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If after menstruation there are brown discharge. Why do brown discharge occur after menstruation? Bad smell along with discharge

Menstruation is not the most pleasant period of a woman's life, but it is a testament to her ability to have children. For most, monthly spotting goes offline without causing fear or anxiety. But there is a circumstance that makes women perplexed and worried - brown discharge after menstruation or mucus of a different color. They do not always accompany the end of menstruation, so most do not have information about the causes of this phenomenon. And you need to know them, since a daub after menstruation can sometimes be a manifestation of a serious illness.

Pink discharge after period

Pink discharge after menstruation is quite harmless and does not require medical intervention. If they are not abundant and do not spread an unpleasant odor, they are most likely caused by:

  • Beginning of egg maturation. In this case, the mucus after menstruation becomes pink, due to changes in the surface layer of the inner lining of the uterus. These discharges begin to go 14 days after the end of menstruation;
  • Intrauterine device. Getting used to a foreign body, especially if it contains hormones, can produce a similar reaction;
  • Birth control pills. Adaptation of the body to the introduction of hormones leads to pink discharge;
  • Rough sex can provoke minor injuries to the small vessels of the inner surface of the vagina. The blood, mixed with the vaginal secretion, acquires a pink color and comes out.

If the menstruation is over, and the discharge continues and this happens for more than 3 months, it is possible that the causes that caused it were:

  • Inflammation of the internal genital organs, provoked by infections. You can be sure of this if itching, pain and unpleasant odor are added;
  • Neoplasms of the cervix or body of the uterus - fibromas, polyps;
  • Weekly pink discharge may indicate an ectopic pregnancy.

What does brown discharge after menstruation mean?

The reasons are different:

  • Endometritis. This is an inflammatory disease of the uterine mucosa. Its acute form is also accompanied by fever, pain in the lower triangle of the abdomen, and a feeling of constant fatigue. But chronic endometritis can occur without these signs. The only clinical symptom by which it is possible to suspect an ailment is brown discharge;
  • Endometriosis. The disease can lead to infertility, as young women are susceptible to it. This is an overgrowth of endometrial cells, in fact, a benign tumor. At the initial stage, she worries about long menstruation, pains and smears after menstruation brown;
  • hyperplasia of the endometrium. In advanced cases, it can develop into a malignant tumor of the female organs. Excessive proliferation of cells of the inner wall of the uterus may manifest itself as brown discharge;
  • Venereal diseases provoked by chlamydia, herpes virus, ureplasmas, mycoplasmas. If dark mucus also smells bad, the diagnosis leaves no doubt;
  • Ectopic pregnancy. Finding the fetus not where it needs to develop, but in the abdominal cavity or fallopian tube can cause brown discharge shortly after menstruation;
  • Self-administration of hormonal birth control pills can lead to a bad effect on the body as a whole and cause such discharge.

Black slime

Black discharge after menstruation can provoke a number of reasons, among which the most harmless is inappropriate hormonal contraceptives. Other reasons that provoke such a phenomenon are not so cloudless:

  • Inflammation of the pelvic organs. These include the already mentioned endometriosis, endometrial hyperplasia;
  • Infectious diseases, sexually transmitted. Allocations in this case are combined with an unpleasant odor;
  • The presence of polyps in the uterus;
  • Ovarian diseases (cysts, infections);
  • Neoplasms of the female reproductive organs, including those containing bad cells.

Blood 7 days after period

This symptom indicates a violation of the cycle or diseases of the female organs. Bloody discharge a week after menstruation may indicate:

  • Endometritis or endometriosis;
  • Hypothyroidism, that is, a deficiency of hormones due to a malfunction of the thyroid gland. In such cases, menstruation may occur 7 days after the previous one. Additional signs of this disease are tearfulness and weakness;
  • Ectopic pregnancy. Allocations with blood in this period of time, together with low pressure and abdominal pain, make it possible to suspect this diagnosis;
  • Anovulation, that is, the lack of maturation of the egg. This can happen due to a long absence of menstruation;
  • Myoma of the uterus. This benign tumor gives bleeding a week after menstruation and at other times.

Sometimes, 7 days after menstruation, it smears with blood during a normal cycle failure caused by stress, changes in climatic living conditions, and overwork. If this happened once, there is no reason to worry.

Light highlights

This symptom can be the norm for a healthy woman, but also a manifestation of various kinds of gynecological diseases. Yellow discharge after menstruation in the absence of body malfunctions does not have a bad smell, their consistency is different: from creamy to uneven with clots. The following diseases can manifest with the same symptom, but with the addition of other signs:

  • Nonspecific vulvovaginitis, which is caused by insufficient cleanliness or, conversely, excessive use of soap when washing, intolerance to the impregnating composition of sanitary pads. An unpleasant odor is added to the secretions;
  • Salpingitis or adnexitis. Inflammation of the fallopian tubes or ovaries is also accompanied by abdominal pain, fever, general malaise, and a foul odor;
  • Erosion of the cervix caused by infection;
  • Venereal diseases. The mucus becomes yellow with greenery, frothy.

