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Noticing brown vaginal discharge can be surprising or even worrying… but in many cases, it’s completely harmless. Brown discharge is often just old blood leaving the body, mixed with natural vaginal fluids. Still, it can sometimes signal hormonal shifts, pregnancy, or even an infection, depending on the timing and accompanying symptoms. Understanding the possible causes, and knowing when to speak to a doctor, can help you feel more in control of your health. In this article, we’ll explain when brown discharge is normal, what might be behind it, and when to take action.
Table of Contents
- Is brown vaginal discharge normal?
- What causes brown discharge?
- When is brown discharge a concern?
- Can I test for infections at home?
- How to prevent brown discharge
- Summary
Is brown vaginal discharge normal?
Vaginal discharge normally is white or clear, but can also sometimes be brown, yellow, or green in colour. While changes in the colour of your discharge can be worrying, they often resolve themselves on their own and are no cause for concern. Brown discharge is often caused by normal vaginal fluid mixed with blood. Discharge containing blood can also sometimes look pinkish or red (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).
What causes brown discharge?
Before or after your period: Brown discharge just before or after menstruation is usually completely normal. It’s old blood being expelled more slowly from the uterus. This may occur a few days before or after your period, and is especially common in teenagers or people approaching menopause (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).
Hormonal birth control: Starting or changing hormonal birth control (pill, implant, IUD) can cause temporary hormonal fluctuations. These may lead to light spotting or brown discharge, particularly in the first 3–6 months (Burnett, 2022).
Pregnancy and implantation bleeding: Light brown discharge may occur in early pregnancy, especially during implantation. This usually happens 6–12 days after conception. However, brown discharge during pregnancy can also be a sign of complications. If it’s accompanied by pain or cramping, contact a healthcare professional (Mayo Clinic, 2022).
Postpartum discharge (lochia): After giving birth, brown discharge may occur as the uterus sheds the remaining lining. This is a natural part of the healing process, and discharge may change color from red to brown to yellow-white over several weeks (Cleveland Clinic, 2025).
Brown discharge after sex: Brown discharge after sex can indicate old blood that is excreted due to slight irritation to the vaginal tissue or the remains of menstruation. Other causes can be hormonal fluctuations, vaginal infections, polyps on the cervix or endometriosis. A doctor should be consulted in the event of recurring brown discharge or accompanying symptoms such as pain or an unpleasant odour (NHS, 2021).
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and bacterial imbalance: Brown discharge may also be caused by infections, particularly STIs like chlamydia or gonorrhea, or by bacterial vaginosis (BV). These conditions can irritate the vaginal or cervical lining, causing light bleeding that appears brown when mixed with discharge. Some infections may also come with symptoms like unusual odor, discomfort, or bleeding after sex. Others may go unnoticed for a long time, which is why regular testing is important (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).
While less common, brown discharge can also be caused by:
| Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Uterine fibroids or polyps | Non-cancerous growths that can cause irregular bleeding and brown spotting |
| Perimenopause | Hormonal changes can lead to irregular cycles and mid-cycle brown discharge |
| Ectopic pregnancy | May cause brown spotting with severe pain – requires urgent care |
| Endometriosis | Endometrial tissue growing outside the uterus may cause brown spotting |
| Cervical or uterine cancer | Postmenopausal bleeding or persistent brown discharge should be evaluated |
Source: NHS, 2022
When is brown discharge a concern?
Brown discharge is usually harmless, but in some cases, it may indicate an underlying condition. See a doctor if the discharge is:
- It is accompanied by a strong odour.
- Irritation, itching or pain in or around your vagina.
- It is associated with bleeding after sex.
- A change in the colour of the discharge.
- An increase in the amount of vaginal discharge.
- A change in the texture or consistency of the discharge.
Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2022.
Can I test for infections at home?
Yes. Homed-IQ offers reliable at-home STI tests that check for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. You collect a vaginal swab yourself and send it to a certified lab. Your results are reviewed by a doctor and provided confidentially online.
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STI Test Comprehensive
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Basic-4 STI Test
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How to prevent brown discharge
Hygiene can influence brown vaginal discharge. Disrupting the vagina’s natural pH and bacterial balance may lead to infections, odors, irritation, and itching. To support vaginal health, keep these tips in mind:
- Gentle hygiene: Wash only the outside (vulva) with mild, unscented soap; avoid douching.
- Breathable fabrics: Wear cotton underwear; avoid tight, damp clothing.
- Safe sex: Use condoms, urinate after sex, limit partners.
- Healthy lifestyle: Eat balanced diet, stay hydrated, avoid smoking.
- Menstrual care: Change tampons/pads/cups every 4–8 hours.
- Medical checkups: Regular gynecologist visits, Pap smears, HPV vaccine.
- Know your normal: Get checked for unusual odor, itching, or bleeding.
Source: Watson, 2019.
Summary
Brown vaginal discharge is usually nothing to worry about, especially if it appears just before or after your period. In many cases, it’s simply old blood. However, if it’s accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, odor, or irregular timing, it’s important to rule out infections or other health conditions. Want peace of mind? With Homed-IQ’s discreet at-home vaginal health tests, you can check for common infections easily and quickly—no doctor’s visit required.
References
Burnett, T. (2022, December 7). Extended-cycle birth control pills: Is spotting common? Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/birth-control/expert-answers/seasonale-side-effects/faq-20058109?reDate=07012023
Cleveland Clinic. (2022, August 2). Brown Discharge: 4 Causes and What It Means. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/brown-vaginal-discharge/
Cleveland Clinic. (2025, April 29). Lochia (postpartum bleeding): How long, stages, smell & color. In Cleveland Clinic Health Library. Retrieved August 20, 2025, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22485-lochia
Implantation bleeding: Common in early pregnancy? (2022, April 19). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/implantation-bleeding/faq-20058257
NHS website. (2021, November 18). What causes a woman to bleed after sex? nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/womens-health/what-causes-a-woman-to-bleed-after-sex/
NHS website. (2022, October 13). Polycystic ovary syndrome. nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos/
Vaginal discharge. (2021, June 22). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/vaginal-discharge/basics/definition/sym-20050825?reDate=07012023
Vaginal Discharge: Causes, Colors, What’s Normal & Treatment. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/4719-vaginal-discharge
Watson, S. (2019, July 11). Everything You Need to Know About Maintaining Your Vaginal pH Balance. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/vaginal-ph-balance
What are the side effects of IUDs? (n.d.). Planned Parenthood. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/iud/iud-side-effects
