Brown discharge with mucus. What does dark brown discharge mean?

The menstrual cycle is a process regulated by hormones. During it, the endometrium gradually grows. In the absence of pregnancy, this process ends with its rejection and release with menstrual blood. This period takes on average 5 days.

But sometimes bloody brown discharge of varying intensity appears on other days. The reasons for this depend on the age and condition of the body.

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  1. In children and adolescents

  For the first time, brown discharge may appear in newborn girls on the 4th-5th day of life. This is a physiological condition called sexual crisis.

  It occurs under the influence of a sharp drop in estrogen levels after birth. Sexual crisis is observed in 70% of newborns and indicates the child’s normal adaptation. It lasts no longer than 2 days and does not require special treatment. Typically, the volume of blood released does not exceed 2 ml.

  If a mother notices brown discharge on a preschool girl’s underwear, then she needs to think about the child’s personal hygiene. Neglect of water procedures, uncomfortable underwear, enterobiasis lead to the development of and.

  They are characterized by an increase in the amount of discharge, the appearance of an unpleasant odor, redness of the vulva area, and intense itching. The child involuntarily adjusts his panties and fidgets. Daytime and night sleep is disturbed, he becomes restless, anxious with frequent waking up.

  If the itching is severe, the girl will scratch the problem areas. Sometimes this results in small drops of blood appearing on your underwear.

  Before puberty, the reasons for the appearance of bloody discharge may be the following:

  • inflammatory diseases (vulvitis and vulvovaginitis);
  • foreign bodies in the vagina;
  • trauma and violence;
  • very rarely - tumors.

  In rare cases, bleeding may occur due to the entry of large amounts of estrogen into the body. These can be tablet medications taken without asking the mother, as well as vaginal creams with estrogen (for example, in the treatment of synechiae).

  Hormonal imbalance that occurs due to stress, endocrinological diseases, or taking certain medications can also cause brownish bleeding. This is more often observed with hyperestrogenism. In the middle of the cycle, spotting may be associated with a sharp drop in hormone levels after ovulation. Its duration in this case does not exceed 2-3 days.

  2.2. Endometriosis

  The growth of the endometrium in atypical places may be accompanied by the appearance of spotting and bleeding between menstruation. This condition is associated with relative hyperestrogenism. Foci of endometriosis have their own hormonal activity.

  Sometimes dark, almost black, thick discharge is observed a few days after the end of menstruation. This condition is observed with endometriosis of the uterus - adenomyosis. It is associated with delayed emptying of the endometrioid cavities, which penetrate the wall of the uterus and resemble a honeycomb. During menstruation, the endometrium is shed, and only after a few days does it release these cavities.

  Treatment of this pathology depends on its severity. For mild endometriosis, hormonal drugs are used, while severe endometriosis requires surgical intervention.

  2.3. Ectopic pregnancy

  The attachment of the fertilized egg outside the uterine cavity is called an ectopic pregnancy. The most common is tubal pregnancy, but the embryo can attach in other places:

  • in the cervix;
  • in the abdominal cavity;
  • on the surface of the ovary;
  • in the rudimentary uterine horn.

  A woman may not be aware that she is pregnant, especially if she has an irregular menstrual cycle. But such a pregnancy ends in abortion. The severity of the symptoms of its interruption will depend on the place of attachment of the fertilized egg.

  When the fallopian tube ruptures, acute bleeding into the abdominal cavity begins. Therefore, clinical manifestations appear suddenly and are accompanied by a sharp deterioration in condition. The main bleeding opens into the abdominal cavity; there may not be any discharge of blood from the vagina.

  An interrupted ectopic pregnancy, such as a tubal abortion, has more subtle symptoms. This condition will manifest itself as follows:

  1. 1 The increase in clinical symptoms is prolonged – from several days to weeks.
  2. 2 Complaints of paroxysmal pain in the lower abdomen.
  3. 3 The discharge is scanty, spotting, brown or almost black.
  4. 4 Sometimes you may experience dizziness, vomiting, nausea, and weakness.

