Brown Discharge During Pregnancy Complications
In a controlled study, it was found that 55% women suffer from post-partum depression who had pathological vaginal discharge5. Other conclusions from the same study showed that vaginal discharge during pregnancy was prevelant in anemic women.
Nutritional status of mother affects the vaginal health and later stages of gestation. Mothers who have had vaginal discharge in the previous pregnancies are more prone to such a preggo problem.
Period Blood Color Meaning
Changes in your period blood color are normal. Different period blood colors can tell you anything from the age of the blood to how far into your period you are. While your overall health generally affects the length of your menstrual cycle and the duration of your period, here are some reasons why period blood may vary in color:
Whats A Normal Period
Normal periods are different from person to person. They can also change over your lifetime. Periods usually come about once a month. When you first start having your period, the bleeding may last only a few days or be really light .
During your period, its normal to bleed anywhere from 2 to 7 days. It may seem like a lot of blood comes out, but most people only lose about 1-6 tablespoons of blood and tissue during each period. Period blood can be red, brown, or pink. Its also normal for it to be kind of clumpy at times. If your period is so heavy that you have to change maxi pads or super tampons every hour call your doctor or your local Planned Parenthood health center.
During the first few years of your period, it might not always come at the same time every month. You may bleed more or less, or have different PMS symptoms month-to-month. As you get older, periods usually get more regular and itll be easier to know whats normal for you. Learn more about what a normal period is.
Even though its normal to have periods that arent always regular, missing a period can be a sign of pregnancy. If youve had penis-in-vagina sex without using birth control and you skipped your period, take a pregnancy test. Read more about what to do if you miss your period.
Want to track your period? Weve got you. Download our Spot On app.
Read Also: What Does It Mean When Your Period Is Irregular
Gray Period Blood Color
If you have grayish discharge, this could be a sign of an infection. If you experience heavy bleeding with pieces of grayish tissue, this could be a sign of a miscarriage. Seeing a healthcare provider is a recommended for either situation.
When a miscarriage occurs very early in pregnancy, it can be difficult…
Period Blood Consistency And Texture Meaning
The texture and consistency of your period blood can be a sign of the health of your uterus lining. Period blood is also made up of endometrial tissue, so the texture varies as a result of this. Whether its thick or clumpy, or smooth and light different flow viscosity is normal throughout your period and no cause for alarm.
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Will Exercise Stop My Period
Being active can cause menstrual abnormalities, but it takes a lot of very intense exercise. Usually, only women who compete professionally experience changes in their periods. Why this happens isn’t clearly understood, but is likely a combination of extreme exercise, an increase in lean body mass, not eating enough or getting the proper nutrients, and stress related to competition.
What Is Your Period Blood Telling You
Our periods are a great way to check in with how our bodies are doing. The color, texture, smell, and more gives us great insight into how our bodies are operating, allowing us to get more attuned and in touch with ourselves. Familiarizing yourself with this information will be helpful for making the most of your next OBGYN appointment.
Keep reading to discover what your period says about your health and become your own period whisperer.
Also Check: How To Make Your Period Stop For A Day
Thick Dark Brown Discharge
Thick, dark brown discharge typically results from a blockage in the vagina. This can happen if you lose a condom or tampon inside yourself. Its important to note that objects cannot really be lost in the vagina since the cervical opening is not wide enough for them to pass through.
However, lost condoms or tampons may sometimes become stuck in the cervix, leading to thick, dark brown discharge. If you are experiencing thick, dark brown discharge, visit your OB/GYN to ensure there is nothing blocking your cervical opening.
What Will I Notice First
Puberty happens in stages. As your hormones change, so does your body. In the years leading up to your first period, youâll notice changes in your nipples, chest and pubic hair. Your body will become more like an adult, and becoming pregnant will become possible.
For most people, these changes become noticeable around ages 8â10, but can happen earlier or later than that . Getting your period happens between one and three years later .
Waiting for a first period can be stressful, and it can be difficult to know exactly when your period will start. This first step in guesstimating when youâll get your first period, is asking your biological mom when it happened for her . Beyond that, your body may give you a few signs that can help you make a good guess:
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Signs Of Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
Abnormal vaginal or uterine bleeding occurs when you bleed:
- Between periods
- The contraceptive injection
- Contraceptive implants
- The vaginal ring
Bleeding between periods is a common side effect of all forms of hormonal birth control, which may include brown discharge. Although it can be worrisome, this bleeding is rarely dangerous and should subside after three months.
With birth control pills, you may experience irregular bleeding if you don’t take it at the same time everyday. Other side effects of hormonal birth control may include:
- Breast tenderness
- Changes in sexual desire
2. Implantation
After one of are some blood vessels that break down. For some women, this can lead to brown discharge consisting of old blood. As opposed to a regular period, bleeding from implantation is light and only lasts a couple of days.
3. Uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids are nonmalignant growths of muscle and tissue that grow on your uterus. Many women who have fibroids have no symptoms, and may only be found by a doctor during a pelvic examination. In rare cases, fibroids can grow out from your uterus, twist, and cut off the blood supply. This can cause pain and brown vaginal discharge.
4. Vaginal infections
There are several different vaginal infections that may cause brown discharge before your period:
Bacterial vaginosis causes an overgrowth of bacteria in your vagina.
Trichomaniasis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite and is spread through vaginal, oral, or anal sex.
First Things First: Brown Blood Is Not A Cause For Concern On Its Own
Though brown blood can be a surprise, it is not out of the ordinary. In fact, this kind of blood can be common toward the end of your cycle. While your blood is normally red in the first few days of your cycle when your body sheds its uterine lining, discharged blood at the end of your period is oxidized and can be discolored.
