Intermenstrual bleeding and periods in the middle of the cycle

When is brown leucorrhoea normal?

The so-called brown spot is not always a sign of a problem in the body. Discharges that come from the genitals are not pathological if they appear:

• began (up to 2 days) before menstruation;
• after the end of menstruation (up to 3 days).

The reason for the appearance of brown leucorrhoea in the middle of the cycle may be hormonal changes in the body:

• When taking contraceptives
  . Leucorrhoea occurs during the first months (sometimes up to six months) after starting to take medications. They are not accompanied by additional symptoms and then disappear.
• After using medications
  emergency contraception (Postinor, Escapelle, etc.).

• During adolescence.
  The regularity of menstruation is established within 2 years from the onset of menarche (first menstruation). Therefore, the appearance of a scant bloody smear in the middle of the cycle is a variant of the norm during puberty.
• During menopause
  . Irregular cycles and spotting are common during menopause (from six months to a year after the cessation of menstruation).

Hormonal imbalances and the appearance of brown discharge can be caused by endocrine diseases.

Another non-pathological cause of brown spotting in the middle of the cycle is internal microtraumas that occur:

• During ovulation
  . After maturation, the egg ruptures the follicle and leaves the ovary into the fallopian tube.
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  The rupture may be accompanied by the release of a small amount of blood, which, when oxidized, acquires a brown tint (from light chocolate to dark brown or black).

• After first coitus
  . Brown and even bloody discharge is a consequence of the destruction of the hymen. Sometimes spotting leucorrhoea appears after the first few sexual intercourses.

• After rough vaginal sex
  . If a woman is insufficiently aroused and there is no (or poor secretion of) lubrication in the vagina, microtraumas occur, accompanied by small bloody leucorrhoea.

Leucorrhoea that begins after sex, with an unpleasant odor, itching or pain, may be a symptom of sexually transmitted diseases.

What color is the discharge on the first and subsequent days of menstruation?

As a rule, normal periods last 3–5 days. During this time, the color of menstrual discharge may change significantly. Don't worry! In most cases this is completely normal.

First day.

At the beginning of menstruation, many girls and adult women experience characteristic dark, thick discharge in the form of smears. This is due to the fact that the release of an unfertilized egg during menstruation does not occur immediately, but gradually. As a rule, dark discharge lasts no more than a day.

In the middle of menstruation.

Usually the color of blood during menstruation is red. The shade can vary from quite bright to dark. Often the color depends on the amount of blood lost. With scanty periods, the discharge is often dark; with heavy periods, it is red or burgundy. They may contain mucus and small clots. Bright scarlet menstrual blood in the first 1-3 days (but not longer!) is also considered normal.

In the last days of menstruation.

By the fourth day of your period, your discharge should become darker and thicker. After your period ends, you may notice brown marks appearing on your underwear for 3 days. This way the uterus is completely cleansed of everything “unnecessary”. During this period, you can use panty liners, such as Carefree®.

Discharge from a healthy woman

Normal indicators of the health of the female reproductive system are full discharge from the vagina and uterus. Every qualified gynecologist can explain why they go and visit regularly during an appointment. The mucous membranes of internal organs have their own protective microflora, which provokes the excretion of transparent mucus. Causes of natural discharge:

• microorganisms and epithelial cells of the vagina and uterus;
• vaginal lubrication. Observed after sexual intercourse;

• protective function of the cervical canal.

There is another type - periodic bleeding menstrual flow. Traditionally, bleeding occurs differently for everyone and has an individual character. The daily amount is from 5-6 grams to 15-18 grams of liquid. The duration does not exceed 8 - 9 days. The rest of the menstrual cycle has a creamy or denser consistency of the composition.

The norm for the appearance of brown spotting impurities in vaginal discharge is the period before or after the expected menstruation. The duration should not exceed 2-3 days. Sometimes you can observe these signs during the period of ovulation.

Uterine erosion and spotting

If a pregnant woman has cervical erosion, a woman may occasionally experience slight vaginal discharge. The reason is that the eroded area is irritated and damaged during the growth of the uterus and stretching of the cervical canal. In this case, it is also recommended to be observed by a specialist.