  In ovarian pregnancy, termination occurs early. The symptoms are similar to tubal abortion. Cervical pregnancy poses a great danger. At first there will be no symptoms. Then spotting dark brown discharge appears. As pregnancy progresses, the risk of profuse bleeding increases. Has a poor prognosis. Curettage to interrupt it is almost impossible - this is a huge risk of massive bleeding that threatens life.

  In the short term, it is possible to terminate pregnancy using cytostatics (Methotrexate), as well as embolization of the uterine arteries. As pregnancy progresses, massive bleeding is an indication for hysterectomy.

  2.4. Ovarian apoplexy

  This is an emergency condition that results from hemorrhage in the ovarian tissue. Often occurs during the ovulation phase.

  The severity of bleeding depends on the form of the disease. With anemic apoplexy, bleeding into the abdominal cavity predominates. Therefore, a large amount of blood can be released from the vagina, and the general condition of the body is characterized by acute significant blood loss. Symptoms of apoplexy:

  • decreased blood pressure;
  • tachycardia;
  • pallor, dizziness;
  • acute abdominal pain;
  • unexpressed symptoms of peritoneal irritation.

  The painful form of apoplexy is characterized by bleeding in the ovarian tissue. Therefore, scant brownish discharge is observed from the genital tract. Clinical picture: paroxysmal pain, acute onset of the disease, nausea, vomiting.

  Treatment of apoplexy depends on its form. In the absence of signs of bleeding, with a stable condition, you can be treated conservatively:

  • coldness in the lower abdomen;
  • hemostatics;
  • antibiotics;
  • vitamins.

  Treatment is carried out in a hospital setting under constant supervision. If the condition worsens and blood loss continues, surgical treatment is necessary.

  2.5. During pregnancy

  The appearance of brownish discharge in a pregnant woman should alert you. Only in some cases can this be considered a variant of the norm:

  1. 1 At the beginning of pregnancy, when implantation of the fertilized egg occurs. Bloody discharge may appear after a few days of missed period. In intensity and appearance they will be very different from menstrual ones. Usually last no more than 3 days.
  2. 2 At the end of pregnancy, when the cervix is ​​preparing for childbirth. Brown discharge mixed with mucus is a sign of a plug coming out of the cervix.

  In the early stages of pregnancy, the appearance of brown discharge is associated with the threat of miscarriage. In this case, nagging pain may appear in the lower abdomen, lower back, or perineum.

  This condition is often associated with insufficient progesterone in the blood. It is corrected by prescribing progesterone drugs: Duphaston, Utrozhestan.

  To maintain pregnancy, they must be taken until the placenta forms, after which it takes over the function of progesterone synthesis. Usually occurs around 16 weeks. But in some cases, progesterone is discontinued only at 20 weeks.

  In the second and third trimester, the appearance of brown spotting is also associated with a threat to the further progression of pregnancy. This may mean the beginning of abruption of a normally located placenta.

  When placenta previa is diagnosed, the release of red blood from the genital tract may be due to this pathology. Both of these conditions require immediate consultation with a doctor and hospitalization in a hospital (pathology department).

  If bleeding is observed during placenta previa, attempts are made to maintain the pregnancy. In case of heavy bleeding, only cesarean section is possible, regardless of gestational age.

  After childbirth, a woman experiences bleeding, which gradually becomes mucous in nature. By the time of discharge from the hospital, the discharge is moderate, mucous-brown, without an unpleasant odor (there may be an iron smell).

  If at home, instead of gradually lightening and reducing the amount of lochia, brown or bright red discharge is observed, then you should immediately consult a doctor. The unpleasant, pungent or putrid odor of lochia, which is often observed with postpartum endometritis, should also alert a woman.

  To stop bleeding, curettage of the uterine cavity is necessary to remove possible remnants of the placenta.

