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Ovarian cyst and discharge: Vaginal discharge link, color, and more

by alexxlab

Vaginal discharge link, color, and more

Ovarian cancer can cause vaginal discharge, but so can many other factors and conditions.

Ovarian cancer is a group of diseases that originate in the ovaries or related areas of the fallopian tubes and peritoneum and cause abnormal cells in the body to grow out of control.

The ovaries are in the pelvis on either side of the uterus, and they make specific hormones and produce eggs for reproduction. The fallopian tubes are a pair of long, slim tubes on each side of the uterus that eggs pass through from the ovaries to the uterus. The peritoneum is the lining around organs in the abdomen.

Ovarian cancer often causes symptoms such as constipation, bloating, and abdominal, back, or pelvic pain. Vaginal discharge associated with ovarian cancer is most common in stromal or germ cell tumors. Ovarian cancer treatment is often more effective when a doctor diagnoses it in the early stages.

In this article, we look at whether ovarian cancer can cause vaginal discharge. We also discuss the characteristics of abnormal vaginal discharge and other symptoms of ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer can cause vaginal discharge. However, several other factors can also cause this symptom, so a person should not assume they have ovarian cancer if they notice vaginal discharge.

Vaginal discharge is a common symptom of certain types of ovarian cancer, especially at the start of cancer, but not all. Epithelial ovarian cancer, the most common type, rarely causes vaginal discharge or bleeding, but germ cell and stromal cancers can.

If cancer lacks oxygen, some cells may die off and infect the tumor, causing a foul-smelling vaginal discharge.

A person who experiences continuous discharge should speak to a doctor.

The vaginal discharge ovarian cancer can cause is often clear, white, or colored with blood.

Normal discharge is usually milky white or thin and clear and typically has no odor. It may also be clear or brown at different stages of a person’s menstrual cycle.

Learn more about what the color of vaginal discharge might mean.

Vaginal discharge is a mucus-like fluid that the small glands in the cervix and vagina secrete. This fluid leaks from the vagina daily to remove debris and old cells, keeping the vagina and reproductive tract clean.

The amount, color, and consistency of vaginal discharge can vary from one person to another.

A person’s discharge is typically normal if it is:

  • without odor
  • thick and sticky
  • white or clear
  • wet and slippery

Vaginal discharge may be a symptom of infection if it is:

  • foul-smelling, such as with a fishy odor
  • yellow, green, or frothy
  • thick and white like cottage cheese

An infection may also be present if the vaginal discharge occurs with bleeding, pelvic pain, or blisters and sores.

Causes

Besides certain types of ovarian cancer, various factors may cause abnormal vaginal discharge.

Factors that may cause abnormal vaginal discharge during childhood include:

  • chemicals from soaps or bubble baths
  • an infection resulting from bacteria from the digestive tract
  • a foreign object, such as a toy or toilet paper, in the vagina

Factors that may cause abnormal vaginal discharge during adulthood include:

  • infections such as bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, or a yeast infection
  • sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia or gonorrhea

The growth of harmful bacteria may also result from a rise in acidity in the vagina, which kills protective bacteria called lactobacilli. This can occur because of vaginal infections due to:

  • difficulty maintaining adequate hygiene
  • using antibiotics
  • frequent douching
  • semen or menstrual blood
  • diabetes
  • pregnancy
  • a foreign object, such as a tampon

In rare cases, people may have fistulas or abnormal openings between the intestine and the genital tract. These can cause vaginal discharge, which may also contain stool.

Fistulas may result from:

  • Crohn’s disease
  • damage to the vagina during childbirth
  • tumors in the pelvis
  • radiation therapy on the pelvis
  • an injury during surgery on the pelvis

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), common symptoms of ovarian cancer include:

  • pressure or pain in the pelvic area
  • pain the back or abdomen
  • abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause
  • feeling full too quickly
  • bloating
  • a change in bathroom habits, such as frequently urinating or having constipation

Symptoms may also include:

  • fatigue
  • weight loss
  • pain during vaginal sex
  • difficulty breathing
  • a buildup of fluid in the abdomen
  • a buildup of fluid between the tissues that line the lungs and the chest

Learn more about early and advanced symptoms of ovarian cancer.

