Brown Discharge: Causes and Concerns for Women

Brown discharge without odor?

Hello Doctor: My menstrual period this month started around the beginning of the month, approximately on the 9th, and it ended normally after seven days.
However, this morning when I went to the bathroom, I noticed brown discharge on the toilet paper after wiping, along with some dark-colored substances that looked like blood.
There was no unusual odor, just normal discharge, and I didn't see any on my underwear; it only appeared when I wiped with toilet paper, and after a couple of wipes, it was gone.
After two classes, I went to the bathroom again and observed the same situation.
Recently, I have been feeling sleepy at times; I usually go to bed around 11 PM to midnight.
I haven't had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend, but I have performed oral sex (without ejaculation), and there was some rubbing through clothing.
I would like to ask the doctor: 1.
Could this bleeding be a sign of pregnancy, or could it be related to other issues (such as hormonal imbalance)? 2.
During the winter break, I experienced abnormal bleeding, and after seeing a doctor, I was told that my prolactin levels were too high.
I took medication but didn't go back for a follow-up; could this be a recurrence? 3.
Sometimes when walking, I feel a slight discomfort in the labia; could this simply be due to my posture (like not wiping properly after using the bathroom)? 4.
Is there a possibility of pregnancy? Thank you, Doctor.

Lei Yu, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/04/22

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

This month's menstruation started around the beginning of the month, approximately on the 9th, and it ended normally after seven days.
However, I noticed this morning when I went to the bathroom that there was brown discharge on the toilet paper, along with some dark-colored substances that resembled blood.
There was no unusual odor, just regular discharge, and I didn't see any on my underwear; it only appeared when I wiped with toilet paper.
After wiping two or three times, it stopped.
When I went to the bathroom again after two classes, the same situation occurred.
Recently, I've been feeling sleepy at times; I usually go to bed around 11 PM to midnight.
I haven't had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend, but I have performed oral sex (without ejaculation), and there was some friction through clothing.
I would like to ask the doctor:
1.
Could this bleeding be a sign of pregnancy, or is it due to other issues (such as hormonal imbalance)?
Answer: It is likely due to ovulation causing hormonal imbalance, not pregnancy.
2.
I experienced abnormal bleeding during winter break, and after seeing a doctor, I was told my prolactin levels were too high.
I took medication but did not return for a follow-up.
Could this be a recurrence?
Answer: Not necessarily.
3.
Sometimes when I walk, I feel a slight discomfort in my labia.
Is this simply due to posture (like not cleaning properly after using the bathroom)?
Answer: It could be due to not cleaning properly after using the bathroom or simply due to posture.
4.
Could this lead to pregnancy?
Answer: No, it will not lead to pregnancy.

Reply Date: 2019/04/22

More Info

Understanding brown discharge can be a source of concern for many women, especially when it appears unexpectedly. In your case, you mentioned experiencing brown discharge after your menstrual cycle, which can be attributed to several factors. Let's break down your questions and concerns.

1. Could this bleeding indicate pregnancy or other issues (like hormonal imbalance)?
The brown discharge you are experiencing is likely not a sign of pregnancy, especially since you have not engaged in penetrative sexual intercourse. Brown discharge often occurs when old blood is expelled from the body, which can happen at the end of a menstrual period or due to hormonal fluctuations. In your case, since your last period ended about a week ago, the brown discharge could simply be remnants of your menstrual flow. Hormonal imbalances can also lead to irregular bleeding or spotting, which might explain the brown discharge. Given your history of elevated prolactin levels, it’s possible that hormonal fluctuations are contributing to this symptom.

2. Is there a chance of recurrence of previous abnormal bleeding?
Since you mentioned having experienced abnormal bleeding in the past due to high prolactin levels, it is possible that fluctuations in your hormone levels could lead to similar symptoms. If you have not followed up with your healthcare provider since your last treatment, it might be wise to schedule an appointment to discuss your symptoms and any potential need for further evaluation or treatment.

3. Could the sensation of discomfort in the labia be due to posture or hygiene?
The feeling of discomfort or a "tight" sensation in the labia could be related to several factors, including posture, irritation from clothing, or even improper wiping techniques after using the restroom. If you are experiencing this sensation consistently, it may be worth discussing with a healthcare provider to rule out any infections or other underlying issues.

4. Is there a risk of pregnancy from the activities you described?
Based on your description, if there was no ejaculation and you only engaged in external activities (like rubbing through clothing), the likelihood of pregnancy is extremely low. Sperm needs to enter the vagina to potentially lead to pregnancy, and since you mentioned that there was no direct contact or ejaculation, it is highly unlikely that you could conceive from this situation.

In summary, the brown discharge you are experiencing is likely related to hormonal changes or remnants of your menstrual cycle rather than pregnancy. However, given your history of hormonal issues, it would be prudent to consult with a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. They can provide personalized advice and determine if any further testing or treatment is necessary. It's essential to monitor your symptoms and seek medical attention if you experience any significant changes or additional concerns. Remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep can also positively impact your hormonal balance and overall reproductive health.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Brown Discharge: Causes and Health Implications for Women

Occasionally having brown discharge can be caused by various factors, including hormonal changes, ovulation, or the beginning or end of a menstrual period. It is often not harmful and can be a normal part of the menstrual cycle. However, if the discharge is accompanied by other s...

Dr. Lin Manying reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: Brown discharge is a sign of light bleeding and is often indicative of an abnormal condition. It is recommended to visit a hospital for examination.

Understanding Brown Discharge: Causes and Concerns for Women

Hello doctor, I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend last Sunday (we used a condom, and there was no penetration, but there was some rubbing at the vaginal opening). A week later, when I wiped after using the restroom, I noticed that the discharge was slightly brown. What cou...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the factors that can affect the menstrual cycle or cause intermenstrual bleeding are numerous, including age, environment, lifestyle, stress, emotional instability, weight changes, medications, emergency contraceptive pills, diet, polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine or cerv...

Understanding Abnormal Discharge: Causes and Concerns for Women

I have been experiencing brown discharge for an average of two to three days over the past few months. The amount varies, and I feel a damp sensation similar to that of menstruation throughout the day, which is quite uncomfortable. However, I do not have any menstrual cramps, and...

Dr. Lin Manying reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. Brown discharge indicates a small amount of bleeding mixed with vaginal secretions, and it is necessary to investigate the cause of the bleeding and whether there is a vaginal infection. 2. It should not be related to diet.

Understanding Light Brown Menstrual Flow: Causes and Concerns

Having sexual intercourse with your boyfriend while using a condom throughout the entire act, and experiencing your last menstrual period for about five days with some brown discharge and vaginal discharge, raises a few questions. The brown discharge you are observing could be ...

Dr. Wu Xianghui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. "Abnormal vaginal bleeding" has numerous causes, including lifestyle habits and stress, age, vaginal infections, benign gynecological conditions, and malignant tumors, among others. 2. "Vaginal infections" can lead to abnormal discharge, perineal itching, u...