  3. Menopause

  During the period of gradual decline in ovarian function, menstruation may disappear and resume. But the appearance of spotting in the middle of the menstrual cycle should alert you.

  If a woman has previously been diagnosed with endometriosis or endometrial hyperplasia, then they may be the cause of vaginal discharge. , there have been no menstruation for more than a year, then if blood with mucus or watery brown discharge appears, you should consult a doctor. This may be a symptom of cancer that requires immediate diagnosis.

  It may be a direct consequence: dryness of the vaginal mucosa with simultaneous atrophy leads to the appearance of small cracks and microtraumas during sex.

  4. Diagnostics

  The causes of brown vaginal discharge can be very diverse. It is important to remember that their appearance during a period of time not associated with menstruation requires consultation with a doctor. In addition to questioning and examination in a gynecological chair, the following can be performed:

  1. 2 PAP test.
  2. 3 Colposcopy and hysteroscopy.
  3. 4 Separate curettage and histological examination of the material.
  4. 5 Ultrasound of the pelvic organs.
  5. 6 According to indications: hysterography and MRI, blood test for tumor markers, general blood test, studies of sex hormone levels.

The flow of fluid from the genitals is normal for the fair sex, but when brown and pain appear, many women begin to panic, although sometimes there is no reason for this. To understand the situation and find out exactly what caused the unusual phenomenon, you need to consult a doctor.

If the discharge appeared in the middle of the menstrual cycle and lasted only a few hours, you don’t have to worry, since this is just a sign of successful ovulation. If brown liquid comes out of the genital tract for more than one day, you should definitely consult a doctor, as this may indicate the development of a pathology.

Main etiological factors

If brown fluid is discharged for a long time in the middle of the menstrual cycle, this requires special attention. Even if this does not cause discomfort or pain, such a phenomenon is a cause for concern.

First of all, it is worth noting that they are often signs of endometriosis. This is a rather unpleasant disease that can become an obstacle to the desired pregnancy. It is imperative to treat endometriosis, as it can lead to serious complications. Moreover, this disease is also distinguished by some extremely unpleasant symptoms that prevent a woman from living a normal life. We are talking about abundant and, as well as instability of the menstrual cycle.

There can be many reasons for the development of endometriosis. This disease is characterized by the proliferation of endometrial tissue, which causes a lot of unpleasant symptoms. Often, endometriosis is a consequence of abortion and the birth of a child by cesarean section. And yet, it can be difficult to accurately determine the reason why the pathology developed. Women whose periods are very painful and prolonged should be tested for endometriosis.

The second common cause of odorless and painful discharge is hyperplasia. This is a very dangerous pathology of the female body, as it can become a provoking factor for the development of a malignant neoplasm. Therefore, when your period appears, you must immediately consult a doctor and undergo all the necessary diagnostic procedures.

Another danger is posed by an infectious fungal infection of the reproductive system. It manifests itself in various unpleasant symptoms, but one of the first will be menstrual irregularities and the presence of brown discharge. Moreover, in some cases, this type of liquid completely replaces menstruation. If the menstrual cycle is disrupted, and instead brown discharge appears, which may be odorless and painful, you need to contact the clinic. It is quite possible that we are talking about chlamydia, ureaplasmosis or herpes in the active stage. All this is dangerous not only for the woman herself, but also for her partner, so such diseases must be treated.

Other possible origins

Representatives of the fair sex always get very nervous when the body gives incomprehensible signals. As for brown discharge, which does not cause much discomfort and does not have an unpleasant odor, there can be a lot of reasons. Some of them require immediate treatment, while others go away on their own. And yet, to be sure that this symptom is not caused by a disease, you need to consult a specialist.

Often the appearance of brown discharge is associated with contraception. If a doctor prescribes oral contraceptives to a patient, he must warn about possible side effects, which include brown discharge. The first few months after starting to take the pills, a similar phenomenon is not excluded. It indicates that the body is adapting to new rules. However, if the symptom does not go away for more than 3 months from the moment you started taking oral contraceptives, this is a good reason to consult a doctor, who will most likely cancel the previously prescribed drug and choose a new one.

