You are going about your day when you suddenly notice a brown discharge from your vagina – but it’s not your date. Have you ever experienced this? You might have wondered why that is so, and sometimes girls also get worried. But don’t worry, it’s just your old blood making its way out of the uterus. Through this blog, let’s uncover this feminine secret to see what it actually is and should you are worried about it or not. 

What is brown discharge? 

Once in your life, you might have wondered why my period blood brown. Or the question “Does brown discharge mean pregnancy?” must have run through your mind once. No, brown discharge doesn’t mean that you are pregnant. Brown discharge before your period is usually old blood that has taken longer to exit the uterus, often appearing brown due to oxidation.

Is brown discharge normal? 

Occasional Brown discharge is completely normal if it is brief and symptoms-free. However, recurring episodes of brown discharge can be concerning. Brown discharge sometimes may signal STDs, Uterine Polyps/Fibroids, conditions like Endometriosis or PCOS and Perimenopause. You have to be mindful of the following symptoms:

• Persistent brown discharge in multiple cycles.

• Pelvic pain, itching and odour.

• Heavy bleeding between periods

• Pregnancy concerns, but first take a pregnancy test to confirm. 

• Postmenopausal bleeding.

Whenever you see any of these symptoms, know that it’s time to meet your gynaecologist because a thorough examination of your feminine health is required.

What can cause brown discharge?

Let’s have a look at some very common causes of brown discharge before your period:

• Light spotting (1-2 days before your period) is often normal. The brown colour indicates older blood from a previous cycle or the start of a light flow.

• Hormonal imbalances, like fluctuation in estrogen or progesterone due to stress, weight changes, etc., can also cause brown spotting. 

• Some girls also experience brown spotting mid-cycle, which may appear brown, which is totally normal. 

• If conception occurs, light brown/pink spotting around 10–14 days after ovulation may signal embryo implantation.

Some serious causes of brown discharge are as follows:

• Changes in the vaginal discharge may be because of pelvic cancer. Brown discharge due to pelvic cancer is mostly accompanied by pain while having intercourse, pain while bleeding, and heavier or longer periods. 

• When a foreign object is left inside the vagina, then you may also experience brown discharge. For example, a tampon, condom or contraceptive ring. Anyone who experiences brown discharge with odour must see the doctor as they may have an object that must be removed before it causes any damage inside. 

• Sometimes, being on birth control may cause brown discharge, but it is not something serious. If you are on a birth control and see brown vaginal discharge, know that it is because of the birth control. 

Hence, it is completely normal to have brown spotting before or after your period because it is old blood leaving your body. But when you see unusual symptoms with this brown discharge you should immediately consult a doctor to avoid any serious issues.