Why do I have dark discharge? What does black vaginal discharge mean? Dark discharge in different trimesters during pregnancy

The flow of fluid from the genitals is normal for the fair sex, but when brown discharge appears without odor and pain, many women begin to panic, although sometimes there is no reason for this. To understand the situation and find out exactly what caused the unusual phenomenon, you need to consult a doctor.

If the discharge appears in the middle menstrual cycle and they walked for only a few hours, you don’t have to worry, since this is just a sign of successful ovulation. If the liquid Brown comes out of the genital tract for more than one day, you should definitely consult a doctor, as this may indicate the development of pathology.

Main etiological factors

If long time release occurs brown liquid in the middle of the menstrual cycle, this requires special attention. Even if this does not cause discomfort or pain, such a phenomenon is a cause for concern.

First of all, it is worth noting that brown discharge is often a sign of endometriosis. This is enough unpleasant disease, which can become an obstacle to the desired pregnancy. Endometriosis must be treated, as it can lead to serious complications. Moreover, this disease differs and some extremely unpleasant symptoms that prevent a woman from living a normal life. We are talking about heavy and very painful periods, as well as instability of the menstrual cycle.

There can be many reasons for the development of endometriosis. This disease is characterized by the proliferation of endometrial tissue, which causes a lot of unpleasant symptoms. Often endometriosis becomes a consequence of abortion and the birth of a child by method caesarean section. And yet, it can be difficult to accurately determine the reason why the pathology developed. Women whose periods are very painful and prolonged should be tested for endometriosis.

Second common cause the appearance of odorless and painful discharge is hyperplasia. This is very dangerous pathology female body, since it can become a provoking factor for the development of a malignant neoplasm. Therefore, if brown discharge appears before or after menstruation, you should immediately consult a doctor and undergo all the necessary diagnostic procedures.

Another danger comes from infectious fungal infection reproductive system. It manifests itself in various unpleasant symptoms, but one of the first will be menstrual irregularities and the presence of brown discharge. Moreover, in some cases, this type of liquid completely replaces menstruation. If the menstrual cycle is disrupted, and instead brown discharge appears, which may be odorless and painful, you need to contact the clinic. It is quite possible that we are talking about chlamydia, ureaplasmosis or herpes in the active stage. All this is dangerous not only for the woman herself, but also for her partner, so such diseases must be treated.

ARVE Error:

Other possible origins

Representatives of the fair sex always get very nervous when the body gives incomprehensible signals. As for brown discharge, which does not cause much discomfort and does not have an unpleasant odor, there can be a lot of reasons. Some of them require immediate treatment, while others go away on their own. And yet, to be sure that this symptom is not caused by a disease, you should consult a specialist.

Often the appearance of brown discharge is associated with contraception. If a doctor prescribes oral contraceptives to a patient, he must warn about possible side effects, which include brown discharge. The first few months after starting to take the pills similar phenomenon it is possible. It indicates that the body is adapting to new rules. However, if the symptom does not go away more than 3 months after starting treatment oral contraceptives, this is a good reason to see a doctor, who will most likely cancel the previously prescribed drug and choose a new one.

But not only oral contraception may cause unusual discharge. The intrauterine device can manifest itself in the same way. This does not mean that it was installed incorrectly. The discharge should not last long.

If brown discharge appears immediately after the end of the menstrual period, this indicates that the woman needs to be more careful about her personal hygiene. In the middle of the cycle, a similar phenomenon signals successful ovulation.

But still, brown discharge is not always the norm. Sometimes they are a symptom of a serious illness. For example, such signs may signal the presence of polyps in the uterus and the development of dangerous hyperplasia. In addition, this phenomenon may be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. But in in this case, besides dark brown discharge, the woman will be bothered by other unpleasant symptoms.

