Although we know that vaginal discharge can change its texture and color throughout the menstrual cycle and with age, we are never quite sure if these changes are normal or respond to a gynecological problem. It should be clarified that vaginal discharge is a thick and viscous liquid, transparent in color that, as a general rule, does not have a bad odor. It tends to be much thicker during the days before and after ovulation and more liquid and abundant during ovulation itself. Our body secretes this flow in order to improve lubrication, keep the vagina clean and protected, take care of the bacterial flora of the uterine walls and prevent the appearance of infections in this delicate part of the body. In addition to all this, the flow also has the purpose of helping the sperm to reach the egg, thus facilitating fertilization. As with the consistency and abundance of vaginal discharge, its color can also change throughout life. These variations can help us detect possible health problems. For example, a yellowish or greenish vaginal discharge may indicate that we have an infection. And the brown vaginal discharge? What does it mean? What are your causes? Is it serious or worrisome? In this article we solve all your doubts.

Cases in which it is normal for brown vaginal discharge to appear

If you have gone to the bathroom and have seen your panties stained with brown vaginal discharge, you will automatically have been alarmed, but you should know that in these cases it is best to remain calm. Usually this type of flow is normal and can be explained. These are the possible causes:

· Rule remains

If the brown mucus appears a few days before your period comes down or during the last days of menstruation, you don't have to worry. This happens because your vagina is expelling tissue remains ('old blood') from previous periods that had accumulated inside you.

· Contraceptives

If you are taking oral contraceptives (such as the pill) or others such as the vaginal ring or patch, the presence of this type of brown discharge in the middle of ovulation is completely normal. This is due to the hormonal imbalances that sometimes cause this kind of methods to prevent pregnancy. If your flow is not accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or pain, you should not be alarmed.

· Pregnancy

One of the first symptoms of pregnancy is the presence of a brown vaginal discharge, although not all women experience it. This type of flow is known as 'implantation bleeding' and can be confused with menstruation since it usually appears one or two weeks after fertilization has occurred. In reality, this small discharge of blood occurs due to the embryo penetrating and attaching itself to the endometrium.

· Intense intercourse with little lubrication

In the case of intense sexual activities or encounters in which the woman has not been sufficiently aroused and is not properly lubricated, small lesions can be generated in the intimate parts that lead to a small expulsion of blood in brown tones. This is very common in those girls who have sex for the first time. It is important to emphasize that if the blood is present in large quantities, you should immediately go to the gynecologist as it could be due to another more serious health problem.

· Abortion

In cases of spontaneous abortion, the brown vaginal discharge will appear abundant and liquid, with the presence of clots. In addition, it will generally last for about two weeks.

· Menopause

When the menopause or climacteric begins, the woman's body stops making estrogen, which leads to the walls of the vagina narrowing and being drier. This causes the blood vessels that supply the area to be more prone to rupture, causing a brown vaginal discharge. It is totally normal at this stage and should not worry us unless the flow is accompanied by other symptoms.

· Surgical intervention of the cervix

After a surgical intervention in which the cervix has been manipulated, as is the case with cervical cauterization, it is totally normal for us to experience a slight brown discharge. The explanation is that the vagina and cervix have a large multitude of blood vessels which are very easy to damage.

Causes of brown vaginal discharge that warn us of a disease

Although it is true that most of the time the appearance of a brown vaginal discharge should not worry us, there are other times when we must pay attention because the presence of this mucus may be warning us about a health problem. In these cases it is advisable to go to a doctor as soon as possible so that a professional can make the diagnosis. However, here are some of the causes of brown vaginal discharge that warn us of a possible pathology:

· Ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled blisters that prevent the release of eggs into the fallopian tubes. If you feel pain in the abdominal area and instead of a normal menstruation you secrete brown vaginal discharge, it could be a sign that you are suffering from polycystic ovaries, in which case you should go to the gynecologist.

· Infections

If your flow is accompanied by fever, abdominal pain, itching and redness of the vulva, it is very likely that you have an infection or vaginal herpes. You must go to the doctor. He will take care of prescribing the appropriate antibiotics to put an end to the problem.

· Sexually transmitted diseases

Have you had unprotected sex lately? If your answer is yes and you are also experiencing abundant brown vaginal discharge with a very unpleasant odor accompanied by other symptoms such as fever and itching of the genitals, you should know that you may have sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. Do not wait more! To the doctor immediately!

· Uterine or ovarian cancer

From the age of 60, the cases of uterine and ovarian cancer increase considerably. In the face of any suspicion, it is best to see a doctor to prevent greater evils.

How to avoid brown vaginal discharge

To avoid the appearance of brown vaginal discharge and prevent possible diseases, you should follow some recommendations such as the ones we show you below:
  • Wash your private parts correctly. Correct vaginal hygiene is essential to keep bacterial flora at bay. Use neutral pH soap and water.
  • Wear cotton underwear and avoid very tight clothing that does not allow the area to perspire.
  • In summer, avoid staying in a wet bikini for a long time. Moisture facilitates the proliferation of bacteria and fungi.
  • Remember that it is essential to use a condom during sexual intercourse to avoid contracting an STD