Brown discharge (vaginal discharge) – causes, treatment and prevention

Some amount of yellowish-whitish vaginal discharge is normal. Small changes are related to the woman’s hormonal balance. Brown vaginal discharge is rather untypical. The color varies from a slight brownish turbidity to reddish brown to a dark brown tone that more closely resembles a bloodstain. It must be clarified what exactly the secretion is. Brown vaginal discharge should not be confused with intermenstrual bleeding or, in young girls, with the onset of a period . In this case, there is no pathological change.

Brown vaginal discharge can lead to a small amount of blood, an unpleasant odor or a lumpy consistency of the discharge, depending on the underlying disease. Sometimes brown discharge is also accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen or itching and burning in the intimate area, which also depends on the cause of the disease.

causes

The most common causes of brown vaginal discharge are:

• bacterial infections ( vulvitis ),

• viral infections ( human papilloma virus ) and

• mycotic infections ( vaginal thrush ).

All forms are characterized by increased discharge and itching and burning in the vaginal area.

Although fungal infections are quite often the cause of heavy discharge, it can also be an infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV) , which is also suspected of causing cervical cancer, especially if it is clearly brownish in color. First, however, the infection triggers unpleasant genital warts, which can lead to brown vaginal discharge.

A rather joyful cause is early pregnancy . Hormonal changes and the formation of a plug at the cervix as well as the retention of the uterine lining for the expectant life are associated with blood. It can always happen that some old blood is shed, the easiest way out is through the vagina.

Brown vaginal discharge can be a reason for a pregnancy test; if the pregnancy is already known, you should talk to him at the next appointment, but you don’t have to worry as long as he stays light. If the brown vaginal discharge is reddish-brown and bloody, a gynecologist should be consulted. Particular caution is required during menopause , as this can be a harbinger of a tumour.

Diseases

• fungal infection

• cervical cancer

• genital warts

• hormonal imbalances

• Tumor

• STDs

When to the doctor?

Brownish vaginal discharge can have a variety of causes, but should always be seen as a warning sign. A medical examination is essential here in order to rule out a possible disease, especially in women going through the menopause. The earlier the diagnosis is made, the more successful treatment can be.

Brown discharge often occurs in connection with bleeding between periods and is not a cause for concern. B. when taking the pill. Such phenomena are also possible at the time of ovulation or at the beginning of pregnancy. However, it is often difficult to distinguish between bleeding between periods and a discharge.

Irregularities in the menstrual cycle should definitely be clarified by a gynaecologist. Brown discharge can be a sign of infection (such as ovarian infection) and should be treated. After successful treatment, it should no longer occur. It can also be the first sign of an infection with HPV (human papillomavirus). These viruses can cause what is known as cervical cancer.

Furthermore, the discharge can occur in connection with benign growths (e.g. fibroids or polyps). If these changes are not observed by a doctor, severe pain and unpleasant bleeding can occur. A tissue sample can also reveal malignant changes that are associated with brownish discharge (e.g. uterine cancer).

diagnosis and course

Any woman can initially diagnose brown vaginal discharge by observing it herself. Brown discharge due to the admixture of blood due to the onset of your period usually does not require any further treatment. However, if the cause is unclear, the gynecologist should be consulted. The course depends on the underlying disease – especially during pregnancy, the brown discharge disappears on its own after about the 5th week of pregnancy, but in the case of infections, it only subsides once the actual infection has healed. Since this puts a great strain on the immune system , you should always have the reason for the brown vaginal discharge clarified by a doctor and clarify whether supportive medication is an option.

complications

Brown vaginal discharge can cause some complications. In the most favorable case, it is the last days of the menstrual period. This subsides and in the last few days causes a brown discharge instead of a pure bloody discharge. The brown discharge can also be an indication of bleeding between periods. This occurs more frequently under stress . As soon as living conditions return to normal, the discharge disappears. In severe cases, however, these are signs of a tumor disease. This is combined with cancer therapy and thus surgical intervention, as well as chemotherapy.

Possible side effects include mental stress, anxiety , panic, nausea, vomiting or infertility. Brown discharge can be a sign of pregnancy. If this is planned, there is a pleasant mood. If it comes as a surprise and does not fit into the current living conditions, there is a risk of a number of complications. Those affected deal with mental breakdowns, the restructuring of their lives or a possible adoption.

The brown discharge can be an indication of a contagious sexually transmitted disease. A fungal infection, bacterial infestation, or trapped virus can contribute to stress, discomfort, and reduced well-being. In addition to the question of the site of infection and the associated interpersonal conflicts, medication is taken. These are associated with corresponding individual side effects.

treatment and therapy

In the case of infections such as fungi or HPV, pathogen-dependent treatment can be considered for brown vaginal discharge. Fungi and bacteria are usually easier to treat than viruses and their consequences (genital warts), because unlike bacteria, there is no remedy such as antibiotics that can kill the virus itself. In this case, symptomatic therapy (treatment of the symptoms) is usually carried out, which makes it easier for the immune system to fight the virus.

If brown discharge occurs during pregnancy, the monthly or bi-weekly check -up is sufficient to rule out that the health of mother and child is seriously affected. The gynecologist can also be consulted for clarification in the event of intermenstrual bleeding or the suspicion of the first period, which often looks like brown vaginal discharge. Although no further treatment is required here, it can give you the assurance that there is no underlying disease.

Brown vaginal discharge with bloody admixtures, on the other hand, must be taken seriously, as a tissue change ( swelling , proliferation ) could be present. An increase in tissue, a so-called tumor, does not inevitably mean a malignant change. It is often a benign cell proliferation. In any case, a thorough diagnosis is carried out by the doctor for clarification. Appropriate therapy is then initiated based on this finding.

outlook and prognosis

Brown vaginal discharge is a symptom and not an underlying condition, so the prognosis depends heavily on the underlying condition. If there is a sexually transmitted disease, the brown discharge usually lasts until it is treated and the germ load has been significantly reduced. Depending on the disease and its severity, brown discharge may persist for days or weeks despite treatment. This usually also applies to the accompanying symptoms.

Brown discharge after childbirth, on the other hand, tends to mark the approaching end of the weekly flow. It follows bloody discharge and can last from a few days to several weeks after delivery. As long as the woman takes good care of her hygiene and showers regularly, this type of brown vaginal discharge is not a problem.

If, on the other hand, it is an intermenstrual bleeding, as can occur with hormonal contraception, for example, the prognosis varies greatly from woman to woman. It can be a one-off occurrence, but if it is not well tolerated, there will always be bleeding between periods with brown or bloody discharge from the vagina. In these cases, the condition only improves when the woman has discontinued the contraceptive and replaced it with a more tolerable alternative – provided that she can tolerate hormonal contraceptives at all.

prevention

Since brown vaginal discharge is often the cause of STDs, condoms are mandatory as a safety measure. This not only applies to changing partnerships and new relationships, but also when you are not sure of your partner’s loyalty. Changes in discharge can have hormonal causes, which is why hormonal contraceptives must be taken as directed – this prevents supposed brown vaginal discharge in the form of intermenstrual bleeding.Young girls who have not yet had sexual intercourse can be vaccinated against cervical cancer caused by the human papilloma virus in order to prevent serious long-term effects even if they become infected. In addition, regular check-ups at the gynecologist are important, but not only for sexual activity, since many causes of brown vaginal discharge can be identified and treated in good time.