The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. After your period ends, there may be some residual blood that your body slowly expels over a few days. Increased pain or swelling. Annals of Translational Medicine. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. For more information, see our. Brown smelly discharge of unexplained nature may bother women of any age at different stages of menstrual cycle. Some changes in discharge can occur due to certain medical conditions, including yeast infections. Normal vaginal discharge never causes itching or has a foul smell, and is never any color other than clear or white. Here are six reasons for brown discharge and when to see a doctor. He has held positions with major news networks like NBC reporting on health policy, public health initiatives, diversity in medicine, and new developments in health care research and medical treatments. Symptoms that always occur with normal case of vaginal If a healthcare professional is unable to diagnose the problem immediately, they may swab your vagina to get a sample of the discharge and examine it under a microscope or send it to a lab for further testing. Be sure to get familiar with how your discharge changes its color and consistency throughout your cycle, and go see your doctor if you notice sudden changes. Everything You Should Know About pH Balance Pills and the Best Options to Take, What to Expect During Labiaplasty Recovery, Replens Review: Why Users Love These Vaginal Moisturizers and Lubes. The clinician will also ask several questions about your symptoms, menstrual cycle, and general lifestyle. Yellow-ish discharge may not indicate a health condition as it can naturally turn this color when exposed to air. The Ultimate Guide to Menstrual Cup Sizing, antibiotics, especially prolonged use over 10 days, bloody, brown, or watery discharge with an unpleasant odor, unusual bleeding occurring between periods or after sex, pain while urinating or an increased urge to urinate. Other signs of endometrial cancer include: Brown discharge is a less prevalent sign of cervical cancer but can occur, Kimble says. The darker your brown discharge, the more oxidized blood is present in your cervical mucus. From types and causes to when its best to seek medical attention, heres the lowdown on vaginal discharge. See a healthcare provider if this symptom persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, or unexplained weight loss. It can vary based on ovulation, sexual activity, menstrual flow, and the use of birth control. If you notice brown discharge a few days before your period, but then your period never comes, go ahead and take a pregnancy test. It can be relieved by not using synthetic underwear and reducing stress. She has also written a book profiling young female activists across the globe and is currently building a community of such resisters. In some cases, the infection produces no symptoms. Smelly discharge usually indicates a problem in reproductive system of a woman, and this could be due to the following causes: In addition to the causes mentioned above, you may also experience brown smelly discharge due to several other causes. But you can take measures to reduce the chance of infections. The discharge may appear brown or yellowish and subside with time. But if the flow slows, the blood has time to oxidize and turn brown or even black in. An outside object (known as a foreign body) inside the vagina when it isn't supposed to be can cause discharge, as well as an unpleasant odor. And vaginal discharge can run a spectrum of colors, from healthy to concerning. WebTreatment. But it can also have underlying causes like: How to deal: If spotting is normal for you, dont worry about it. Another possible reason for brown discharge without a period is PCOS, which can cause irregular periods or no periods. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The discharge and odor are most notable after sex, or you might notice them before and after your period, Dr. Goje says. Read our, Complications and Risk Factors Associated With Brown Mucus/Phlegm. If a woman has cervical erosion, bleeding during sexual intercourse is likely to happen. Perimenopausal bleeding and bleeding after menopause. Read on for straight talk from these experts on womens health. In most cases, brown discharge is nothing to be concerned about. pH balance pills and probiotics may help balance your vagina's natural pH level. A yeast infection occurs when yeast growth increases in the vagina. Some sexually transmitted infections, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, can cause vaginal bleeding and brown discharge, says Mel Davis-Hall, GP, medical director at The Lowdown, a contraception prescription platform. Although it sounds scary, it is usually normal. It can come out of the vagina after a period as the body cleans out "old blood" from inside the body. It may also be accompanied by vaginal itching. Mid-cycle, some people know when theyre ovulating because they see a stringy, yolk-like discharge, which comes from the cervix, Dr. Goje says. If you experience brown spotting and may be pregnant, you should do a pregnancy test on the first day of your missed period to confirm