Gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital warts (HPV), vulvovaginitis and pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID) can all cause spotting or brown discharge. If it occurs in conjunction with other symptoms like fever, a burning sensation when urinating, pain during or after sex, abdominal pain, or foul-smelling discharge, then it could be a sexually transmitted disease. If you notice these symptoms, you should contact your healthcare provider as severe cases of endometriosis can cause infertility if not treated. If it occurs with intense pelvic pain, and a very heavy period, brown discharge before or after your period can be a sign of endometriosis.Įndometriosis occurs when the lining of the uterus begins to grow outside of the uterus, such as around the ovaries, rectum, fallopian tubes, or vagina. Other possible signs of miscarriage include: Spotting during pregnancy is sometimes, but not always, a sign of miscarriage.īleeding in pregnancy can sometimes be normal, but it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider if you experience this. PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that is estimated to occur among up to 10% of women. If brown spotting occurs in conjunction with irregular or missed periods, acne, weight gain or excess hair on the face or body, it could be a sign of PCOS. Mid-cycle spotting may be caused by the dip in estrogen that occurs after ovulation. OvulationĪround 3% of women experience spotting around the time of ovulation. I rritation to the cervix from things like a gynecological exam or pap smears and even over-enthusiastic sex can cause brown discharge. Its main characteristic is a fishy smell coming from the vagina coupled with brown colored discharge.īacterial vaginosis is common in women who are pregnant. Other symptoms of perimenopause include:īacterial vaginosis is an infection that can cause brown discharge. Perimenopause usually begins during a woman’s 40s. This spotting may be brown, pink, or red. Perimenopauseĭuring the years leading up to menopause, fluctuating estrogen levels can cause irregular bleeding or spotting. This type of brown discharge is a normal part of menstruation. Slower blood oxidizes, which causes it to turn brown. When blood is flowing quickly, it’s usually red. The flow of menstrual blood slows down at the beginning and end of your period. Possible causes of brown discharge include: Menstruationīrown discharge may occur in the days before your period is due, or for several days after your period seems to have ended. You can best determine the cause of brown discharge by examining some of the other circumstances and symptoms that surround it. Talk to your doctor if you notice this type of discharge. Yellow or green: Can be a sign of infection, especially if it’s chunky like cottage cheese, or has a foul smell.Clear and watery: Similar to clear and stretchy discharge, clear and watery discharge also indicates peak fertility-especially if there are copious amounts of it.Clear and stretchy: Usually seen in the middle of your cycle, this type of discharge indicates that you are approaching ovulation and are highly fertile.If it’s accompanied by itching, you should talk to your doctor because it may indicate a yeast infection. Thick and white: This type of discharge is common just before or just after your period.

It can also sometimes occur during early pregnancy-around the time that you expect your period (but don’t mistake it for implantation bleeding!)

Brown: This is most common during your period usually it’s just cervical mucus tinged with blood.

Here are the different types of discharge: The amount and frequency of discharge can vary from woman to woman. During different phases of your menstrual cycle, you may notice different consistencies and colors. Vaginal discharge is the fluid that comes out of the vagina as a result of the bacteria and fluids secreted by your vaginal cells. What are the different types of vaginal discharge? The reason for this is that blood oxidizes when exposed to the air. As blood ages in the body, it turns brown instead of a bright red. What is brown vaginal discharge?īrown discharge is cervical mucus that is tinged with old blood.

It often occurs around the time of your period. Most of the time, it’s nothing to worry about. It can be disconcerting to notice brown vaginal discharge in your underwear or when you wipe.

Brown tinge in cervical mucus