What does it mean if your discharge is dark brown?

If you’ve ever noticed that your vaginal discharge comes out in a dark brown color, there are many possible reasons why. Even though it’s normal for the color and consistency of your discharge to change from time to time, a dark brown discharge may be an indication that something else is going on down there.

Let me break it down for you:

The Basics of Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal discharge can vary based on menstrual status, age, diet, sexual activity levels and overall health. Factors like pregnancy or menopause can also lead to changes as well. But don’t worry about menopause yet unless you’re over 45 years old – and even then I’d start by checking with Dr Google.

However (and this is important): Any sudden or extreme changes in the amount or appearance of your discharge should never be ignored: periodt!

Did You know?

In some parts of Central Europe during the middle ages people thought women’s periods could turn wine sour🍷

It wasn’t until later that people figured out how fermentation works so they started making vinegar instead – yeah…just “pour”(pun intended) one out for our ancestors

But back to our topic at hand…

A dark brown vaginal discharge may indicate different things, depending on whether you’re pregnant/trying-to-be pregnant vs not-pregnant 😑 So let’s split these up:

Dark Brown Discharge While Pregnant/Trying-to-Be-Pregnant

Pregnancy increases estrogen levels drastically which causes more blood supply in order support womb development hence seeing spotting isn’t uncommon especially within 12 weeks..but if you have persistent persistent bleeding schedule an appointment with OBGYN ASAP!.Asides heavy bleeding other things such as smelly odor,itching,burning sensation etc should warrant medical attention come rain come shine!

So now that it’s clear regarding pregnancy- the following are possible factors that may lead to dark brown discharge:

  1. Implantation bleeding– When a fertilised egg embeds in your womb lining can cause some cramping and light spotting which is a pinkish or brown discharge.

  2. Cervical polyps – Non-cancerous growths especially around cervix area where you might experience painful/irregular periods/twat twinges when involved in intercourse

  3. Infections like yeast or bacterial vaginosis (BV):
    Yeast infections can be caused by medication, diet, poor hygiene habits and reportedly even lack of sleep!

  4. Hormonal Imbalance: Might occur during breakthrough ovulation bleedings — which happens for some folks halfway through their menstrual cycles – this occurs due to low progesterone levels🤷‍♀️

Non-Pregnancy Dark Brown Discharge

As with the prior example (pregnant), non-pregnant people have different reasons for experiencing noticeable amounts of darker vaginal discharge as well.

Menstruation

Period flow normally progresses from bright red -> dark/brownish toward end-of-cycle indicating blood has been lingering around/vagina slowing outflow resulting in discoloration☠️; but if it’s heavy enough / accompanied by unbearable pains oral contraceptives could help altho consult OBGYN before prescription!

Infections/STI

Same goes as above

Bacterial Vaginosis(BV) – Unborn fetuses don’t know what BV smells like 🤫…but we do.Treatments typically involve boosting good bacteria i.e via antibiotics usage after conducting tests to determine appropriate antibiotic course ; for future efforts try to stay dry/cleanie ,avoid over-douching &etc..( basically someone take care of our lady garden kiki).

STDs such gonorrhea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis may also cause brown discharge as a symptom☹️.

Other factors like hormones, stress

Truth is sometimes our hormones just wanna act up/ coincidentally we happen to be going through tough times/stressful events that may stem from life-changing occurences such loss of loved ones ,significant work-related deadlines etc..plainly put shit happens!

What should you do if you have dark brown vaginal discharge?

Physical discomfort/unusual odours/burning sensations could be red flags here. Do your future self favor by booking an appointment with an OB-GYN and getting checked for underlying issues.

That being said during consultations surgery shouldn’t always be the 1st option – this means there’s still a chance management can control certain aspects concerning these symptoms so don’t give up hope 😄😄…just remember to buy doc some candy or better yet plants in gratitude lol!

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice nor is it expected to replace seeking professional help when necessary.

Random Posts