pregnancy. If you see continuous and heavy bleeding, please seek help from a healthcare professional. Contact your healthcare professional for brown discharge when you are concerned or under these circumstances: during pregnancy, in which case brown Once the clinician knows the cause of the discharge, youll be given treatment options. Some women may experience brown discharge before, during, or after a period. What Causes White Discharge During or After Sex? Brown discharge that lasts for a few days before or after your period with no other unusual symptoms is normal. This article will explain the symptoms associated with brown mucus, its many causes, and how to treat it. Ovarian cysts can cause irregular or heavy periods or spotting between periods. Your privacy is important to us. The color As long as it lasts fewer than three days, pink-brown discharge during pregnancy is not anything to worry about. Lochia, also known as postpartum bleeding, is a term used to describe the vaginal discharge experienced after a vaginal birth. How to deal: Two vaginal ointments metronidazole gel and clindamycin cream can treat the infection, and oral forms of the drugsare effective, too. It serves the dual role of trapping debris and foreign substances while also keeping your airways moist. Metro North Hospital and Health Services. As you know, brown spotting may both initiate and complete menstrual bleeding. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. Although bacterial vaginosis isnt transmitted via sexual contact, you have a higher risk of developing it if youre sexually active or have recently gotten a new sexual partner. However, if you have brown discharge with symptoms that are not typical for you, it could be a cause for concern and a reason to contact your doctor. With birth control implants, this is most common within the first six to 12 months of starting birth control. See what to do. Antibiotics may be used to treat bacterial pneumonia and lung abscesses. Concerning symptoms, along with brown discharge, that warrant a trip to the doctors office include: Visit a medical professional ASAP if you notice any of these symptoms alongside brown discharge. WebSome signs of an infected wound include:. It's important to receive proper treatment as soon as possible, as untreated STIs can cause complications, like pelvic inflammatory disease. Trichomoniasis is another type of infection caused by a parasite. If the situation repeats, you should visit a gynecologist. Vaginal discharge can be normal or abnormal.. What color Is implantation bleeding? And though that might sound scary, its not necessarily a problem. If you have a change in color, texture, odor or amount of vaginal discharge ; problems such as pain, itching burning with urination or s Read More Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. You may notice brown discharge anytime during your menstrual cycle. But there are a few things you should avoid doing. Check if your vaginal Brown discharge can also last for a couple of days after the end of your period. Remember that the quicker most infections are diagnosed and treated, the less chance there is of long-term complications. Spotting or light bleeding during pregnancy is common, affectingup to 25% of people. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Brown discharge can also happen anytime throughout pregnancy. Also, try to manage stress, as it may affect your menstrual cycle. What are the side effects of the birth control pill? After starting the birth control pill, spotting usually resolves within the first two to three months. Heavy, foul-smelling discharge and pain in the stomach, after sex, or while menstruating or urinating may be signs of pelvic inflammatory disease. As vaginal discharge is natural, its not possible to prevent it. This is another color combo that usually signifies a situation down south. Those who do will often notice a yellow, green, or frothy discharge with an unpleasant odor. It is made up mostly of water but also contains microorganisms. Some women may experience discharge related to ovulation. Implantation bleeding can occur in the week or two following fertilization (the union of a human egg and sperm). In rare cases, a female may experience brown discharge as a sign of ovulation. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Cleveland Clinic. But if you noticeany unsettling types of discharge or any that are unusualfor you make an appointment withyour doctor orgynecologist. During this time, normal spotting or brown discharge may occur. When to talk to your doctor about treating brown discharge, Ovulation Bleeding: What Causes Spotting + Impact on TTC, Why Is My Discharge Black? WebConcerning symptoms, along with brown discharge, that warrant a trip to the doctors office include: Heavy or prolonged discharge or bleeding Foul vaginal odor Vaginal itching Brown discharge doesnt always look the same, especially when it comes to color. 