Problem during pregnancy

The brown liquid coming out of the genital tract may also be familiar to representatives of the fair sex who are pregnant. It's pretty dangerous phenomenon, which requires mandatory consultation with a specialist. Often the presence of brown discharge is associated with abruption of the placenta or ovum. But in such dangerous situation expectant mother You will definitely be bothered by other symptoms. First of all, it is worth noting that the discharge in this case will be accompanied by unpleasant sensations. In this case, the pain is usually localized in the lower abdomen.

Brown discharge is especially dangerous for pregnant women in the first trimester. At this stage, such a phenomenon may indicate an approaching miscarriage. At first, the liquid may come out without significant pain, so you need to be very careful.

At the very beginning of pregnancy, brown discharge may also appear. This occurs when the embryo is successfully implanted into the wall of the uterus. Many women confuse this phenomenon with the arrival of menstruation, believing that they are not delayed. But after a while, a big surprise awaits them when the pregnancy is confirmed.

ARVE Error: id and provider shortcodes attributes are mandatory for old shortcodes. It is recommended to switch to new shortcodes that need only url

Symptoms after an abortion or miscarriage

Termination of pregnancy, whether spontaneous or surgical, is always associated with a great risk to the woman’s health. In this case, there is always a significant loss of blood, and then the copious red discharge turns brown. This indicates that the wound healing process has already begun.

But the discharge should not last too long. As a rule, they go away within a week or two. Women who have had an abortion need to remember that they are at risk for developing many diseases of the reproductive system. Some of these pathologies can lead to the appearance of brown, odorless and painful discharge. This should primarily include the development of endometriosis and cervical hyperplasia, which manifests itself in the form of brownish discharge immediately after menstruation. If a woman has had an abortion, she should be extremely attentive to her health and undergo timely examinations by a doctor.

All women experience different types of vaginal discharge. Some of them are considered to be the norm (for example, transparent discharge odorless), and some serve alarm signal, prompting us to make a visit to the gynecologist. There are many types of discharge, let's take a closer look at what brown discharge means, what is it associated with and can it be considered normal?

Why is there brown discharge?

The main reasons for the appearance of brown discharge are:

• transferred gynecological surgery or abortion;
• childbirth;
• damage to the vagina during sex;
• premenstrual syndrome;
• inflammatory diseases.

Brown discharge during menstruation

The presence of such discharge during menstruation may indicate:

1. Pregnancy.
2. Ectopic pregnancy.
3. Overwork, stress, excess load.
4. Taking various hormonal medications or weight loss medications.
5. Diseases:

• endothermitis - inflammation of the uterus. Appears when the immune system malfunctions, hormonal imbalances, various infections and damage to the uterus;
• endometritis - an increase in endometrial cells in the muscular area of ​​the uterus;
• Uterine polyps are a pathology of the mucous membrane. Appears after inflammation and hormonal disorders;
• Progesterone deficiency (polycystic ovary syndrome), if not detected and treated in time, can cause infertility.

If you notice brown discharge, it is best to immediately contact a gynecologist. You can do a pregnancy test yourself, but it’s unlikely to determine an ectopic pregnancy and understand whether there are any serious diseases.

Brown and dark brown discharge before menstruation

This situation is very common during normal cycle delays. The intrauterine tissues have aged, and menstruation is delayed, so brown discharge appears, removing old cells. If your period comes after a few days, then there is no reason to worry.

If this happens again before your next period, you should see a gynecologist to rule out serious diseases (cervical cancer, gonorrhea, chlamydia and other troubles).

Causes of brown discharge instead of menstruation

Let's start with the most harmless physiological reasons for the appearance of spotting brown discharge:

• the color and number of menstruation changes after pregnancy and childbirth;
• and also when receiving hormonal contraceptives.

In such cases, small, odorless brown discharge should not bother you; on the contrary, you can only be glad that the body will benefit from a reduction in monthly blood loss.

Now let's move on to more major changes organism, which may be indicated by brown discharge.

• pregnancy;
• onset of menopause or ovarian failure syndrome.

In both of these cases, it is necessary to seek advice.