But it’s not just oral contraception that can lead to unusual discharge. The intrauterine device can manifest itself in the same way. This does not mean that it was installed incorrectly. The discharge should not last long.

If brown discharge appears immediately after the end of the menstrual period, this indicates that the woman needs to be more careful about her personal hygiene. In the middle of the cycle, a similar phenomenon signals successful ovulation.

But still, brown discharge is not always the norm. Sometimes they are a symptom of a serious illness. For example, such signs may signal the presence of polyps in the uterus and the development of dangerous hyperplasia. In addition, this phenomenon may be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. But in this case, in addition to dark brown discharge, the woman will be bothered by other unpleasant symptoms.

Problem during pregnancy

The brown liquid coming out of the genital tract may also be familiar to representatives of the fair sex who are pregnant. This is a rather dangerous phenomenon that requires mandatory consultation with a specialist. Often the presence of brown discharge is associated with abruption of the placenta or ovum. But in such a dangerous situation, the expectant mother will certainly be bothered by other symptoms. First of all, it is worth noting that the discharge in this case will be accompanied by unpleasant sensations. In this case, the pain is usually localized in the lower abdomen.

Brown discharge is especially dangerous for pregnant women in the first trimester. At this stage, such a phenomenon may indicate an approaching miscarriage. At first, the liquid may come out without significant pain, so you need to be very careful.

At the very beginning of pregnancy, brown discharge may also appear. This occurs when the embryo is successfully implanted into the wall of the uterus. Many women confuse this phenomenon with the arrival of menstruation, believing that they are not delayed. But after a while, a big surprise awaits them when the pregnancy is confirmed.

Symptoms after an abortion or miscarriage

Termination of pregnancy, whether spontaneous or surgical, is always associated with a great risk to the woman’s health. In this case, there is always a significant loss of blood, and then the copious red discharge turns brown. This indicates that the wound healing process has already begun.

But the discharge should not last too long. As a rule, they go away within a week or two. Women who have had an abortion need to remember that they are at risk for developing many diseases of the reproductive system. Some of these pathologies can lead to the appearance of brown, odorless and painful discharge. This should primarily include the development of endometriosis and cervical hyperplasia, which manifests itself in the form of brownish discharge immediately after menstruation. If a woman has had an abortion, she should be extremely attentive to her health and undergo timely examinations by a doctor.

Brown vaginal discharge may not be a dangerous symptom of any disease. If such discharge characterizes the end of your period, then most likely this is the norm for you. The thing is that the color and consistency of menstrual flow is a purely individual matter. For example, brown discharge indicates that menstrual fluid comes out slowly and has time to come into contact with air, which naturally leads to its pigmentation.

But what to do if brown vaginal discharge appears a few days after the end of menstruation? Could this be a sign of a disease? Let's look at the cases in which brown discharge after menstruation poses a health hazard.

Chronic endometritis

The cause of brown vaginal discharge is often a disease such as endometritis. Its chronic form is characterized by inflammation of the mucous membrane of the uterine cavity. The disease can be caused by intrauterine interventions during the prenatal period or the process of inflammation after an abortion. Brown discharge with endometritis can occur either at the beginning, at the end or in the middle of the menstrual cycle. Moreover, in the latter case, the discharge is accompanied by aching pain in the lower abdomen.

Endometriosis

Nodular, small cystic formations or growths in the cervical area cause virtually no pain and are difficult to diagnose in a timely manner. An alarming symptom of the disease is brown vaginal discharge. They usually appear a few days after menstruation. They have an unpleasant odor and sometimes contain small blood clots.

A collective name for various pathological processes in the uterus. The inner mucous membrane of the uterine body is susceptible to a huge number of diseases, from delayed embryonic development during pregnancy to fibroids and. In any case, if you suddenly have brown discharge outside the menstrual period, this is a good reason to consult a specialist.