In case of erosion, spotting may occur even in the absence of pregnancy. For example, it is often caused by mechanical trauma during sexual intercourse or during examination by a doctor. And if it appears due to inflammation of the endometrium, you will find brown discharge before the start of your period.

Discharge after sex

Normally, after intimate relations, the discharge should be mucous, without any foreign odor. Blood after sex, a feeling of discomfort and pain should be a reason to contact a gynecologist, especially if they appear repeatedly. Unpleasant symptoms can be physiological in nature (if it is the beginning of menstruation, first sexual intercourse, insufficient vaginal moisture), and in this case the woman’s condition can be easily corrected in accordance with the doctor’s recommendations.

In emergency cases, urgent hospitalization is necessary, but more often you can visit a doctor as planned, after which the specialist will prescribe treatment based on the identified pathology.

However, the reason may also be the development of gynecological pathology (inflammation, cancerous tumors, benign neoplasms, cervical erosion), which needs to be diagnosed (examination by a doctor, pelvic ultrasound, smears for flora and oncocytology) and timely treatment.

It is important to pay attention not only to the presence of blood during intimate contact, but also to other warning signs, so that you know what to do if there is blood during sex - relax or urgently consult a doctor for consultation and treatment. To clarify the reasons, the woman is prescribed several types of examination:

• examination on a gynecological chair;
• colposcopy to determine the condition of the cervix;
• performing an analysis of vaginal smears to exclude sexually transmitted diseases;
• pipel biopsy;
• Ultrasound to determine the condition of the endometrium;

• hysteroscopy (for regularly recurring bleeding).

If you suspect a precancerous condition of the tissues of the cervix, endometrium, or external genitalia, consultation with an oncologist is required.

What to do if you have brown discharge instead of your period?

If you are faced with spotting and it does not go away in two or three days, and is also not a sign of the first menstruation or the upcoming menopause, then this is a reason to contact a gynecologist. First, the doctor will interview you, then examine you and, most likely, refer you for an ultrasound or other examinations. The most reliable option is microbiological tests, namely a smear. It is taken from the vagina and cervix to understand what caused the spotting. In severe cases of the disease, women are referred for laparoscopy to make an accurate diagnosis. Here's what experts recommend:

• use white pads or underwear during pregnancy to see discharge in time;
• refuse tight artificial underwear;
• try not to disturb the vaginal microflora when washing and not to cause infections;
• Save the drainage pad to ask your doctor for advice.

And remember that only a gynecologist will say for sure whether spotting is a sign of pregnancy or is caused by other reasons.

Causes of bleeding

When bleeding appears in the middle of the cycle without pain or itching, and the discharge does not smell unpleasant, the symptom is almost always provoked by physiological factors:

1. Ovulation
   . The release of a mature egg is accompanied by a change in hormonal levels due to increased estrogen synthesis. On the 13th day of the cycle, spotting, if there are no gynecological diseases, is almost always caused by ovulation.
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2. Current pregnancy
   . At the time of implantation of the fertilized egg into the uterus, there is often a little bleeding from the vagina. Bloody discharge in the middle of the cycle without pain can occur any day after menstruation, but more often it occurs on the 15th day of the cycle if there was unprotected intimate contact before that.

3. Microdamage to the vagina
   . Active sex, accompanied by damage to the mucous membrane. Reasons: inappropriate or large size of the partner's organ. One-time minor bleeding in the middle of the cycle after sex is not dangerous. If the situation repeats and the peeing is not associated with coitus, then you should look for another reason.

4. Taking oral contraceptives
   . On the 16th day of the cycle, bleeding often occurs when hormonal contraceptives are taken.

5. Precursors of menstruation
   . Bloody discharge that appears on the 18th day of the cycle can signal that menstruation will begin soon.

The causes of bleeding in the middle of the cycle, even if there are no other signs of deterioration in health, are not always physiological in nature. If blood is released for several days or bleeding appears regularly, you need to undergo an examination and find out the cause.

Brown vaginal discharge

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

Brown discharge consists of blood. When there is little blood, it takes longer 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 appear as brown mucus or smudge.

