Brown discharge before a period is typically a vaginal discharge that contains blood. Brown discharge that occurs when a period is not due may cause worry. However, brown discharge before a period is not typically a cause for concern.
This article explores the various causes of brown discharge before a period. It discusses what this may mean if a person is pregnant, not pregnant, or approaching menopause.
The article also looks at other more serious causes of brown discharge, and when to see a doctor.
What is brown discharge?
Vaginal discharge often occurs on an almost daily basis. Typically, vaginal discharge is thin and clear or white. Sometimes, it may be other colors. When vaginal discharge is brown, it likely contains small amounts of old blood. Old blood that has taken longer to come out of the uterus may be brown.
Brown discharge can occur for a variety of reasons, including.
When not pregnant
Woman experiencing brown discharge looking thoughtful.
A doctor should be consulted if brown discharge causes concern.
When there is no pregnancy, brown discharge may be caused by:
old blood leaving the uterus a few days after the end of a period
a period just beginning to start, where the flow is very light
ovulation spotting, which may be pinkish-brown
a reaction to a Pap smear test or vaginal exam
a reaction to having sex, especially if vigorous
During pregnancy
Pink or brown discharge or spotting before a period may be an early sign of pregnancy. Not every pregnant person will experience this symptom, but some do.
This discharge is caused by implantation bleeding that can happen when the fertilized egg burrows into the uterus lining. Implantation bleeding can occur 1 to 2 weeks after the egg has been fertilized.
Anyone who experiences implantation bleeding following unprotected sex should take a pregnancy test.
Anyone who is pregnant and experiences dark brown discharge should speak to a doctor. However, brown discharge during pregnancy is not usually a cause for concern. In rare cases, it may indicate an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.
Approaching menopause
For those people in their 40s or 50s, brown discharge before a period may be a sign of perimenopause.
Perimenopause is the transition period before menopause when periods stop. Other symptoms may include:
mood swings
hot flushes
night sweats
trouble sleeping
vaginal dryness
More serious causes of brown discharge
There are some other more serious causes of brown discharge. These may occur at any age regardless of whether there is a pregnancy. They are likely to be accompanied by other symptoms.
More serious causes include:
Pelvic inflammatory disease
3D render of uterus
PID affects the cervix and uterus.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the cervix and uterus that can cause brown discharge. Other symptoms may include:
pain in the pelvis and lower abdomen
pain during sex
fever
smelly vaginal discharge
burning sensation when urinating
Anyone who thinks they might have PID should speak to their doctor. If the doctor diagnoses PID, they may prescribe antibiotics to treat it.
Sexually transmitted disease
Brown discharge before a period may indicate a sexually transmitted disease (STD), such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. Other symptoms may include:
burning sensation when urinating
smelly discharge
pain during sex
Not all people with STDs experience symptoms, which is why it is essential for all sexually-active people to be tested regularly for STDs.
Most STDs are easy to treat, although some are more serious and require more involved treatment. Treatment may include a course of antibiotics.
Retained foreign body
Bad-smelling brown discharge can occur if a foreign object gets left in the vagina accidentally. Objects that can cause this might include:
tampons
condoms
vaginal contraceptive sponges, diaphragms, or cervical caps
contraceptive rings
Anyone who notices a brown discharge with an odor should see their doctor, as they may have a retained object or vaginal infection.
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