused by the following reasons:

Hormonal disbalance.
Pituitary dysfunction.
Endometrial injury.
Consequence of abortion.
Protracted inflammatory process.
Improper functioning of the endocrine system.
Strong physical activity.
Exhausting sports.
Beginning of pregnancy.

Why does the discharge change color?

The brownish color of vaginal fluid varies depending on the factor of origin: light brown, brown, or even black. Vaginal secretion may darken due to:

taking antibiotics;
hormonal imbalance;
worsening of the disease;
development of diabetes mellitus;
disruption of the endocrine system;
treatment with hormones.

Remember that normal secretion, once on linen after some time under the influence of oxygen, darkens slightly, acquiring a light yellow-brown tint.

Gynecological diseases and pathologies of pregnancy

The appearance of copious dark brown discharge cannot be associated with normal processes in the body. A similar sign indicates:

inflammatory processes;
sexual infections;
ectopic (ectopic pregnancy);
threat of miscarriage (from the first to the third trimester);
endometritis;
cystitis;
endometriosis;
cervical erosion;
polyps;
endometrial hyperplasia;
benign neoplasms;

Diseases may not be diagnosed for a long time because symptoms do not appear immediately. A woman may not be aware of the pathology and may not observe any obvious signs. The appearance of dark brown discharge often indicates an already advanced case, which will be much more difficult to treat. It is for this reason that you should visit a gynecologist every six months without a good reason, and immediately if you have unnatural symptoms.

Problems with pregnancy and malignant tumors are considered especially dangerous, because in these situations there is a threat to the patient’s life without timely treatment or surgical intervention.

Cystitis

When the urethra or bladder itself becomes inflamed, blood is released, which is not related to diseases of the reproductive system. After frequent urination, a woman not only notices pain in the lower abdomen or lower back. Additional symptoms of urethritis resemble the common cold. The following symptoms and characteristics of the secreted fluid should alert you:

the appearance of blood in the urine;
frequent urge to urinate;
cloudy urine;
high body temperature;
vomiting and nausea.

Infectious diseases

Infection of a woman's genital organs in the absence of timely treatment causes prolonged inflammatory processes. Such violations affect the quantity and shade of vaginal secretion. To prevent complications, women need to know the nature of dangerous brown discharge and what infections they occur with.

chlamydia;
gonorrhea;
trichomoniasis;
candidiasis (thrush);
genital herpes;
mycoplasmosis;
ureaplasmosis;
bacterial vaginosis;
gardnerellosis.

The occurrence of these diseases can be asymptomatic until the infection provokes inflammation. Each type of pathology has its own symptoms, but in any condition, brown vaginal discharge is a serious reason to visit a doctor and take a smear for microscopic examination.

Dark discharge can be considered normal or indicate the development of a pathological process in the body. In case of any ailments, you should consult a specialist and under no circumstances self-medicate. Only based on the results of the examination and tests, the doctor will prescribe effective treatment.