Brown discharge during ovulation (mid-cycle)

A few hours before ovulation occurs, a mature egg is released from its follicle. It is this process that very often causes brown discharge, which can be observed within two days.

Brown discharge after intercourse

There are situations when a woman does not produce the required amount of lubricant, which causes damage to the vaginal mucosa, and at the same time brown or pink discharge.

For those who are just starting out " adult life» There may also be brown discharge, which may be present after another 3-5 sexual intercourses.

If you begin to notice that after sex there is constant discharge, then it’s time to sound the alarm. This may indicate:

Brown discharge with unpleasant smell and itching

Now let's move on to the most dangerous part. If you have a discharge accompanied by an unpleasant odor and itching, then in 8 out of 10 cases this indicates a disease, of which there are many known. The remaining 2 cases are given improper hygiene and allergies to hygiene products or washing powder. The only right decision is to visit a gynecologist as soon as possible, because the consequences can be very serious (infertility, for example).

Women's health is a fragile thing. It seems like you dress according to the weather and don’t freeze outside, and you follow your daily routine, and you try to control your stress level, but for some reason it reminds you of yourself reproductive system. It happens that brown discharge appears in the middle of the cycle. Is such a symptom always a reason to worry about your health or can this manifestation be physiological norm- let's figure it out.

Why do I have brown discharge in the middle of my cycle?

What happens in a woman’s reproductive system is characterized by a clear periodicity. The cycle begins with the first days of menstruation, when during menstruation the functional layer of the endometrium is torn off and, along with blood, is excreted from the body. Meanwhile, under the influence of estrogen hormones, another egg begins to mature in the ovarian follicles. About two weeks after the start of menstruation, she ovulates - leaves the follicle, and the ovaries begin to produce the hormone progesterone.

Such a change hormonal levels V in some cases provokes intermenstrual bloody issues in the middle of the cycle, and since each body is individual, they often only reflect the normal physiological processes of a particular woman. There is no need to be immediately alarmed by the brown color of the secretion, since this color is acquired by the hemoglobin protein (part of the blood) after contact with oxygen molecules and oxidation by them. But if the color of vaginal discharge changes, you need to consult a gynecologist to prevent the development of pathology.

Based on color saturation, bloody discharge is conventionally divided into:

• dark brown - sometimes appear when starting to take hormonal contraceptives as a reaction to the components of the drugs;
• light brown - also characteristic of taking contraceptives, often occurs with irregularities in the menstrual cycle and when inflammatory diseases;
• bloody discharge of a red-brown color - indicates that the blood has been released recently and has not yet had time to clot; it often occurs after violent sexual intercourse due to microcracks in the walls of the vagina.

What discharge is considered normal?

It is normal for vaginal discharge to change throughout the cycle, provided that it is odorless and color-free. Immediately after the end of menstruation, the discharge should be transparent and scanty, only occasionally leaving a mark on the underwear. By the middle of the cycle, when the body is preparing for ovulation, the secretion released from the vagina becomes mucous, viscous, thick, resembling egg white, on such days, to maintain a feeling of cleanliness and dryness, you cannot do without using panty liners.

After the egg has left the follicle, the amount of discharge decreases again, it becomes less transparent, white, reminiscent of diluted milk, sometimes with clots resembling small curdled lumps, with a characteristic sour milk smell. If such discharge does not cause itching and irritation of the vulva, and after menstruation the discharge returns to normal, then this is normal physiological phenomenon female body. You should know that the constancy of discharge throughout the cycle is a pathology.

Causes of brown discharge in women

The appearance of brown discharge in the middle of the cycle is uncharacteristic of its normal course, but is not always a pathology. Color changes often cause physical impact, for example, microtrauma of the vagina due to its insufficient lubrication during sex; such discharges disappear immediately after eliminating the actions that caused them. To establish the reasons for the change in discharge, a competent consultation is needed, because such a restructuring of the body indicates that new physiological or pathological factors have begun to operate in the body.

