It might be thick, sticky, or rubber-like in consistency. No worries, though—your period should still continue as normal. You may just be having some slight irregularities in your cycle. When someone starts a new hormonal treatment or birth control, sometimes their period is replaced with brown discharge or light spotting for the next several months as their body adjusts. Brown discharge instead of menstruation could also be a sign of implantation bleeding in early pregnancy.
Brown discharge instead of your period could be an early sign of pregnancy. About one to two weeks after a fertilized egg attaches to your uterine lining which occurs during ovulation , you may notice some pink or brown blood from implantation bleeding. In rare cases, dark brown discharge during pregnancy can be a sign of miscarriage. Other possible signs of miscarriage include cramps, so if you are experiencing cramping along with unusual discharge, it may be worth calling your doctor.
This is called lochia. If you notice brown discharge with a strong, unpleasant odor, you should speak with your doctor as it could be the sign of a vaginal infection like and STI or a retained foreign object such as a tampon.
Retained foreign objects can result in serious infections and need prompt evaluation in person. To prevent infections that can cause abnormal discharge—usually characterized by a four odor and gray or green color—vaginal hygiene is important:.
They may consider prescribing a new birth control method with higher estrogen that can help stop the spotting. Hormonal contraception can also help manage chronic menstrual pain from conditions like PCOS or endometriosis. Men and women can also be vaccinated against human papillomavirus HPV , the most common cause of cervical cancer.
However, if the brown discharge lasts for several weeks, frequently happens after sex, has an unpleasant smell, or occurs after your menopause, you should speak to your doctor. Additionally, if you experience any of the symptoms below alongside brown discharge, you should consult with your doctor:.
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We avoid using tertiary references. Patterns and predictors of vaginal bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Vaginal Discharge. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. She completed her residency in emergency medicine at Christiana Care Health System.
Vaginal discharge is, basically, mucosal secretions produced by glands in your cervix and walls of your vagina, according to the U. National Library of Medicine. Discharge keeps your purpose is to keep your vagina clean and healthy by clearing out dead cells from its lining, per the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ACOG. It also provides lubrication to protect your vagina from infection and irritation. Berens, M.
FYI: That process is called oxidization—when red blood mixes with air and turns a brownish hue. Another potential cause: Your birth-control methods. The same goes for other hormonal methods of birth control that contain progestin, along with a lower dose of estrogen like the Pill, patch, or vaginal ring —they might cause spotting or darker colored discharge. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy.
Registry Builder New. Medically Reviewed by Jennifer Wu, M. Medical Review Policy All What to Expect content that addresses health or safety is medically reviewed by a team of vetted health professionals. Do you have brown discharge? Back to Top.
In This Article. Continue Reading Below. Read This Next. Early Signs of Pregnancy. View Sources. Jennifer Wu , M. What were your first signs of pregnancy? Brown discharge can replace a period or come after a missed period during early pregnancy.
Other signs and symptoms of early pregnancy include:. If you experience brown discharge and cramps after your period, it could be caused by PCOS or early pregnancy. Early miscarriage could also cause these symptoms. Sometimes the bleeding and cramps caused by miscarriage are mistaken for a period. The blood from a miscarriage can be red, but it can also be brown and resemble coffee grounds. Period blood usually has some odor, but if you notice brown discharge with a strong odor, an STI is the most likely cause.
Changes to your menstrual cycle, such as missed periods or irregular periods , or heavy periods could also indicate a problem. Also see a doctor if you think you might be pregnant or have other concerning symptoms, such as:. Throughout your menstrual cycle, the color and consistency of blood can change.
It can be thin and watery one day, and thick and clumpy the next. You may see red, brown, and even black blood during your period. Here's what the different period blood colors mean and when to see your doctor. Some symptoms are easy to identify as potentially serious health problems. Chest pain, high fever, and bleeding are all typically signs that something….
Spotting is lighter than a period and may indicate that you have an underlying condition. Call your doctor if you experience abnormal vaginal bleeding. Abnormal uterine bleeding is any vaginal bleeding that occurs between periods.
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