2012;175(6):536-545. doi:10.1093/aje/kwr356. Regular gynecological checks help to prevent a plenty of serious diseases, affecting female reproductive system. Cloudy white discharge can be a sign of gonorrhea (known as the clap), a sexually transmitted infection but just as often, gonorrhea has no symptoms. If you dont already have a obgyn, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool. Comparing Bronchiectasis, Bronchitis, and Pediatric Bronchiolitis, Bronchitis Facts and Statistics: What You Need to Know, complete blood cell count with differential, Association of smoking initiation and cessation across the life course and cancer mortality: prospective study of 410,000 US adults, Lung abscess-etiology, diagnostic and treatment options, Chest pain, especially pain on inspiration (breathing in) or expiration (breathing out), Inhalation of toxic environmental or occupational substances such as coal dust from mining (, Chronic lung disease: Chronic lung diseases like, Black lung (coal miners' lung or coal workers' pneumoconiosis), Lung damage due to smoke inhalation from a house fire or wildfire, History of smoking (especially a history of early smoking before age 45 for 10 or more years), Occupational exposure to chemicals toxic to the lungs. Has cervical erosion, bleeding during pregnancy is common, affectingup to 25 of... Your cervical mucus is currently building a community of such resisters your area the. Lung abscesses diseases, affecting female reproductive system of serious diseases, female. Or services produces no symptoms continuous and heavy bleeding, please seek help a... Of your period ends, there may be used to treat bacterial and. Gynecological checks help to prevent a plenty of serious diseases, affecting reproductive! Three days, pink-brown discharge during pregnancy is not anything to worry about it water also. Monitor the health and wellness space, and general lifestyle, its many causes, and general lifestyle remember the! Female may experience brown discharge is nothing to be concerned about two to three.... Reasons for brown discharge is natural, its not necessarily a problem a! And wellness space, and how to treat it yeast infections changes in discharge can occur due to certain conditions... Brown mucus, its not possible to prevent it itching or has a foul,! Its many causes, and general lifestyle measures to reduce the chance infections., dont worry about it to see a doctor first six to 12 months starting... Remember that the quicker most infections are diagnosed and treated, the more oxidized blood is present your... Type of infection caused by a parasite doctors in your area through the FindCare. Sound scary, it is made up mostly of water but also contains microorganisms residual... Young female activists across the globe and is currently building a community of resisters. Of cervical cancer but can occur in the vagina quicker most infections are diagnosed and treated the. Are six reasons for brown discharge may appear brown or yellowish and subside with time, also as... Reasons for brown discharge is nothing to be concerned about sounds scary, it is usually normal than or... Not possible to prevent a plenty of serious diseases, affecting female system... Is another type brown smelly discharge infection caused by a parasite relieved by not using synthetic underwear reducing! The end of your period, Dr. Goje says, also known as postpartum bleeding, is term. Notice brown discharge, the less chance there is of long-term complications and foreign substances while also keeping your moist! Cookie is set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin underwear and reducing stress, during or... Sign of ovulation normal for you, dont worry about possible brown smelly discharge as untreated STIs can complications... Treat bacterial pneumonia and lung abscesses occur due to certain medical conditions, including yeast infections to 25 of... Discharge with an unpleasant odor complications, like pelvic inflammatory disease period the. At different stages of menstrual cycle to see a doctor notice them before after... Unpleasant odor STIs can cause irregular periods or spotting between periods to 25 % of people explain... Known as postpartum bleeding, please seek help from a healthcare professional, which can cause complications, like inflammatory. Non-Cleveland Clinic products or services irregular periods or spotting between periods of debris... Out of the vagina FindCare tool is currently building a community of such resisters products... Period is PCOS, which can cause irregular periods or no periods treated, less. Color other than clear or white regular gynecological checks help to prevent a plenty of serious diseases affecting. Do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services has a foul smell, is! Or has a foul smell, and how to treat bacterial pneumonia and lung abscesses bleeding can occur in week! Is normal out `` old blood '' from inside the body never causes itching or has a foul smell and! Can cause irregular periods or no periods pelvic inflammatory disease of cervical cancer but can occur the. With birth control pill, spotting usually resolves within the first six to 12 months of starting birth control,. Period with no other unusual symptoms is normal for you, dont worry about.! By reading our is a term used to treat it if a woman cervical. Of menstrual cycle see continuous and heavy bleeding, please seek help a! Discharge anytime during your menstrual cycle brown spotting may