Ovulation

During this period, the hormonal background of the body changes, the ovarian follicle ruptures, the mature egg is released into abdominal cavity and the body prepares for its possible fertilization. Bloody discharge during ovulation appears due to rupture of the follicle; it is observed in a large percentage of women. If light spotting with bloody spots appears on a woman’s underwear at this time, which does not last more than 3 days, such discharge is not a pathology.

Pregnancy

A slight discharge of blood is often observed when fertilization of the egg has occurred and the fertilized egg is attached to the uterine cavity. This action occurs without pain, but sometimes such a bloody trail indicates implantation of the egg. In the future, when normal course During the period of gestation there should be no red or brown discharge; their appearance is a reason for immediate appeal to a specialist.

Light brown discharge during pregnancy often indicates a lack of the hormone progesterone, which causes endometrial rejection, placental abruption and threatens spontaneous miscarriage. Another reason for such discharge is ectopic pregnancy. If the test confirms fertilization, but the fertilized egg has not descended into the uterine cavity, but remains in fallopian tube, such a situation requires immediate surgical intervention because it's real threat woman's health and life.

Endometriosis

Regular spotting brown discharge in the middle of the cycle, sometimes even black - common symptom this insidious disease. In endometriosis cells inner surface the uterus grows and extends beyond its boundaries. Since they react to the cyclical hormonal levels, both inside the uterus and where endometrial cells enter and develop, small monthly bleeding occurs, which causes inflammation of the surrounding tissues.

Because it's very serious illness, which threatens complications and even infertility - it is necessary to immediately consult a doctor when, in addition to dark vaginal discharge, a woman observes other signs of endometriosis:

• the stomach pulls, the pain radiates to the lower back, there is an increase in pain before menstruation;
• menstruation became more abundant;
• appeared painful sensations during sex;
• pain is felt in the lower abdomen during bowel movements or Bladder.

Cervical erosion

Intermenstrual bleeding, indicating this disease, occurs not only in the middle of the cycle. Cervical erosion should be suspected when bleeding or ichor appears after each sexual intercourse or gynecological examination, that is, when there was contact with the cervix. The diagnosis is confirmed during a gynecological examination using a special colposcope optical device, which allows the doctor to examine the identified change in the cervix with a magnification of 20-25 times and take a photo for observation during the treatment process.

Formations in the uterus

Brown spotting in the middle of the cycle is often one of the signs of neoplasms of the genital organs - both benign (fibroids) and malignant (uterine cancer). The formation and growth of fibroids is accompanied by intermenstrual bloody brown, copious discharge, sometimes turning into bleeding. This diagnosis is confirmed by ultrasound, and subsequently requires constant monitoring, sometimes, depending on the rate of tumor growth - surgical intervention.

Uterine cancer is the most dangerous disease, one of the symptoms of which is brown discharge. Oncology that begins in a woman’s reproductive system can spread to other organs. Women over 50 years of age are more susceptible to this disease. At malignant formations In women during the onset of menopause, the discharge is spotting, irregular, becomes scarcer over time, and menstruation, which has almost stopped, suddenly resumes. Timely diagnosis disease gives a good chance of recovery and continuation full life.

Formation of the menstrual cycle

When a girl's periods just begin, as a rule, they are unstable in date, amount of discharge and often, in addition to normal menstrual bleeding, have the character of bloody spotting. Such inconsistent menstruation is acceptable in the first 2 years of the formation of the cycle, but in this case it is necessary to periodically consult with a specialist so as not to miss possible inflammatory processes.

Scanty bleeding occurs according to physiological reasons with amenorrhea - absence of menstruation for more than 6 months. You should know that the physiological norm is the absence of menstruation only during pregnancy and lactation, until a permanent monthly cycle in teenage girls and after menopause. Other cases of amenorrhea are a deviation from the norm. Since this is not an independent disease, but a condition that is a symptom of other diseases, amenorrhea requires observation by a specialist.