People who have symptoms of ovarian cancer, abnormal discharge, or both should immediately contact a doctor.

If a person has a yeast infection or thrush and no other symptoms of infection or ovarian cancer, they do not have to contact a doctor every time they experience discharge. This type of discharge is usually thick, white, and clumpy. Yeast infections may also cause itching and burning.

If a person consults a doctor about vaginal discharge, the doctor may ask some questions regarding:

  • the smell and look of the discharge
  • if other symptoms are present, such as itching
  • whether a person has pain during sex or urination, or constant pain in the pelvis
  • whether discharge occurs during menstruation or sex
  • if the person uses any products that may irritate the vaginal area
  • whether the person is taking antibiotics
  • whether the person has diabetes

A doctor may also do a physical examination of the pelvis and other tests, such as inserting a cotton swab into the vagina or cervix to get a sample of the discharge. They will then examine the discharge and send a sample to the lab.

People looking for ovarian cancer support can call the American Cancer Society’s cancer helpline on 800-227-2345, chat with them online, or find local programs or services.

Organizations that provide support for people with ovarian cancer include:

  • The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
  • Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance
  • The National LGBT Cancer Project

Several organizations provide support specifically for People of Color with cancer, including:

  • Black Women’s Health Imperative
  • SHARE
  • Latinas Contra Cancer

Ovarian cancer may cause discharge that is often white or clear or that contains blood. This symptom is common among certain types of ovarian cancer but not all. The most common type of ovarian cancer rarely has vaginal discharge or bleeding.

Discharge may be normal as part of a person’s menstrual cycle or indicate another issue, such as an infection. Abnormal discharge may be thick and lumpy, or frothy. It may be white, green, or yellow. Various factors could cause it, including:

  • a yeast infection
  • an STI
  • an overgrowth of harmful bacteria
  • difficulty maintaining adequate hygiene
  • pregnancy

Other symptoms of ovarian cancer include:

  • pelvic pain
  • abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • changes to bathroom habits
  • bloating

A person should contact a doctor if they have abnormal vaginal discharge, ovarian cancer symptoms, or both. A doctor will likely ask questions, perform a pelvic exam, and test the discharge.

Vaginal discharge link, color, and more

Ovarian cancer can cause vaginal discharge, but so can many other factors and conditions.

Ovarian cancer is a group of diseases that originate in the ovaries or related areas of the fallopian tubes and peritoneum and cause abnormal cells in the body to grow out of control.

The ovaries are in the pelvis on either side of the uterus, and they make specific hormones and produce eggs for reproduction. The fallopian tubes are a pair of long, slim tubes on each side of the uterus that eggs pass through from the ovaries to the uterus. The peritoneum is the lining around organs in the abdomen.

Ovarian cancer often causes symptoms such as constipation, bloating, and abdominal, back, or pelvic pain. Vaginal discharge associated with ovarian cancer is most common in stromal or germ cell tumors. Ovarian cancer treatment is often more effective when a doctor diagnoses it in the early stages.

In this article, we look at whether ovarian cancer can cause vaginal discharge. We also discuss the characteristics of abnormal vaginal discharge and other symptoms of ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer can cause vaginal discharge. However, several other factors can also cause this symptom, so a person should not assume they have ovarian cancer if they notice vaginal discharge.

Vaginal discharge is a common symptom of certain types of ovarian cancer, especially at the start of cancer, but not all. Epithelial ovarian cancer, the most common type, rarely causes vaginal discharge or bleeding, but germ cell and stromal cancers can.

If cancer lacks oxygen, some cells may die off and infect the tumor, causing a foul-smelling vaginal discharge.

A person who experiences continuous discharge should speak to a doctor.

