Brown Discharge After Drinking: Is It Related to Ovulation? - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Brown discharge after drinking?


Hello, I received an injection to induce menstruation on March 3, and my period started on March 7 and ended on March 15.
My previous menstrual cycles were approximately as follows: 9/26-10/5, 10/28-11/5, 11/27-12/4, 12/30-1/7, 1/31-2/7.
However, this time, after drinking beer on March 23, 26, and 27, I noticed a small amount of brown discharge that was watery when I wiped after urinating.
This only occurred after drinking alcohol, and there were no symptoms before or after.
Could this be related to alcohol consumption causing ovulation bleeding, or could there be another reason for this? Thank you.

Emily, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/28

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


The response indicates that this is likely not ovulation bleeding, but rather irregular menstruation.
Other possibilities include inflammation, tumors, polyps, etc.
It is advisable to seek medical attention to confirm the cause.
Sincerely, Dr.
Lu Li-Cheng, Taoyuan Hospital.

Reply Date: 2016/03/28

More Info


The occurrence of brown discharge after drinking alcohol can be concerning, and it’s important to understand the potential causes and implications. Based on your description, it seems that you experienced this brown discharge after consuming beer on specific dates, which coincided with your menstrual cycle and the administration of a medication to induce menstruation.
Firstly, brown discharge can often be a normal part of the menstrual cycle. It typically indicates old blood that is being expelled from the body, which can happen at the beginning or end of a menstrual period. However, if this discharge occurs outside of your expected menstrual cycle, it may warrant further investigation.

In your case, since you mentioned that the brown discharge appeared after drinking alcohol, it’s essential to consider a few factors:
1. Alcohol and Hormonal Fluctuations: Alcohol can influence hormonal levels in the body. It may affect the menstrual cycle by altering estrogen and progesterone levels, which could lead to unexpected bleeding or spotting. This hormonal fluctuation might explain the brown discharge you observed after drinking.

2. Ovulation and Mid-Cycle Spotting: The timing of your discharge could also correlate with ovulation, which typically occurs about 14 days before your next expected period. Some women experience ovulation spotting, which can be light and brownish in color. If your drinking days coincided with your ovulation period, this could be a plausible explanation.

3. Impact of Medication: The injection you received to induce menstruation may also play a role in your current symptoms. Medications that affect the menstrual cycle can lead to irregular bleeding or spotting, especially in the cycle following administration.
4. Dehydration and Urinary Changes: Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it can lead to dehydration. Dehydration can concentrate urine and potentially lead to changes in vaginal discharge. If you were dehydrated after drinking, this could also contribute to the appearance of brown discharge.

5. Other Factors: It’s also important to consider other potential causes of brown discharge, such as infections, polyps, or other underlying health issues. If the discharge continues or is accompanied by other symptoms (such as pain, odor, or significant changes in your menstrual cycle), it would be advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

In summary, while the brown discharge you experienced after drinking alcohol could be related to hormonal changes, ovulation, or the effects of the medication you received, it is essential to monitor your symptoms. If this discharge persists or if you have any concerns about your menstrual health, seeking medical advice would be the best course of action. A healthcare provider can perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and possibly lab tests, to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate guidance.

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