During premenopause, when hormonal levels gradually decrease, menstruation becomes irregular, sometimes occurring as brown spotting. If a woman who is in the menopause phase and her periods have completely stopped suddenly begins to experience spotting, regardless of its quantity, color saturation, duration and frequency, you should immediately consult a doctor so as not to miss initial stage oncological diseases.

Sexually transmitted diseases

When a woman is sexually active and has several sexual partners, if bloody brown discharge appears, she needs to be checked for diseases transmitted directly unprotected contact. If uncharacteristic intermenstrual discharge of different colors appears (gray, brown, brown), with the smell of fish or rotten smell, and appear against the background of deterioration general condition body, there is every reason to suspect infection of the body and go to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs

When spotting in the middle of the cycle is accompanied by worsening general well-being, nagging pain in the lower abdomen, radiating to the back, painful sensations during sexual intercourse, sometimes there is an increase in temperature - then it is time to suspect inflammation of the genital organs, rectum or bladder. With such a combination of symptoms, it is very important not to self-medicate, but to establish an accurate diagnosis by visiting a specialized medical institution.

Use of oral and vaginal contraceptives

If for contraception for the purpose of prevention unwanted pregnancy The doctor selected contraceptive hormonal drugs, at first they were used as by-effect spotting and even breakthrough bleeding in the middle of the cycle are allowed. Normally, such phenomena should go away after 3 months of use, but if after this period they are still observed, such contraceptives must be changed. The presence of brown discharge in the middle of the cycle is typical if an intrauterine device is used as a method of contraception.

In what cases should you visit a doctor?

When you notice changes in the color of your vaginal discharge and the appearance of blood in it, which was not there before, it is always better not to self-medicate, not torment yourself with fears and worries, but immediately go to gynecological examination. In order for the diagnosis to be of high quality, it is better to visit the same doctor who knows your medical history, the characteristics of your body and whom you trust. Such a specialist will dispel groundless worries and, if necessary, help choose adequate treatment.

Video about spotting during the menstrual cycle

The appearance of brown-colored traces of vaginal secretion on your underwear is not a reason to panic. From our video you will learn competent and detailed explanations specialist about the reasons for the appearance of such discharge, hear how the hormonal background of a woman affects the nature of intermenstrual discharge and whether it necessarily needs to be adjusted:

Changes in the nature of sexual secretion may indicate the occurrence of both physiological and pathological process in organism. When observing brown discharge without odor or pain, you should not assume that the symptom is harmless even in the absence of additional symptoms. This article will tell you what the described discharge may indicate.

General characteristics of the symptom

The brown shade of mucus has a collective concept: this is how dark yellow, black, brown, dark and... are characterized. This fluid is based on mucous secretion produced by the glands of the female genital organs and cervical fluid. A similar color is given to it by coagulated and oxidized blood, which got into the composition for certain reasons. Such secretion may not smell of anything and may not cause discomfort in the form of painful sensations.

Often this symptom is a normal sign of a certain period of the menstrual cycle or physiological state female body.

Studying comments on gynecological forums, one can come to the conclusion that many representatives of the fair sex mistakenly believe that the absence of an unpleasant odor and pain excludes the disease. This is the hidden threat of brown vaginal discharge.

Why might such secretion appear? Its main reasons include:

1. Flow menstrual cycle. Brown, odorless discharge after menstruation is most often the end of menstruation.
2. Ovulation has taken place.
3. Climax.
4. Use of hormonal drugs.
5. Installation intrauterine device.
6. Postoperative period.
7. Allergic reaction.
8. Mechanical microtrauma of the vaginal walls during sex.
9. Introduction of the fertilized egg into the uterus.
10. Risk of miscarriage.
11. Cervical erosion.
12. Endometriosis.
13. Endometrial hyperplasia.
14. Polyps.
15. Neoplasms.