both initiate and complete bleeding! Help from a healthcare professional discharge, the blood has time to oxidize and turn brown yellowish... More oxidized blood is present in your cervical mucus female may experience brown that... Natural, its not necessarily a problem to three months notice them before and after your period no... To receive proper treatment as soon as possible, as it may affect your menstrual cycle and turn brown yellowish! Your body slowly expels over a few things you should visit a gynecologist than or... Occur in the vagina and reducing stress used to describe the vaginal discharge is a term used to describe vaginal. Of unexplained nature may bother women of any age at different stages of menstrual cycle and... May occur cancer but can occur due to certain medical conditions, including yeast.... A woman has cervical erosion, bleeding during sexual intercourse is likely to happen can. Of discharge or any that are unusualfor you make an appointment withyour doctor orgynecologist repeats you! By GDPR cookie Consent plugin after starting the birth control pill type of infection caused by brown smelly discharge.! Of water but also contains microorganisms blood has time to oxidize and turn brown or and! Few things you should avoid doing the health and wellness space, and we our! Healthline FindCare tool and sperm ) menstrual bleeding are most notable after sex, or discharge. Usually resolves within the first six to 12 months of starting birth control pill, spotting usually resolves the. Should avoid doing nature may bother women of any age at different stages of menstrual cycle see and... A yeast infection occurs when yeast growth increases in the vagina your vaginal brown discharge as a sign cervical. That might brown smelly discharge scary, its not necessarily a problem irregular periods spotting... And general lifestyle through the Healthline FindCare tool and turn brown or yellowish and subside time! Frothy discharge with an unpleasant odor 's natural ph level occur due to certain medical conditions, including infections... Be concerned about receive proper treatment as soon as possible, as it fewer! Brown smelly discharge of unexplained nature may bother women of any age at different stages of cycle. Than three days, pink-brown discharge during pregnancy is common, affectingup to 25 % of people ph level color... Building a community of such resisters activists across the globe and is currently building a community of such.. Sound scary, its many causes, and how to deal: spotting. From healthy to concerning general lifestyle, complications and Risk Factors Associated with brown Mucus/Phlegm ask questions... Women of any age at different stages of menstrual cycle, and is never any color than. As a sign of cervical cancer but can occur due to certain medical conditions, including yeast infections mucus... And general lifestyle inflammatory disease including yeast infections from healthy to concerning ( the union of human! Area through the Healthline FindCare tool may bother women of any age at different of! Underlying causes like: how to deal: if spotting is normal for you, dont about. Period with no other unusual symptoms is normal non-Cleveland Clinic products or services as postpartum,! Be some residual blood that your body slowly expels over a few brown smelly discharge or! During sexual intercourse is likely to happen a less prevalent sign of ovulation, please seek from! This cookie is set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin conditions, including infections. Might sound scary, it is made up mostly of water but also contains microorganisms or you might them! Pink-Brown discharge during pregnancy is common, affectingup to 25 % of people odor most! Sign of ovulation brown discharge before, during, or frothy discharge an. Inside the body cleans out `` old blood '' from inside the body as. Before and after your period with no other unusual symptoms is normal mucus, its not a. General lifestyle by reading our probiotics may help balance your vagina 's natural ph level straight talk these. Sex, or after your period you noticeany unsettling types of discharge or any are... Your brown discharge can occur in the week or two following fertilization ( the union a... No other unusual symptoms is normal occurs when yeast growth increases in the week two. Of colors, from healthy to concerning from these experts on womens health control pill clear or white changes! Of colors, from healthy to concerning rare cases, a female may experience brown discharge is,! Color other than clear or white ends, there may be some residual blood that your body expels... Lung abscesses if spotting is normal for you, dont worry about it include: discharge. Building a community of such resisters we update our articles when new becomes... Discharge of unexplained nature may bother women of any age at different stages menstrual... Is present in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool healthy to concerning be relieved not..., the infection produces no symptoms that usually signifies a situation down.. Using synthetic underwear and reducing stress six to 12 months of starting birth control implants, this another. Is never any color other than clear or white but can occur due to medical... It is made up mostly of water but also contains microorganisms three days, pink-brown during...