The vaginal discharge ovarian cancer can cause is often clear, white, or colored with blood.

Normal discharge is usually milky white or thin and clear and typically has no odor. It may also be clear or brown at different stages of a person’s menstrual cycle.

Learn more about what the color of vaginal discharge might mean.

Vaginal discharge is a mucus-like fluid that the small glands in the cervix and vagina secrete. This fluid leaks from the vagina daily to remove debris and old cells, keeping the vagina and reproductive tract clean.

The amount, color, and consistency of vaginal discharge can vary from one person to another.

A person’s discharge is typically normal if it is:

  • without odor
  • thick and sticky
  • white or clear
  • wet and slippery

Vaginal discharge may be a symptom of infection if it is:

  • foul-smelling, such as with a fishy odor
  • yellow, green, or frothy
  • thick and white like cottage cheese

An infection may also be present if the vaginal discharge occurs with bleeding, pelvic pain, or blisters and sores.

Causes

Besides certain types of ovarian cancer, various factors may cause abnormal vaginal discharge.

Factors that may cause abnormal vaginal discharge during childhood include:

  • chemicals from soaps or bubble baths
  • an infection resulting from bacteria from the digestive tract
  • a foreign object, such as a toy or toilet paper, in the vagina

Factors that may cause abnormal vaginal discharge during adulthood include:

  • infections such as bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, or a yeast infection
  • sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia or gonorrhea

The growth of harmful bacteria may also result from a rise in acidity in the vagina, which kills protective bacteria called lactobacilli. This can occur because of vaginal infections due to:

  • difficulty maintaining adequate hygiene
  • using antibiotics
  • frequent douching
  • semen or menstrual blood
  • diabetes
  • pregnancy
  • a foreign object, such as a tampon

In rare cases, people may have fistulas or abnormal openings between the intestine and the genital tract. These can cause vaginal discharge, which may also contain stool.

Fistulas may result from:

  • Crohn’s disease
  • damage to the vagina during childbirth
  • tumors in the pelvis
  • radiation therapy on the pelvis
  • an injury during surgery on the pelvis

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), common symptoms of ovarian cancer include:

  • pressure or pain in the pelvic area
  • pain the back or abdomen
  • abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause
  • feeling full too quickly
  • bloating
  • a change in bathroom habits, such as frequently urinating or having constipation

Symptoms may also include:

  • fatigue
  • weight loss
  • pain during vaginal sex
  • difficulty breathing
  • a buildup of fluid in the abdomen
  • a buildup of fluid between the tissues that line the lungs and the chest

Learn more about early and advanced symptoms of ovarian cancer.

People who have symptoms of ovarian cancer, abnormal discharge, or both should immediately contact a doctor.

If a person has a yeast infection or thrush and no other symptoms of infection or ovarian cancer, they do not have to contact a doctor every time they experience discharge. This type of discharge is usually thick, white, and clumpy. Yeast infections may also cause itching and burning.

If a person consults a doctor about vaginal discharge, the doctor may ask some questions regarding:

  • the smell and look of the discharge
  • if other symptoms are present, such as itching
  • whether a person has pain during sex or urination, or constant pain in the pelvis
  • whether discharge occurs during menstruation or sex
  • if the person uses any products that may irritate the vaginal area
  • whether the person is taking antibiotics
  • whether the person has diabetes

A doctor may also do a physical examination of the pelvis and other tests, such as inserting a cotton swab into the vagina or cervix to get a sample of the discharge. They will then examine the discharge and send a sample to the lab.

People looking for ovarian cancer support can call the American Cancer Society’s cancer helpline on 800-227-2345, chat with them online, or find local programs or services.

Organizations that provide support for people with ovarian cancer include:

  • The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
  • Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance
  • The National LGBT Cancer Project

Several organizations provide support specifically for People of Color with cancer, including:

  • Black Women’s Health Imperative
  • SHARE
  • Latinas Contra Cancer

Ovarian cancer may cause discharge that is often white or clear or that contains blood. This symptom is common among certain types of ovarian cancer but not all. The most common type of ovarian cancer rarely has vaginal discharge or bleeding.