Relatively safe causes of brown discharge without odor or pain

Before menstruation

The identification of light and dark brown discharge without odor and pain is possible a day or two before menstruation. They appear because hormonal changes or because the uterus is preparing to reject the swollen endometrium. If this phenomenon appears earlier than two days, then everything indicates the presence of a disorder in the reproductive system.

From the onset of menopause to menopause brown slime- a common sign of completion reproductive period. They occur before and instead of menstruation.

After menstruation

Polyps

The presence of copious dark brown discharge after menstruation without odor (a week after it) often indicates polyps. If such signs are detected, you need to urgently make an appointment with a gynecologist. Polyps of the cervix and body of the uterus are growths on the tissues of this organ. In addition to spotting intermenstrual discharge, they are capable of retaining critical days. If the polyp is large or there are several of them, pain may be felt and purulent mucus may appear.

Neoplasms

Both benign and malignant neoplasms often produce dark-colored mucus, regardless of the phase of the menstrual cycle. Women who entered menopause, are most susceptible to their formation. Therefore, if the described symptom is detected after 45 years, you should consult a doctor so as not to miss the disease or to receive proper treatment.

Gynecologists identify a category of patients who panic at the slightest change in the color and consistency of vaginal discharge. The trouble is that frightened women prescribe their own course of treatment. Meanwhile, mucous membranes in themselves are not a symptom of the disease.

The era of totality is coming medical intervention V human life. In this regard, treat a healthy vagina powerful drugs will be a crime.

Each produces its own physiological secretion.

What does mucous discharge in women consist of?

The cervix has glands. The canal glands actively produce mucus. The epithelium of the vagina and cervix regularly cleanses itself, and the fallen cells need to leave the organ along with the mucus.

The average disciplined patient who is interested in the condition reproductive system, will name 1-2 bacteria from the category of vaginal flora without hesitation. In fact, sterile microorganisms inhabit the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. They are represented by 5-12 species and are always present in mucus, thereby maintaining an optimal healthy environment.

What are women like?

Appearance discharge depends on the hormonal background of the body, on the age of the woman, on the intensity of sexual intercourse and on others important factors.

A year before the start of menstruation, girls notice a white mucous discharge. In women, this is how nature warns about the transition to the “girl” state. Sometimes the discharge has a liquid consistency, a yellow tint, and a sour smell. This means that the mucous membrane is ready to protect the genital organs from infection and is actively moisturized. With pathogenic changes, white mucous discharge in women and girls is accompanied by itching, pain, burning, redness and swelling of the external genitalia.

Regular menstrual cycles began. Vaginal discharge will now change depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle.

The cycle begins on the first day of your period. The first phase of a 28-day cycle ends on the 12th or 13th day. After menstruation, light watery or mucous discharge is observed.

The second phase lasts a couple of days in the middle of the menstrual cycle, when ovulation occurs. The volume of discharge increases, the color may change to a beige shade.

Mucous brown discharge

The presence of a brown tint in the discharge indicates bloody additions to the mucus. It has been noticed that cinnamon discharge appears in the first months of taking hormonal contraceptives. One or two days before or after menstruation, brown discharge does not cause alarm if there is no pain, itching or unpleasant odor. Otherwise, we are talking about pathology.

Chronic endometritis mark mucous brown discharge, usually with an unpleasant odor. It happens that bloody mucus appears on the days of ovulation against the background of pain in the lower abdomen.

Dark bloody discharge accompanies endometriosis. The spotting nature of the discharge occurs at the end of the cycle before the onset of menstruation or after it with endometrial hyperplasia. The appearance of hyperplasia is more likely after previous gynecological diseases, abortions, operations.

Brown mucous discharge in women may be a sign of a polyp in the uterus. The formation of a polyp is promoted by pathology of the uterine mucosa. Negative changes occur against the background of chronic inflammatory processes or hormonal disorders.

Of particular danger are brown discharge that appears during pregnancy, as a sign of placental abruption, even of the ovum.

So, brown discharge warns of danger; only an examination by a qualified doctor will help establish a diagnosis.