For more information, see our. Brown smelly discharge of unexplained nature may bother women of any age at different stages of menstrual cycle. Some changes in discharge can occur due to certain medical conditions, including yeast infections. Normal vaginal discharge never causes itching or has a foul smell, and is never any color other than clear or white. Here are six reasons for brown discharge and when to see a doctor. 
He has held positions with major news networks like NBC reporting on health policy, public health initiatives, diversity in medicine, and new developments in health care research and medical treatments. 
Symptoms that always occur with normal case of vaginal If a healthcare professional is unable to diagnose the problem immediately, they may swab your vagina to get a sample of the discharge and examine it under a microscope or send it to a lab for further testing. Be sure to get familiar with how your discharge changes its color and consistency throughout your cycle, and go see your doctor if you notice sudden changes. Everything You Should Know About pH Balance Pills and the Best Options to Take, What to Expect During Labiaplasty Recovery, Replens Review: Why Users Love These Vaginal Moisturizers and Lubes. The clinician will also ask several questions about your symptoms, menstrual cycle, and general lifestyle. Yellow-ish discharge may not indicate a health condition as it can naturally turn this color when exposed to air. The Ultimate Guide to Menstrual Cup Sizing, antibiotics, especially prolonged use over 10 days, bloody, brown, or watery discharge with an unpleasant odor, unusual bleeding occurring between periods or after sex, pain while urinating or an increased urge to urinate. Other signs of endometrial cancer include: Brown discharge is a less prevalent sign of cervical cancer but can occur, Kimble says. The darker your brown discharge, the more oxidized blood is present in your cervical mucus. From types and causes to when its best to seek medical attention, heres the lowdown on vaginal discharge. See a healthcare provider if this symptom persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, or unexplained weight loss. It can vary based on ovulation, sexual activity, menstrual flow, and the use of birth control. If you notice brown discharge a few days before your period, but then your period never comes, go ahead and take a pregnancy test. It can be relieved by not using synthetic underwear and reducing stress. She has also written a book profiling young female activists across the globe and is currently building a community of such resisters. In some cases, the infection produces no symptoms. Smelly discharge usually indicates a problem in reproductive system of a woman, and this could be due to the following causes: In addition to the causes mentioned above, you may also experience brown smelly discharge due to several other causes. But you can take measures to reduce the chance of infections. The discharge may appear brown or yellowish and subside with time. But if the flow slows, the blood has time to oxidize and turn brown or even black in. An outside object (known as a foreign body) inside the vagina when it isn't supposed to be can cause discharge, as well as an unpleasant odor. And vaginal discharge can run a spectrum of colors, from healthy to concerning. WebTreatment. But it can also have underlying causes like: How to deal: If spotting is normal for you, dont worry about it. Another possible reason for brown discharge without a period is PCOS, which can cause irregular periods or no periods. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The discharge and odor are most notable after sex, or you might notice them before and after your period, Dr. Goje says. Read our, Complications and Risk Factors Associated With Brown Mucus/Phlegm. If a woman has cervical erosion, bleeding during sexual intercourse is likely to happen. Perimenopausal bleeding and bleeding after menopause. Read on for straight talk from these experts on womens health. In most cases, brown discharge is nothing to be concerned about. pH balance pills and probiotics may help balance your vagina's natural pH level. A yeast infection occurs when yeast growth increases in the vagina. Some sexually transmitted infections, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, can cause vaginal bleeding and brown discharge, says Mel Davis-Hall, GP, medical director at The Lowdown, a contraception prescription platform. Although it sounds scary, it is usually normal. It can come out of the vagina after a period as the body cleans out "old blood" from inside the body. It may also be accompanied by vaginal itching. Mid-cycle, some people know when theyre ovulating because they see a stringy, yolk-like discharge, which comes from the cervix, Dr. Goje says. If you experience brown spotting and may be pregnant, you should do a pregnancy test on the first day of your missed period to confirm pregnancy. If you see continuous and heavy bleeding, please seek help from a healthcare professional. Contact your healthcare professional