Inflammatory diseases of the vagina

Drugs to stop bleeding

Often young (and sometimes not so young) people, having read women’s forums on the Internet, resort to independently purchasing drugs that stop bleeding in any phase of the menstrual cycle. It should be remembered that drugs such as dicynon, vitaxol or transekam should be used only as prescribed by a doctor. Some hemostatic agents, especially in the early stages of pregnancy, can cause irreparable harm to health. So for any bloody discharge, be it brown or bright red, first see a doctor - and then go to the pharmacy!

And finally...

The gynecologist often does not care what color your vaginal discharge is. The light or dark brown color of the discharge indicates the presence of blood in it. And if you have spotting, bloody brown discharge that is not associated with menstruation, this is already a reason to think about its cause. So don’t self-medicate and wish you good health!

Dmitry Belov

Ideally, women should not have any bloody or brown discharge from the genital tract outside of menstruation. But often girls notice spotting before or after menstruation, as well as after sexual intercourse. It is necessary to pay attention to this; often such minor manifestations hide serious diseases. When should you sound the alarm and run to the doctor? In what cases can brown discharge between periods be normal?

Read in this article

Discharge is normal

Discharge from a girl's genital tract can change throughout the menstrual cycle. It depends on age, hormonal levels, the presence of various diseases and some other reasons.

During puberty, when puberty just begins, the body, saturated with estrogen, begins to stimulate the formation of mucus in the vagina. It can be transparent and whitish in color. Most often it has a viscous consistency, sometimes like “lumps”. All this indicates a favorable development of puberty, the girl’s complete health and the fact that her menstrual function will soon improve.

After sexual intercourse

Stormy intimate relationships, especially under the influence of alcohol or drugs, often lead to injuries to the genital organs. Moreover, their nature varies from small cracks to serious ruptures. In the first case, you don’t have to worry too much; a slight smear will go away in a day or two. But with heavy discharge, surgical intervention is often indispensable; you should seek medical help.

During the first sexual experience, bloody discharge may also be detected, usually a few drops or a light spotting. They can be repeated up to 3 - 4 sexual contacts.

While taking oral contraceptives

In the first month of taking hormonal drugs, including for the purpose of contraception, various types of bleeding from the genital tract are often observed. This can be a short-term daub, or sometimes more abundant and long-lasting regulation.

Similar disruptions to the menstrual cycle are allowed during the first month. If symptoms persist, you should consult a doctor for examination. This may indicate an inadequate dose of the hormone in the drug or that it is not suitable for this girl.

This pathology occurs more often in premenopausal women, after numerous abortions and other interventions in the uterine cavity. But there are also cases of the disease in young nulliparous girls.

Most often, brown discharge occurs between periods without pain. Sometimes they can be mistaken for ovulation, but their constant nature forces us to look for a more serious cause.

Endometrial hyperplasia and polyps, in addition to intermenstrual discharge, are the cause of heavy, clotted periods.

Malignant neoplasms

The oncological process also manifests itself with irregular bleeding. Their nature can be different - from smearing to abundant. Their appearance is often noted, including after sexual intercourse.

Bloody discharge during menopause in 30% of cases indicates endometrial cancer.

Pathology of the cervix

In the presence of cervical erosion or a polyp of the cervical canal, periodic brown bleeding may appear between menstruation. They are provoked by sexual intercourse, physical activity, etc.

A characteristic feature of endometriosis is the appearance of spotting brown discharge on the eve of menstruation and after it. Usually their duration is more than 2 - 3 days. In this case, pain and discomfort may appear, including during sexual intercourse.

Pathology of the thyroid gland and other endocrine organs

The thyroid gland, to a greater extent than other internal secretion organs, affects the functioning of the genital organs and the regularity of the menstrual cycle. Therefore, with its pathology, disorders more often occur, including intermenstrual discharge.

