What Could Be the Cause of Dark Brown Vaginal Discharge?

There are two possible reasons for brown vaginal discharge in women: physiological and pathological. Physiological brown discharge is commonly seen in the middle of two menstrual cycles, which is ovulation, and is a manifestation of bleeding during ovulation. Physiological brown discharge can also be seen one or two days before or after menstruation, which is a sign of menstruation approaching or menstruation not being completely clean. Pathological brown discharge needs to consider gynecological inflammation or certain malignant tumors and lesions. Various types of cervicitis, endometrial lesions, cervical cancer, etc., can manifest as brown discharge. When brown discharge gradually turns into bloody discharge or bloody purulent discharge, it is often a manifestation of disease progression or deterioration. Brown discharge after menstruation can be caused by menstruation not being completely clean, drug effects, uterine lesions, gynecological inflammation, ovarian lesions, environmental factors, mental factors, endocrine disorders, etc. This depends on the situation. Normal vaginal discharge is milky white, egg white-like, slightly fishy, but without discomfort. If brown discharge appears, and it is yellow, purulent, or even bloody, it is a manifestation of a lesion. Common causes of abnormal vaginal discharge include colorless transparent sticky discharge: egg white-like, similar to the mucus secreted by the cervical glands during ovulation, but the secretion is significantly increased compared to usual. Generally, chronic cervical endometritis, ovarian dysfunction, vaginal adenosis, or cervical high-grade adenocarcinoma should be considered. White or grayish-yellow foamy discharge: characteristic of trichomonas vaginitis, may be accompanied by itching of the vulva. Curd-like discharge: characteristic of Candida vaginitis, often accompanied by severe vulvar itching or burning pain. Gray, homogeneous, fishy-smelling discharge: thin, from a small amount to a large amount, with an unpleasant odor, commonly seen in bacterial vaginosis. Purulent discharge: yellow or yellowish-green, sticky, often with a foul odor. Acute vaginitis, cervicitis, and cervicitis caused by bacteria such as trichomonas or gonorrhea can all cause it. Uterine abscess, cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, or residual foreign bodies in the vagina can also lead to purulent discharge.