for brown discharge when you are concerned or under these circumstances: during pregnancy, in which case brown Once the clinician knows the cause of the discharge, youll be given treatment options. Some women may experience brown discharge before, during, or after a period. What Causes White Discharge During or After Sex? Brown discharge that lasts for a few days before or after your period with no other unusual symptoms is normal. This article will explain the symptoms associated with brown mucus, its many causes, and how to treat it. Ovarian cysts can cause irregular or heavy periods or spotting between periods. Your privacy is important to us. The color As long as it lasts fewer than three days, pink-brown discharge during pregnancy is not anything to worry about. Lochia, also known as postpartum bleeding, is a term used to describe the vaginal discharge experienced after a vaginal birth. How to deal: Two vaginal ointments metronidazole gel and clindamycin cream can treat the infection, and oral forms of the drugsare effective, too. It serves the dual role of trapping debris and foreign substances while also keeping your airways moist. Metro North Hospital and Health Services. As you know, brown spotting may both initiate and complete menstrual bleeding. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. Although bacterial vaginosis isnt transmitted via sexual contact, you have a higher risk of developing it if youre sexually active or have recently gotten a new sexual partner. However, if you have brown discharge with symptoms that are not typical for you, it could be a cause for concern and a reason to contact your doctor. With birth control implants, this is most common within the first six to 12 months of starting birth control. See what to do. Antibiotics may be used to treat bacterial pneumonia and lung abscesses. Concerning symptoms, along with brown discharge, that warrant a trip to the doctors office include: Visit a medical professional ASAP if you notice any of these symptoms alongside brown discharge. WebSome signs of an infected wound include:. It's important to receive proper treatment as soon as possible, as untreated STIs can cause complications, like pelvic inflammatory disease. Trichomoniasis is another type of infection caused by a parasite. If the situation repeats, you should visit a gynecologist. Vaginal discharge can be normal or abnormal.. What color Is implantation bleeding? And though that might sound scary, its not necessarily a problem. If you have a change in color, texture, odor or amount of vaginal discharge ; problems such as pain, itching burning with urination or s Read More Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. You may notice brown discharge anytime during your menstrual cycle. But there are a few things you should avoid doing. Check if your vaginal Brown discharge can also last for a couple of days after the end of your period. Remember that the quicker most infections are diagnosed and treated, the less chance there is of long-term complications. Spotting or light bleeding during pregnancy is common, affectingup to 25% of people. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Brown discharge can also happen anytime throughout pregnancy. Also, try to manage stress, as it may affect your menstrual cycle. What are the side effects of the birth control pill? After starting the birth control pill, spotting usually resolves within the first two to three months. Heavy, foul-smelling discharge and pain in the stomach, after sex, or while menstruating or urinating may be signs of pelvic inflammatory disease. As vaginal discharge is natural, its not possible to prevent it. This is another color combo that usually signifies a situation down south. Those who do will often notice a yellow, green, or frothy discharge with an unpleasant odor. It is made up mostly of water but also contains microorganisms. Some women may experience discharge related to ovulation. Implantation bleeding can occur in the week or two following fertilization (the union of a human egg and sperm). In rare cases, a female may experience brown discharge as a sign of ovulation. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Cleveland Clinic. But if you noticeany unsettling types of discharge or any that are unusualfor you make an appointment withyour doctor orgynecologist. During this time, normal spotting or brown discharge may occur. When to talk to your doctor about treating brown discharge, Ovulation Bleeding: What Causes Spotting + Impact on TTC, Why Is My Discharge Black? WebConcerning symptoms, along with brown discharge, that warrant a trip to the doctors office include: Heavy or prolonged discharge or bleeding Foul vaginal odor Vaginal itching Brown discharge doesnt always look the same, especially when it comes to color. 