Discharge may be normal as part of a person’s menstrual cycle or indicate another issue, such as an infection. Abnormal discharge may be thick and lumpy, or frothy. It may be white, green, or yellow. Various factors could cause it, including:

  • a yeast infection
  • an STI
  • an overgrowth of harmful bacteria
  • difficulty maintaining adequate hygiene
  • pregnancy

Other symptoms of ovarian cancer include:

  • pelvic pain
  • abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • changes to bathroom habits
  • bloating

A person should contact a doctor if they have abnormal vaginal discharge, ovarian cancer symptoms, or both. A doctor will likely ask questions, perform a pelvic exam, and test the discharge.

Find out what kind of discharge in ovarian cyst: color and characteristic features

What kind of discharge is observed in ovarian cyst?

When an ovarian cyst occurs in a woman, characteristic signs of the disease are distinguished, including vaginal discharge. The tumor can be either benign or malignant.

A cyst is a benign tumor that is filled with fluid. A similar pathological condition occurs due to hormonal failure. Neoplasms appear in both young and older women. Quite often, the disease occurs in adolescents. Some formations can degenerate into a cancerous tumor, so it is important to visit a doctor in a timely manner and conduct a thorough medical diagnosis. Based on the results of the study, the gynecologist will prescribe the appropriate therapy.

If the disease is advanced, the problem is eliminated by surgery. To prevent this, you need to regularly undergo examinations with doctors. This is the best prevention of many diseases.

Suppositories for ovarian cysts: a list, specific features of use, …

The main symptoms of an ovarian cyst

Many women experience white discharge from the vagina. With an ovarian cyst, they become brown. To prevent the development of serious complications, you should regularly visit a gynecologist. There are several symptoms by which you can determine the presence of a pathological condition, namely:

  • soreness in the abdomen;
  • menstrual disorders;
  • uterine bleeding;
  • regular brownish vaginal discharge.

When the disease is advanced, the cyst manifests itself as:

  • frequent urge to urinate;
  • constipation;
  • abdominal enlargement;
  • severe bloating.

The appearance of such unpleasant symptoms may indicate the development of other serious diseases. Only after a thorough medical examination of the patient, a specialist will be able to establish an accurate diagnosis.

Ovarian cyst in menopause: possible causes, methods of therapy,…

Pain during the disease

During the development of the disease, the patient experiences severe pain in the abdomen, which spreads to the groin and lower back. If the tumor appeared on the right ovary, then pain is felt in the right side of the body.

If you experience dull and severe aching pain in the lower abdomen, you should visit a gynecologist. As the disease progresses, the pain increases. Before the upcoming menstruation, in the process of exercising, or during sexual intercourse, sudden pain often occurs. As the tumor grows, the capsule may rupture. In this case, the leg of the neoplasm is often twisted, which increases the pain, the pain radiates to the anus.

What causes ovarian cysts and how can they be treated? Maybe…

The following signs are observed:

  • migraine;
  • nausea;
  • gagging;
  • hypertension;
  • fever.

Gynecologists do not recommend self-medication and regular painkillers. The problem needs to be solved, not masked.

Hormonal failure

An imbalance of hormones in a girl’s body can provoke the appearance of a cyst. In this case:

  • menses are irregular;
  • body weight changes;
  • increased hair growth;
  • problems with conception
  • brown discharge occurs with an ovarian cyst.

Illness discharge

Vaginal discharge is also present in healthy women. They differ in color, density and abundance – much depends on the individual characteristics of the patient’s body. If pathological discharge from the genital organs appears, you should visit a doctor.

Egg white discharge often indicates that ovulation has occurred. If the girl has no health problems, the patient’s reproductive system is working normally, then the discharge is colored milky or white, while there is no specific smell and the mucous membranes of the genital tract are not irritated. It is a natural lubricant that protects the surface of the genital tract.

