
Is Brown Discharge Normal? Our guide to what it is and why we get it

Is it normal to have brown discharge?
Although it may look daunting, brown vaginal discharge is usually nothing to worry about. Sometimes your period can leave some traces of blood behind in your vagina that later get carried out by your daily discharge. It can be worrying if you are unsure what it is, but brown discharge is just vaginal mucus that is saturated in old blood. Since the blood may have stayed there for some time, it turns a darker colour, which explains the brown tinge to your discharge. As long as your discharge isn’t carrying a strong, bad odour, you most likely have nothing to worry about.
When am I most likely to experience brown discharge?
You can experience brown discharge at any age, and at any time in your cycle. It’s more commonly experienced when you’re on a form of hormonal birth control, pregnant or sexually active. Even if any of these things aren’t relevant for you, you will probably still experience brown discharge at least once in your life, so don’t be alarmed when the time comes!
Is thick brown discharge after your period common?
Brown discharge, or brown spotting, can quite often occur after your period. It’ll usually last for roughly two days, but may come at any point throughout your cycle, for any duration of time. The consistency of your discharge could range from being thick and dark, to light and slightly discoloured, which can be a bit shocking to find! All of this is completely normal though and is just the remaining old blood that never completely left your uterus from a previous period. For more information, you can check out our article on spotting between periods to further put your mind at ease.
Brown discharge, no period?
1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Discharge:
2. Hormonal birth control discharge:
3. Perimenopause discharge:
4. Brown discharge during pregnancy:
5. STI Discharge:
Brown discharge: in summary
Medical disclaimer
The medical information in this article is provided as an information resource only, it is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your doctor for guidance about a specific medical condition.
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