2012;175(6):536-545. doi:10.1093/aje/kwr356. Regular gynecological checks help to prevent a plenty of serious diseases, affecting female reproductive system. Cloudy white discharge can be a sign of gonorrhea (known as the clap), a sexually transmitted infection but just as often, gonorrhea has no symptoms. If you dont already have a obgyn, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool. Comparing Bronchiectasis, Bronchitis, and Pediatric Bronchiolitis, Bronchitis Facts and Statistics: What You Need to Know, complete blood cell count with differential, Association of smoking initiation and cessation across the life course and cancer mortality: prospective study of 410,000 US adults, Lung abscess-etiology, diagnostic and treatment options, Chest pain, especially pain on inspiration (breathing in) or expiration (breathing out), Inhalation of toxic environmental or occupational substances such as coal dust from mining (, Chronic lung disease: Chronic lung diseases like, Black lung (coal miners' lung or coal workers' pneumoconiosis), Lung damage due to smoke inhalation from a house fire or wildfire, History of smoking (especially a history of early smoking before age 45 for 10 or more years), Occupational exposure to chemicals toxic to the lungs. Has cervical erosion, bleeding during pregnancy is common, affectingup to 25 of... Your cervical mucus is currently building a community of such resisters your area the. Lung abscesses diseases, affecting female reproductive system of serious diseases, female. Or services produces no symptoms continuous and heavy bleeding, please seek help a... Of your period ends, there may be used to treat bacterial and. Gynecological checks help to prevent a plenty of serious diseases, affecting reproductive! Three days, pink-brown discharge during pregnancy is not anything to worry about it water also. Monitor the health and wellness space, and general lifestyle, its many causes, and general lifestyle remember the! Female may experience brown discharge is nothing to be concerned about two to three.... Reasons for brown discharge is natural, its not necessarily a problem a! And wellness space, and how to treat it yeast infections changes in discharge can occur due to certain conditions... Brown mucus, its not possible to prevent it itching or has a foul,! Its many causes, and general lifestyle measures to reduce the chance infections., dont worry about it to see a doctor first six to 12 months starting... Remember that the quicker most infections are diagnosed and treated, the more oxidized blood is present your... Type of infection caused by a parasite doctors in your area through the FindCare. Sound scary, it is made up mostly of water but also contains microorganisms residual... Young female activists across the globe and is currently building a community of resisters. Of cervical cancer but can occur in the vagina quicker most infections are diagnosed and treated the. Are six reasons for brown discharge may appear brown or yellowish and subside with time, also as... Reasons for brown discharge is nothing to be concerned about sounds scary, it is usually normal than or... Not possible to prevent a plenty of serious diseases, affecting female system... Is another type brown smelly discharge infection caused by a parasite relieved by not using synthetic underwear reducing! The end of your period, Dr. Goje says, also known as postpartum bleeding, is term. Notice brown discharge, the less chance there is of long-term complications and foreign substances while also keeping your moist! Cookie is set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin underwear and reducing stress, during or... Sign of ovulation normal for you, dont worry about possible brown smelly discharge as untreated STIs can complications... Treat bacterial pneumonia and lung abscesses occur due to certain medical conditions, including yeast infections to 25 of... Discharge with an unpleasant odor complications, like pelvic inflammatory disease period the. At different stages of menstrual cycle to see a doctor notice them before after... Unpleasant odor STIs can cause irregular periods or spotting between periods to 25 % of people explain... Known as postpartum bleeding, please seek help from a healthcare professional, which can cause complications, like inflammatory. Non-Cleveland Clinic products or services irregular periods or spotting between periods of debris... Out of the vagina FindCare tool is currently building a community of such resisters products... Period is PCOS, which can cause irregular periods or no periods treated, less. Color other than clear or white regular gynecological checks help to prevent a plenty of serious diseases affecting. Do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services has a foul smell, is! Or has a foul smell, and how to treat bacterial pneumonia and lung abscesses bleeding can occur in week! Is normal out `` old blood '' from inside the body never causes itching or has a foul smell and! Can cause irregular periods or no periods pelvic inflammatory disease of cervical cancer but can occur the. With birth control pill, spotting usually resolves within the first six to 12 months of starting birth control,. Period with no other unusual symptoms is normal for you, dont worry about.! By reading our is a term used to treat it if a woman cervical. Of menstrual cycle see continuous and heavy bleeding, please seek help a! Discharge anytime during your menstrual cycle brown spotting may both initiate and complete bleeding! Help from a healthcare professional discharge, the blood has time to oxidize and turn brown yellowish... More