Many women face the problem of vaginal discharge, which is normal, but ignoring it can cause serious health problems. Normally, white discharge may increase before periods and during ovulation. However, if the discharge is in large quantity or its color is brown, then there may be some reasons behind it, which are important to know.
Causes of brown vaginal discharge
- PCOS: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause irregular periods, which can cause brown discharge.
- Beginning or end of periods: Light brown bleeding at the beginning or end of periods may be normal.
- Infections: Bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and sexually transmitted infections (such as trichomoniasis or gonorrhea) can also cause brown discharge.
- Ovulation: Some women may have brown discharge at the time of ovulation.
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations can cause abnormal shedding of the uterine lining, leading to brown discharge.
- Fertilization: A fertilized egg attaching to the lining of the uterus may cause light bleeding, which usually occurs 1-2 weeks after fertilization.
- Cervical polyps or fibroids: These can also cause brown discharge.
- Pregnancy Symptoms: Brown discharge can be early symptoms of pregnancy and sometimes a sign of ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.
- Premenopause: Brown discharge may occur due to hormonal fluctuations in the forties, but it may also start earlier in some women.
- Serious health problems: Brown vaginal discharge can be a sign of serious conditions like cervical cancer, which are usually accompanied by other symptoms such as pain during sex or unusual weight loss.
It is important to consult a doctor if you have the problem of brown vaginal discharge, so that you can get the right treatment and advice.