Ovarian cyst discharge brown and not abundant (outside of menstruation). Quite often, vaginal discharge with blood is a sign of hormonal changes. During the release of the egg from the follicle, mild blood discharge often appears. To exclude a negative cause, you should consult a doctor. Self-medication can be life-threatening.

Causes of activity

With an ovarian cyst, yellow discharge from the vagina causes discomfort to a woman, because the pituitary gland does not work well. Due to the increase in the level of estrogen in the blood, the gonads of the girl begin to produce a lot of mucous secretions. Brownish or bloody discharge is often a sign of an ovarian cyst. Under such conditions, periods become irregular or completely absent – they can be plentiful and longer.

If you have such an unpleasant symptom of the disease, you should visit a doctor. At home, it is impossible to determine with accuracy whether an ovarian cyst provoked an unpleasant symptom or another pathology. To make a correct diagnosis, the doctor performs a thorough medical diagnosis of the patient, studies the composition of brown discharge with an ovarian cyst in order to exclude bacterial or fungal infections.

Only after a complete examination can the doctor determine the disease and prescribe the appropriate treatment. It is forbidden to take any medications without the recommendation of a doctor, since self-medication can provoke the development of bleeding and other complications.

How to determine the presence of the disease?

Only after a thorough diagnosis, the doctor will make a diagnosis. With the help of laparoscopy, computed tomography of the ovaries, magnetic resonance imaging, the cause of the disease can be determined. Even if the cyst is small, treatment is necessary, you need to constantly be under the supervision of your doctor. Surgery is performed if the disease progresses and causes maximum discomfort to the patient.

What causes ovarian cysts and how can they be treated? Maybe …

Features of the discharge in case of illness

Let’s consider what kind of discharge with an ovarian cyst. By analyzing and evaluating vaginal secretion, women’s health can be assessed. Any changes may indicate problems in the body. With an ovarian cyst, bloody dark or brownish discharge often appears. Their consistency is always homogeneous. In some cases, a blood clot is present. The amount of allocation depends on the specific case. Some patients have profuse secretion, while others show only slight spotting.

In some cases, an unpleasant symptom appears 6 days before the onset of menstruation. Quite often, girls confuse such discharge with menstruation and go for a consultation with a gynecologist in order to determine hormonal failure. Sometimes the secretion of an ovarian cyst is colored green or black.

Peculiarities of bleeding: signs

Can there be discharge from an ovarian cyst with blood? Bleeding is the most dangerous situation that can occur during the development of an ovarian cyst. When bleeding in women, the following symptoms are observed:

  • unbearable abdominal pain;
  • severe headache;
  • nausea;
  • loss of consciousness.

Sometimes the body temperature rises, which cannot be brought down by medicines. If profuse bleeding occurs with an ovarian cyst, it is important to immediately call an ambulance, since self-medication can be fatal. At home, it is impossible to carry out a diagnosis, so an examination by a gynecologist is necessary.

Discharge after surgical removal of a cyst

After treatment of a cystic neoplasm, a woman may experience discharge from the genitals. Thanks to laparoscopic surgery, you can quickly restore the health of the patient. This type of therapy is one of the most gentle methods in which the abdomen is not cut.

After surgery, the menstrual cycle is not disturbed. In some cases, discharge with blood appears, which should not alert the patient. You only need to worry if they:

  • have an unpleasant odour;
  • changed color to whitish;
  • changed color – yellow, green and brown discharge indicates the development of an infectious process.

In this case, it is mandatory to seek the advice of a gynecologist and carry out additional examinations. Based on the diagnostic results obtained, the specialist will prescribe a complex therapy.