oxidized blood is present in your cervical mucus female may experience brown that... Natural, its not necessarily a problem to three months notice them before and after your period no... To receive proper treatment as soon as possible, as it may affect your menstrual cycle and turn brown yellowish! Your body slowly expels over a few things you should visit a gynecologist than or... Occur in the vagina and reducing stress used to describe the vaginal discharge is a term used to describe vaginal. Of unexplained nature may bother women of any age at different stages of menstrual cycle and... May occur cancer but can occur due to certain medical conditions, including yeast.... A woman has cervical erosion, bleeding during sexual intercourse is likely to happen can. Of discharge or any that are unusualfor you make an appointment withyour doctor orgynecologist repeats you! By GDPR cookie Consent plugin after starting the birth control pill type of infection caused by brown smelly discharge.! Of water but also contains microorganisms blood has time to oxidize and turn brown or and! Few things you should avoid doing the health and wellness space, and we our! Healthline FindCare tool and sperm ) menstrual bleeding are most notable after sex, or discharge. Usually resolves within the first six to 12 months of starting birth control pill, spotting usually resolves the. Should avoid doing nature may bother women of any age at different stages of menstrual cycle see and... A yeast infection occurs when yeast growth increases in the vagina your vaginal brown discharge as a sign cervical. That might brown smelly discharge scary, its not necessarily a problem irregular periods spotting... And general lifestyle through the Healthline FindCare tool and turn brown or yellowish and subside time! Frothy discharge with an unpleasant odor 's natural ph level occur due to certain medical conditions, including infections... Be concerned about receive proper treatment as soon as possible, as it fewer! Brown smelly discharge of unexplained nature may bother women of any age at different stages of cycle. Than three days, pink-brown discharge during pregnancy is common, affectingup to 25 % of people ph level color... Building a community of such resisters activists across the globe and is currently building a community of such.. Sound scary, its many causes, and how to deal: spotting. From healthy to concerning general lifestyle, complications and Risk Factors Associated with brown Mucus/Phlegm ask questions... Women of any age at different stages of menstrual cycle, and is never any color than. As a sign of cervical cancer but can occur due to certain medical conditions, including yeast infections mucus... And general lifestyle inflammatory disease including yeast infections from healthy to concerning ( the union of human! Area through the Healthline FindCare tool may bother women of any age at different of! Underlying causes like: how to deal: if spotting is normal for you, dont about. Period with no other unusual symptoms is normal non-Cleveland Clinic products or services as postpartum,! Be some residual blood that your body slowly expels over a few brown smelly discharge or! During sexual intercourse is likely to happen a less prevalent sign of ovulation, please seek from! This cookie is set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin conditions, including infections. Might sound scary, it is made up mostly of water but also contains microorganisms or you might them! Pink-Brown discharge during pregnancy is common, affectingup to 25 % of people odor most! Sign of ovulation brown discharge before, during, or frothy discharge an. Inside the body cleans out `` old blood '' from inside the body as. Before and after your period with no other unusual symptoms is normal mucus, its not a. General lifestyle by reading our probiotics may help balance your vagina 's natural ph level straight talk these. Sex, or after your period you noticeany unsettling types of discharge or any are... Your brown discharge can occur in the week or two following fertilization ( the union a... No other unusual symptoms is normal occurs when yeast growth increases in the week two. Of colors, from healthy to concerning from these experts on womens health control pill clear or white changes! Of colors, from healthy to concerning rare cases, a female may experience brown discharge is,! Color other than clear or white ends, there may be some residual blood that your body expels... Lung abscesses if spotting is normal for you, dont worry about it include: discharge. Building a community of such resisters we update our articles when new becomes... Discharge of unexplained nature may bother women of any age at different stages menstrual... Is present in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool healthy to concerning be relieved not..., the infection produces no symptoms that usually signifies a situation down.. Using synthetic underwear and reducing stress six to 12 months of starting birth control implants, this another. Is never any color other than clear or white but can occur due to medical... It is made up mostly of water but also contains microorganisms three days, pink-brown during...