Brown vaginal discharge is usually old tissue or blood from menstruation or irregular periods, but it can also be a sign of endometrial cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, or sexually transmitted diseases. It can also be caused by hormonal imbalances or menopause. Any unusual discharge should be examined by a doctor, especially if other symptoms are present.
Brown vaginal discharge most commonly signals old tissue or blood, which is usually left over from menstruation or due to irregular periods. Sometimes this symptom can be a sign of endometrial cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, and occasionally sexually transmitted diseases. Brown or bloody discharge may also be more common in menopausal women.
The most common cause of brown vaginal discharge is an irregular or incomplete period. Older blood usually has a brown tinge to it and can be caused by a number of things. Sometimes menstrual tissue or blood simply takes longer to leave the body, while in other cases, a hormonal imbalance can lead to light bleeding between periods. It’s also considered normal to have brownish spots right before and right after a normal period.
In some cases, pelvic inflammatory disease can also lead to brown discharge. This is a condition where the uterus becomes infected with bacteria. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, including an incomplete miscarriage, use of an intrauterine device, and sexually transmitted diseases. Most of the time it is completely curable if caught early, although it can cause long-term damage to the reproductive organs if not treated early.
Sometimes STDs like chlamydia or gonorrhea can cause brown discharge, although this is rarer. In this case it may be due to irritation and bleeding in the reproductive tract, or from the infection itself. Both conditions are treatable once detected.
Rarely, brown vaginal discharge can be caused by uterine or cervical cancer. Many times, additional symptoms are present at this stage. These can include abdominal pain, indigestion and fatigue. Gynecological cancers can be successfully treated if caught early, although in many cases they are life-threatening.
Any unusual vaginal discharge should be examined by a qualified doctor. While usually benign and easily treated, it can sometimes signal a serious medical condition. This is especially important if other symptoms are present. Things to look out for are abdominal pain, bleeding between periods, vaginal irritation, itching, pain when urinating, yellow or green vaginal discharge, sores on the genitals, a foul odor, and sometimes digestive discomfort.
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