Brown Discharge: Causes and Pregnancy Concerns

Blood-tinged vaginal discharge?

From October 3 to October 9, I had my menstrual period, and two days after it ended, I continued to need a pad.
Every day, there was a bit of brown blood with a fishy odor, and sometimes it looked like red blood mixed with water.
On October 23, I had sexual intercourse with a condom, and the next day, I still had brown blood.
Starting November 1, the previous bleeding stopped, but logically, my period should have started by now.
However, it still hasn't come.
What could be the reason? Is there a possibility of pregnancy? My menstrual cycle isn't very regular, but it usually comes within 36 days at the latest, and now it's been 37 days without a period.

Nini, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/11/08

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

The irregular menstruation could be due to various reasons, including inflammation.
Since condoms were used, the likelihood of pregnancy is low.
If you are still concerned, you can take a home pregnancy test.
Sincerely, Dr.
Lu Li-Cheng, Taoyuan Hospital.

Reply Date: 2015/11/08

More Info

Brown discharge during pregnancy or in the menstrual cycle can be concerning for many women, and it’s important to understand its potential causes and implications. In your case, the brown discharge you experienced after your menstrual period, which lasted from October 3 to October 9, could be attributed to several factors.

Firstly, brown discharge often indicates old blood that is taking longer to exit the body. This can happen at the end of a menstrual period, and it is generally considered normal. However, if the discharge is accompanied by a foul odor or significant changes in color or consistency, it may warrant further investigation, as it could indicate an infection or other underlying issues.

The fact that you experienced brown discharge after having sexual intercourse on October 23, while using protection, raises some questions. If the condom was used correctly and did not break, the likelihood of pregnancy is low. However, if there was any failure in the contraceptive method, it is possible to conceive. The brown discharge could also be a sign of implantation bleeding, which occurs when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining, typically around the time your period would be due.

You mentioned that your menstrual cycle is not very regular, with the longest cycle being 36 days. Since you are now 37 days past your last period without any signs of menstruation, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test. If the test is positive, you should schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and prenatal care. If the test is negative and your period still does not arrive, it may be worth consulting with a healthcare professional to explore potential causes for the delay, such as hormonal imbalances, stress, or other health issues.

In terms of your concerns about pregnancy, if you are indeed pregnant, brown discharge can sometimes occur in early pregnancy and may not necessarily indicate a problem. However, if you experience any additional symptoms such as severe cramping, heavy bleeding, or pain, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

To summarize, brown discharge can be a normal occurrence, particularly at the end of a menstrual cycle or in early pregnancy. However, given your irregular cycle and the recent sexual activity, it is essential to take a pregnancy test and consult with a healthcare provider to ensure everything is progressing normally. Regular check-ups and open communication with your healthcare provider can help address any concerns you may have about your reproductive health and pregnancy.

Similar Q&A

Brown Discharge: Pregnancy or Infection? What You Need to Know

Hello, 1. If there are very small amounts of brown discharge for three consecutive days, without itching or odor, it could be related to either early pregnancy or a possible inflammation. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation. 2. In the ca...

Dr. Yang Wangjun reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: (1) Brown vaginal discharge usually indicates slight bleeding. This could be caused by a miscarriage due to pregnancy, bleeding resulting from endometrial dysfunction, endometrial hyperplasia, or bleeding from endometrial polyps or cervical polyps. (2) Regardless of whethe...

Understanding Brown Discharge After Intercourse: Causes and Pregnancy Concerns

Brown discharge that begins two to three days after sexual intercourse and lasts for 26 to 27 days, followed by a 6-day period of bleeding that is lighter than usual (with the bleeding starting 6 to 7 days later than expected), can be concerning. The prolonged brown discharge may...

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 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...