But what about brown discharge when yourenoton your period?
Should that send off some alarm bells?
So…is it bad?
Brown discharge is often no big deal.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy can cause some spotting very early on.
Menopause
Sometimes brown discharge during or after menopause stems from a change in your vaginal tissues.
gynecologist and chief health officer at Wisp
And while its not a health issue, it can definitely be uncomfortable.Vaginal lubricantsor topical estrogen creams can help.
Infection
Sometimes brown discharge means youve got an infection brewing.
A change in odor can tip you off, too.
Normal brown discharge has a slightly metallic smell because of the iron in the blood, she adds.
But if yourvaginal smellis foul or fishy, its likely an infection.
(Areallypotent vaginal smell with brown discharge could also be a stuck tampon.)
Heres How I Finally Figured It Out
Unfortunately, these issues cant be diagnosed at home.
It generally has a mild odor and should not cause discomfort, Dr. LoPiano says.
If youre dealing with somethingotherthan that, theres a good chance somethings going on that needs to be addressed.
gynecologist and chief health officer at Wisp
The what depends on the color and consistency of the discharge and what kinds of symptoms its causing.
Dont have a go at self-diagnose and self-treat, saysUpToDate.com.
Delaying care or using an inappropriate treatment method could make the problem worse.
(If this is the case, using a gentlefeminine washin the shower can help you feel fresh.
This is different from douching BTW, which is not recommended and could make things worse.)
FAQ
Why is my discharge brown and smelly?
Its normal for brown discharge to have a slightly metallic odor.
Thats due to the iron content in the blood, Dr. LoPiano says.
If the discharge has a foul or fishy smell, it could be a sign of an infection.
If youre unsure of the cause, make an appointment with your OB/GYN.
And in the meantime, try towash your vaginawith fragrance-free, non-irritating products.
What STD causes brown discharge?
Sometimes trichomoniasis, a parasitic infection in your vagina, can cause brown discharge.
This infection can also cause white, yellow, or greenish discharge thats foamy and smells bad.
Youll want to see your doctor ASAP if you have any of these symptoms.
Does light brown discharge mean ovulation?
Ovulationi.e., when your ovary releases an eggusually happens midway through your cycle.
The symptoms typically last about a day or less, per theCleveland Clinic.
Does stress cause brown discharge?
Chronic stress can potentially make your period irregular, according toPlanned Parenthood.
Why is it brown when I wipe after peeing?
Seeing brown after wiping when you pee is usually a sign of brown discharge.
If it happens at the tail end of your period, its no big deal.
But if youre having it at other times during your cycle, let your doctor know.
If it comes with burning when you pee, it could also be a sign of a UTI.
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