Availability of an IUD

The intrauterine device can cause spotting on the eve of menstruation and after it. Moreover, sometimes they last up to 3 - 5 days, which brings considerable discomfort to the woman. All this can be accompanied by and. This is how the body reacts to such a foreign body. Only by removing the IUD will it be possible to get rid of the symptoms.

What does color tell you?

Bloody discharge may vary in color. But it is impossible to say based on this alone what the cause of the violations is.

So, we can highlight the following:

• brown,
• very dark, almost
• bright scarlet, bloody.

If greenish tints are added to this, purulent in nature, as well as with an unpleasant, putrefactive odor, which indicates that the infection is attached to the underlying disease. In this case, you should not hesitate to visit a doctor.

Spotting after intercourse

“Contact” spotting that appears in a woman immediately or several hours after sex always alarms doctors. This is one of the most common and first signs of cervical cancer. That is why, in the event of such complaints, it is necessary to undergo a full examination in order to identify the pathology in an unadvanced form.

But not only with cancer of the cervix and vagina, brown discharge appears between menstruation; the causes may be hidden in a polyp of the cervical canal or uterine cavity, erosion, an inflammatory process and some others. Only a doctor can finally figure it out after an examination.

Diagnosis of the presence of pathology

12/09/2017 at 16:31

Hello! You describe the complaints a little chaotically, at least it’s not entirely clear to me)). So, it would be good if you answered the following questions:
1. Before or after menstruation, or regardless of it at all
2. Every month?
3. Height and weight, have there been episodes of elevated blood sugar levels?
4. Have you ever been examined for sexually transmitted infections using PCR or culture.
After this, you will be able to judge what is happening to you.

Regarding Metrogyl, do not worry, if pregnancy is ruled out, the drug will not cause harm. Another question is how much it will help). If you are very worried, try making an appointment, for example, at a private clinic, there is no queue. All the best!

Elena

I’m 14 years old and haven’t had my period yet, but I’ve had light brown and dark brown discharge for the last 4 days, what could this mean?

Daria Shirochina (obstetrician-gynecologist)

Hello! Bloody or brown discharge from the genital tract is either a sign of the onset of menstruation or other diseases. First of all, you should tell someone close to you - your mother, sister, etc. Adults familiar with menstruation can help you figure out if it's them). Also, pregnancy should not be ruled out, but only if you are sexually active. If the discharge continues to be spotty, or you cannot rule out pregnancy, you should consult a doctor. If they “transition” into normal heavy bleeding, this means the beginning of menstrual function. All the best!

During the entire menstrual cycle, a woman's body undergoes many changes regulated by the endocrine system. Sometimes the well-functioning functioning of hormones can, for some reason, fail, immediately affecting fragile women’s health. Most often, such phenomena are accompanied by various disturbances, for example, the appearance of discharge of an uncharacteristic color at a time that does not correspond to the established cycle. However, you should know that not all discharge is considered pathological and life-threatening. That is why gynecologists recommend that women carefully monitor their health, and if problems are detected, contact a specialist as soon as possible.

What are the causes of black discharge?

The type of discharge may change with age

The most stressful periods for the female body are considered to be the formation phase of the menstrual cycle and premenopause. During these time periods, girls and women may complain of the appearance of dark-colored discharge, which can occur before and after menstruation, as well as instead of them. These discharges are considered to be a physiological norm and, if nothing else bothers the patient, no treatment is required.

If you have pain, weakness, frequent and long-lasting discharge, it is still recommended to consult a gynecologist for an examination and identification of possible pathologies.

Black discharge may occur during pregnancy

Dark-colored smudges may occur in the following situations:

• implantation bleeding– occurs when a fertilized egg implants into the wall of the uterus, often accompanied by scanty dark discharge;
• risk of miscarriage– with this threat, most often the only symptom is a slight black smear;
• ectopic pregnancy– instead of the expected normal menstruation, the woman begins to have black discharge of a thicker consistency;
• insufficiently careful inspection obstetrician-gynecologist or injury during sexual intercourse - due to the increased vulnerability of tissues during pregnancy, special care should be taken.