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Main Causes For Brown Discharge During Iud Use Could Be:
Vaginal Infections and/or pelvic infections and/or
Hormonal disturbances .
In both cases the endometrium is damaged.
The percentage of women who develop brown discharge because of PID while using IUD is about 1-3%. The risk is highest shortly after placement and if you have a vaginal infection at the time of placement. After the first 20 days, the risk of PID is reduced.
During the first three to six months of IUD use, the number of brown discharge/bleeding and/or brown spotting days may be increased and bleeding patterns may be irregular. Thereafter the number of brown discharge and/or brown spotting days usually decreases but brown discharge may remain irregular.
Brown discharge could appear after IUD insertion it is pretty common and many women could experience brown vaginal discharge during one week after IUD insertion.
However non stopping brown vaginal discharge could be a sign of vaginal or pelvic infections and a health care professional should be contacted immediately.
Visit Your Doctor As Needed
Make sure to keep up with regular OB/GYN appointments. Women who are sexually active should get a gynecological exam at least once per year. After the age of 21, women also need to get a Pap smear at least once every three years, if the test comes back normal. If it comes back abnormal, you may need a Pap smear more often than that.
You should also visit your doctor anytime you notice unusual discharge or other symptoms of vaginal infections. Untreated infections can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and/or infertility. If you are given medications for infections, make sure to take them as directed, even once you are feeling better, to completely treat the infection.
Medically Reviewed by Dr Roohi Jeelani, MD, FACOG and Lauren Grimm, MA
Lauren Grimm is Research Coordinator at Vios Fertility Institute in Chicago, Illinois. Lauren earned her bachelors degree from Loyola University Chicago, where she also completed her masters in Medical Sciences. Lauren has worked alongside Dr. Jeelani for the last 3 years, authoring a number of abstracts and articles in peer-reviewed journals, and presented her research at national and international scientific conferences. Lauren will be continuing her education this fall at Rush University Medical College in Chicago, IL as an MD candidate.
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What About Brown Discharge After Period
Slow menstrual flow can result in brown discharge after your period or in the last few days of your period. Dr. Michael Smith on WebMD says that blood that flows slower turns light to dark brown in color and is completely normal.13
The Palo Alto Medical Foundation says that brown discharge can also occur a week or so after the end of your period when ovulation occurs. It is also not uncommon to notice spots of brown discharge on your underwear a day to two after the flow has stopped.4
I Dont Think I Have Officially Had My Period Yet But I Recently Had 3
Posted
It is possible that your period may be coming sooner than you think! It is completely normal for girls to experience brown discharge just before, during, or after their period. Some girls may spot while they are ovulating which can occur a few weeks before their actual period. Brown discharge typically appears as spotting or smudges. The darker discharge is caused by a slow bleed coming from your uterus, unlike when you have your period and its bright red and flowing faster. If you discharge causes itching, foul odor, last longer than a day or so, you should schedule an appointment with your primary care provider .
Also Check: When Will My Next Period Start
What Does Brown Discharge After Sex Mean
Some bloody brown discharge after sex could simply be a sign of vigorous sex. In some cases, your partners penis or sex toys can make your cervix bleed a bit while having rough sex. This can result in some light brown discharge. If youre worried or feel sore afterwards, ask your partner to be gentler next time or try to find a position that prevents deeper penetration.
Sometimes brown discharge after sex can be a sign of a cervical polyp or sexually transmitted infection.
Brown Discharge Before Period: What Does It Mean
Jenny Hills, Nutritionist and Medical Writer Health
Brown discharge before your period doesnt always mean that there is something wrong and is usually nothing to worry about. Regular vaginal discharge during the menstrual cycle is usually a clear or white sticky mucus-like fluid. However, there are some circumstances where you might notice brown discharge or spotting before your period.
Common reasons for noticing brown discharge on your underwear before your period are often connected with your regular menstrual cycle. For example, its common that around the time of ovulation you may notice pink or brown spots along with some light cramping. Also, implantation bleeding, some contraception methods, and even stress can cause brownish discharge when you werent expecting it. Sometimes, the brown discharge between your periods can be accompanied by nausea, pelvic discomfort, or cramping.
In rarer occasions, brown discharge before your period can mean that there is something more serious. Thyroid dysfunction, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, or cancer can all cause unusual brown spotting before your period.
In this article, you will find answers to the question: what does brown discharge before my period mean? In most cases, this will help to put your mind at rest knowing that the brown discharge can be normal. You will also find out when you should visit a doctor if you have unusual brown vaginal discharge.
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What Will My First Period Feel Like
You may find your first period comes and goes with very little in the way of symptoms, or you may find you experience quite a bit of discomfort. Common symptoms include:
- Cramping in the lower abdomen
- Breast tenderness
- Diarrhea or nausea
- Dizziness
Most of these symptoms do not last long, and can be treated with ibuprofen or other over-the-counter pain relief medications. A heating pad or hot water bottle on the abdomen or lower back can help ease pain in these areas. More details on menstrual pain and other symptoms can be found here .
How Do I Use A Tampon
Inserting a tampon for the first time can be a bit of a challenge. Its hard to know exactly how to position your body and at what angle to put the tampon in. After a few tries, you will figure out what works best for you. Its best to use slender size tampons when you are learning. If you arent exactly sure where your vaginal opening is, use a mirror to have a look at your vulva .
To insert a tampon that has an applicator:
To insert a tampon without an applicator:
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