Signs of the absence of disease

Not all cases of vaginal discharge indicate the development of a serious disease. If a woman has no problems in the reproductive system, then the discharge:

  • cream, light yellow or white;
  • are odorless;
  • thin consistency – slightly watery;
  • during the release of the egg, the discharge resembles egg white;
  • not to exceed 1. 5 tsp;
  • may increase before menstruation and after intercourse.

During sexual arousal, the amount of lubrication increases significantly – this is a normal reaction of the body to an irritant.

Note to women

It is not possible to determine the presence or absence of a serious disease by evaluating vaginal discharge. Only after passing all the necessary tests, the doctor can make the correct diagnosis.

Do not use any medications without the advice of a doctor, as self-medication can harm and provoke the development of serious complications.

If the discharge smells bad, this should be cause for concern. In frequent cases, such a sign indicates that an ovarian cyst is developing. Spotting bloody discharge should also be a cause for concern. To prevent the occurrence of complications, it is important to visit the gynecologist regularly. Experts advise to consult a doctor at least once every six months, since strange discharge does not always appear in women with an ovarian cyst.

Doctors recommend not to postpone the treatment of diseases and inflammatory processes, as these are the main factors that provoke the appearance of cysts. In the process of treating pathology, it is important to exclude physical activity and sexual intimacy – this will speed up the healing process.

If bleeding occurs, it is important to call an ambulance immediately and not take medication at home, as this can lead to unpredictable consequences. In this case, the patient is treated in a hospital under the vigilant supervision of medical personnel.

Brown vaginal discharge | Kotex®

Expert comment
Gynecologist Anastasia Degteva

“Scanty brown discharge 1-3 days before, during and 1-3 days after menstruation is normal. If such discharge is uncharacteristic for you or they appear throughout the entire menstrual cycle, then consult a doctor.
If you are pregnant, contact your doctor immediately if you experience spotting. Most often, meager discharge does not mean something bad, but it’s definitely worth making sure that everything is in order. ”

Most often, discharge of this color appears before and after menstruation.

Brown discharge composed of blood. When there is little blood, it takes longer for it to leave the uterus, and it oxidizes in the process. Because of this, it darkens and acquires a brown tint and a specific glandular smell. Blood may come out with vaginal lubrication and look like brown mucus or spotting.

If you notice brown discharge, mark it on your period calendar and see if there are any other symptoms.

To avoid discomfort during the period when brown discharge occurs, you can use
panty liners, such as
Kotex natural. They are made from 100% cotton, hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested. They are made in such a way that materials that are used in the production of plastic, chlorine or dyes do not adhere to the body. They are ideal for sensitive skin and can be used with any type of underwear. If the discharge is more abundant, then it is convenient to use the lungs
natural pads Kotex Natural for 4 drops. They are suitable for moderate flow: thanks to the unique 3-D center, they quickly and effectively absorb secretions, and the special shape provides a perfect fit to the body and protects against leakage. You can buy them in pharmacies, in retail stores and order in online stores.

During what periods can brown discharge appear and for what reason can it be?

Before and after menses

During these periods, menstrual bleeding is weak. When the bleeding is heavy, the blood is usually scarlet in color, but when it slows down, the blood oxidizes and turns brown or even black. If you have noted brown discharge these days, then this is absolutely normal.

Mid cycle

A small number of women experience spotting during ovulation. The volume of secretions is small, they can also be pinkish in color. Usually, small spotting in the middle of the cycle occurs in young girls, in women taking oral contraceptives, and in women approaching menopause. If you have such a discharge, then you should visit a doctor to make sure that this is not a symptom of the disease. Other signs of ovulation: profuse leucorrhoea, similar in texture to egg white, mild pain in the lower abdomen (it can hurt only on one side), a change in basal temperature.

Instead of menstruation

Your cycle may be a little off (difference up to 7 days is absolutely normal). If your normal periods do not occur, you should consult a gynecologist.

