Key takeaways
- Brown discharge is caused by oxidized blood when it’s mixed with normal discharge.
- While a change in discharge can be alarming, brown discharge is usually normal and nothing to worry about. It could be a sign that your period has just ended or is about to start or that you’re ovulating.
- Sometimes, brown discharge can be an early sign of pregnancy, known as implantation bleeding.
- In some cases, brown discharge is a sign of an infection or something more serious, so if you notice a change in discharge with other symptoms like pelvic pain, itching, or a bad smell, reach out to your health care provider.
What is brown vaginal discharge?
Although it can be disconcerting, spotting brown discharge in your underwear isn’t usually a cause for concern. Keep reading to learn more about the causes of brown discharge and when you may want to speak to your doctor.
Brown discharge is caused by the presence of blood. But blood is red, right? Yes, fresh blood is typically bright red, but it can become darker when it stays outside the blood vessels for a while due to a process called oxidation. This is when blood comes into contact with air and oxidizes, causing the blood to turn brownish.
What about normal vaginal discharge?
Understanding what is “normal” for your body can be tricky, especially when it comes to vaginal discharge. Typically, healthy discharge is white, clear, or creamy, but it’s normal for discharge to change in texture and color depending on your cycle or overall health.