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

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

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

Before and after menstruation

During these periods, menstrual bleeding is light. When 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 notice brown discharge these days, then this is absolutely normal.

In the middle of the cycle

A small number of women experience spotting during ovulation. The amount of discharge is small and may 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 discharge, then it is worth visiting a doctor to make sure that it 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 (may only hurt on one side), change in basal temperature.

Instead of menstruation

Perhaps your cycle is a little off (a difference of 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 strengthens on the wall of the uterus (implantation occurs). Other signs of early pregnancy: tender, painful breasts, nausea, vomiting, frequent urination, fatigue. If you think you might be pregnant and you have brown discharge instead of your period or your period is late, it's best to take 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 can cause brown discharge during menstruation and in the middle of the cycle. OCs affect the level of sex hormones, so such changes are most often normal in this case. Brown discharge occurs especially often in the first months of taking OCs. If brown discharge without pain or odor continues for more than 3 months after starting to take OK, you should consult a doctor and change the medication.

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

Hormonal disbalance

Estrogen helps regulate the thickness of the uterine epithelium. If there is too little estrogen, the uterine lining may shed during the cycle, resulting in brown or other unusual discharge.

Low estrogen levels can also cause:

• Hot flashes
• Insomnia
• Mood swings, depression
• Difficulty trying to concentrate
• Infections of the genitourinary system
• Weight gain

Ovarian cyst

An ovarian cyst is a small sac-shaped formation filled with fluid that appears on the ovary. A follicular cyst can form if the egg fails to successfully leave the ovary during ovulation. Such a cyst can form asymptomatically and often goes away on its own after a few months. Sometimes the cyst does not go away on its own and begins to increase in size. If this happens, 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 crush the ovary. If you suspect that you may have a cyst, you should consult your doctor for advice.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

STIs can cause bleeding and brown discharge. Many diseases in 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 type of infection, but is not necessarily transmitted only through sexual contact. It appears when there is an overgrowth of certain types of bacteria that are present in the healthy microflora of the vagina. This condition may cause changes in the texture, color, or odor of vaginal discharge.

If you suspect that you may have contracted an STI or other infection, be sure to visit your doctor. Without treatment, such infections can lead to chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and chronic pain.

Endometriosis

With endometriosis, the tissue that lines the walls of the uterus grows outside the uterus. This condition often causes severe pain, heavy periods, and bleeding between periods. If endometrial tissue is unable to leave the body when your period arrives, it can cause very severe pain, brown discharge and problems with fertilization.

Other possible symptoms:

• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Pain during penetrative sex and urination
• Constipation
• Bloating

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

With PCOS, the menstrual cycle is often unstable. Many women with this condition have only 9 periods per year. With polycystic disease, it is common to experience bloody brown discharge between periods due to lack of ovulation.

Other possible symptoms:

• Darkening of the skin
• Weight gain
• Depression, anxiety, mood swings
• Thinning hair and hair growth in areas of the body that are not typical for women
• Headache
• Acne

Ectopic pregnancy

Sometimes the fertilized egg is implanted not 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, it can cause:

• Acute pain in the abdomen, pubic area, neck and shoulders
• Fainting
• Dizziness
• Feeling pressure
• Unilateral pain in the lower abdomen

If you experience at least one of these symptoms in addition to the brown spot, then you need to call an ambulance. Without treatment, an ectopic pregnancy can cause a ruptured fallopian tube and severe bleeding. This is deadly.

Miscarriage

About 10-20% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, usually this happens before the 10th week of fetal development. Symptoms often appear very quickly and include brown discharge and heavy bleeding.

Other possible symptoms:

• Fainting
• Dizziness
• Vaginal discharge contains tissue and blood clots
• Pain and cramping in the lower abdomen

In the early stages of pregnancy, spotting is often completely normal, but you should report it to your gynecologist.