During pregnancy

Brownish discharge may be a sign of pregnancy. Often, slight bleeding occurs 10-14 days after fertilization, when the egg is strengthened on the wall of the uterus (implantation occurs). Other signs of early pregnancy: tender, painful breasts, nausea, vomiting, frequent urination, fatigue. If you have a reason to think that you might be pregnant, and instead of menstruating, you have brown discharge or your period is late, it is better to do a home test. If the test is positive, then you need to visit a gynecologist to confirm the result and plan further actions.

When taking oral contraceptives (OC)

Some OCs may cause brown discharge during menstruation and mid-cycle. OK affect the level of sex hormones, so such changes are most often normal in this case. Especially often brown discharge occurs in the first months of taking OK. If brown discharge without pain and odor lasts longer than 3 months after the start of taking OK, you need to consult a doctor and change the remedy.

Possible pathological causes of brown discharge: what could it be?

Hormonal failure

Estrogen helps regulate the thickness of the uterine epithelium. If there is too little estrogen, then the uterine lining may separate during the cycle, resulting in brown and other atypical discharge.

Low estrogen levels can also cause:

  • Hot flashes

  • Insomnia

  • Mood swings, depression

  • Difficulties in trying to concentrate

  • Infections of the genitourinary system

  • Weight kit

Ovarian cyst

An ovarian cyst is a small, fluid-filled sac-like mass that appears on the ovary. A follicular cyst can form if an egg fails to successfully leave the ovary during ovulation. These cysts can form asymptomatically and often go away on their own after a few months. Sometimes the cyst does not go away on its own and begins to grow in size. If this happens, then it can cause a number of symptoms, including brown discharge. Cysts that continue to grow in size can be very dangerous and can twist or compress the ovary. If you suspect that you may have a cyst, then you should contact your doctor for advice.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

STIs can cause bleeding and brown discharge. Many diseases of this group are asymptomatic in the early stages (for example, gonorrhea and chlamydia). Over time, the following symptoms may appear: pain when urinating, a feeling of pressure in the pubic area, vaginal discharge, and bleeding between periods.

Bacterial vaginosis is also a form of infection, but is not necessarily sexually transmitted. It appears with the overgrowth of certain types of bacteria that are present in the healthy microflora of the vagina. This condition can cause changes in the texture, color, or smell of vaginal discharge.

If you suspect you may have contracted an STI or other infection, be sure to see a doctor. Left untreated, these infections can lead to chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and chronic pain.

Endometriosis

In endometriosis, the tissue that lines the walls of the uterus grows outside the uterus. In this condition, there is often severe pain, heavy periods and bleeding between periods. If endometrial tissue is unable to leave the body when menstruation occurs, it can cause severe pain, brown discharge, and fertility problems.

Other possible symptoms:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

With PCOS, the menstrual cycle is often unstable. Many women with this condition only have 9 periods a year. With PCOS, there is often bloody brown discharge between periods due to the lack of ovulation.

Other possible symptoms:

  • Skin darkening

  • Weight set

  • Depression, anxiety, mood swings

  • Thinning hair and growth of hair on areas of the body atypical for women

  • Headaches

  • Acne

Ectopic pregnancy

Sometimes a fertilized egg does not attach in the uterus, but in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or on the cervix. This condition is called an ectopic pregnancy.

In addition to brown discharge, may cause:

  • Acute pain in the abdomen, pubic region, neck and shoulders

  • Fainting

  • Vertigo

  • Pressure sensation

  • Unilateral lower abdominal pain

If you experience any of these symptoms in addition to brown spotting, you need to call an ambulance. Untreated, an ectopic pregnancy can cause the fallopian tube to rupture and cause severe bleeding. This is deadly.

Miscarriage

Approximately 10-20% of all pregnancies end in miscarriages, usually before the 10th week of fetal development. Symptoms often come on very quickly and include brown discharge and heavy bleeding.

Other possible symptoms:

In the early stages of pregnancy, spotting is often completely normal, but should be reported to a gynecologist.

Lochia (bloody discharge after childbirth)

Lochia is a bloody discharge that occurs in women for 4-6 weeks after childbirth.