Lochia (bloody discharge after childbirth)

Lochia is the name for bloody discharge that occurs in women for 4-6 weeks after childbirth. Usually at first they are very abundant, scarlet in color, with small clots. After a few days, the bleeding subsides and turns pinkish or brownish. After 10 days, the discharge changes again and becomes yellow or creamy and then goes away. Contact your doctor if the discharge has a foul odor, fever, or large clots. These could all be signs of a bacterial infection.

Premenopause

The years before menopause are called perimenopause. Typically, perimenopause begins at around 40 years of age. This period is characterized by changes in estrogen levels, which can cause cycle disruptions and the appearance of brown, pink and red discharge.

Other possible symptoms:

• Tides
• Libido changes
• Vaginal dryness
• Irritability and mood swings
• Insomnia

Discharge associated with pregnancy

Brownish leucorrhoea in the middle of the cycle may indicate the beginning or end of pregnancy (miscarriage). Why is this happening?

When a fertilized egg attaches to the uterus, the endometrial vessels may be slightly damaged. The released blood stains the mucus. Sometimes mild spasms may occur.

Heavy discharge, which is accompanied by severe pain, nausea and cycle disruption, can be a symptom of an ectopic pregnancy.

If the fertilized egg detaches from the endometrium (due to the non-viability of the fetus or the presence of scars and adhesions in the uterus), a miscarriage occurs, which is accompanied by slight bleeding (duration - up to 48-72 hours).

When to worry: signs of illness

Mid-cycle spotting, the causes of which are not related to normal physiological secretions, may be a sign of a gynecological disease. You should pay special attention to your health if leucorrhoea is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• unpleasant odor or heavy discharge;
• pain or cramping in the lower abdomen (moderate to severe);
• itching and burning;

• painful sexual intercourse;
• general intoxication (fever, weakness);
• long period of discharge (from several days);
• the appearance of blood clots;
• regular discharge (appears over several cycles).

Many serious gynecological diseases (cancer, polyps, fibroids, etc.) can be asymptomatic in the early stages, so delay in diagnosis and treatment is deadly

Brown spotting as a symptom of the disease

Brown leucorrhoea can be one of the symptoms of gynecological diseases. Often the appearance of spotting is caused by damage as a result of injury or infection of the mucous membrane of the reproductive organs.

The consequences of these diseases are very serious: from infertility to disability and death.

Therefore, it is necessary to carry out diagnosis as early as possible.

What is the danger?

There are cases when it is simply necessary to seek help from a specialist after detecting brown discharge, since spotting is a clear sign of abnormalities. For example, bleeding after sex is the first sign of diseases of the reproductive system. However, if the spotting is not accompanied by additional symptoms, for example, an increase in body temperature, then discharge after sexual intercourse may indicate the approach of menstrual bleeding.

The strength of the discharge also matters.

So, with an ectopic pregnancy, the discharge of blood can be very copious. It is worth noting that this condition is extremely dangerous for women. Dark brown spotting is most often referred to as metrorrhagia and intermenstrual bleeding.

This phenomenon is typical for women at any age and can appear as a symptom of pathology or be an individual feature of the body. If there is spotting in the middle of the cycle, the doctor may prescribe special medications. The most common diseases that cause spotting are:

• adnexal tumor;
• fibroma;
• malignant neoplasm in the uterus;
• sarcoma;
• cervical cancer or erosion;

• endometritis;
• not external adenomyosis.

These diseases are extremely dangerous and not only provoke changes in the cycle, but some can be fatal. In addition to dangerous diseases, bleeding can occur for other reasons that are less life-threatening, but can also lead to reproductive dysfunction and other unpleasant consequences.

Diagnosis of bleeding in the middle of the cycle

First of all, to diagnose the causes of intermenstrual bleeding, a gynecological examination is necessary. In addition, you must undergo the following examinations:

• cytological studies of aspirate from the uterine cavity;
• Ultrasound of the pelvic organs;
• study of the hormonal background of the body;
• thyroid examination;
• hysteroscopy and curettage of the uterine cavity and cervical canal;
• histological examination of scrapings obtained from the uterine cavity and cervical canal.

Also, if necessary, the gynecologist can prescribe a study of the pituitary gland using magnetic resonance imaging, radiography, computed tomography. Sometimes the brain is also examined using these methods.