Sometimes white discharge can be a sign of certain diseases:

  • Bright white clots that look like cottage cheese, accompanied by itching, are probably a symptom of thrush;
  • Inflammatory processes affecting the cervix (cervicitis, adnexitis, erosion) can manifest themselves as transparent or dense masses that are brought out;
  • venereal infections;
  • Diabetes.

What can be done with discharge after menstruation

Whatever caused brown discharge after menstruation, as well as mucus of a different color, which was not there before, you should go to the gynecologist with this. It is difficult to determine on your own whether this is a norm or a symptom of some disease, being a non-specialist. Especially if there are other circumstances: taking contraceptives, an intrauterine device, unprotected sex and signs of deterioration in well-being. With alarming symptoms, additional studies are prescribed, including a smear, ultrasound of the pelvic organs and other tests that will reveal the diagnosis, if any. Especially in need of a professional study are sudden unreasonable discharges that are repeated repeatedly.

Delaying a visit to the clinic does not make sense. If there is an ailment, it will manifest itself with other symptoms, it will still have to be treated. Gynecological diseases, manifested by discharge immediately or some time after menstruation, respond well to therapy, and some require immediate surgical treatment.

But often girls notice a daub before or after menstruation, as well as after. In what case can brown discharge between periods be normal?

Why did light brown periods go. By the nature of the discharge from and after menstruation, prolonged daubing before and after menstruation.

Causes of bleeding after the end of menstruation. Doctors can give dozens of reasons.

As soon as menstruation ends, the discharge becomes mucous. After this, the discharge begins to become a little cloudy, viscous.

With it, the appearance of secretions before menstruation of a pink color is noticed before and after menstruation, which become longer and more abundant.

Ask your question to an obstetrician gynecologist!

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Previously asked:

Hello, I had such a situation for the first time on the 12th day of the cycle, I did an ultrasound of the small pelvis, a suspicion of a polyp, but they can’t say for sure, on the same day in the evening there was blood discharge, then there was sexual intercourse, and the next day the same thing during the day spotting blood discharge and an unpleasant smell, can this be the norm. The first polyp was removed in June

Hello! Do you happen to have cervical erosion yet? After sexual intercourse and vaginal ultrasound, it is she who can give a slight daub. But polyps also very often give spotting, and sometimes decent discharge in the middle of the cycle. Sometimes even several days in a row. Most likely, you really have a polyp. And what is the histological answer of the last study? Have you received any treatment? Specify your age, please). A polyp, if it does not go away on its own, you will have to do a second curettage, and then prescribe treatment. In general, recurrent polyps of the uterine cavity are an indication for serious surgical treatment up to the removal of the organ, so take such a situation with full responsibility, because it is better to save the organ - there is nothing superfluous in a woman's body. All the best!

Hello! After menstruation, brown discharge appeared on the third day. What does this mean?

Hello! This may be normal as well. But in such situations, pregnancy should always be ruled out first - take a test or take a blood test for hCG (the latter is preferable, as it is more informative). If such a daub appears again, you should undergo a complete examination by a gynecologist for pathology. Such a daub is typical for many diseases - endometriosis, cervical pathology and others. All the best!

Good evening! Menstruation goes on for about 5 days, then the daubing of day 3 begins! The daub has turned brown and smells terrible! Is this something wrong?

Hello Julia! This happens, but you should be examined more thoroughly, at least an ultrasound of the small pelvis, perhaps hormones and something else. Smell is a normal phenomenon at the end of menstruation, perhaps you are a little biased towards them. The most common disease that provokes such a daub is endometriosis and polyps in the uterine cavity, on the cervix. You should undergo an examination and an ultrasound to begin with. It may be possible to try oral contraceptives for a while, if the symptoms go away, this is another confirmation of endometriosis. All the best!

Hello, such a situation, there was a delay, I took a pregnancy test, it showed a faint pale pink second strip, I decided to repeat the test in two days, the result is the same. I decided to wait a bit, because. it was too early to go to the hospital. As a result, a week after the delay, she began to bleed like during menstruation, then clots. It was a miscarriage, right? As a result, all the discharge passed after 7 days, the duration was like my usual menstruation, and on the 10th day brown discharge appeared, that is, no ... What is it?

Hello! Usually, even if the pregnancy was in such a short period, spontaneous miscarriage occurs independently and in full. Now you should visit a gynecologist for an examination, and you also need to perform an ultrasound of the pelvis. After that, it will be clear what is happening to you, what treatment to prescribe. The sooner you seek medical help, the better. All the best!

Hello! I ran out of menstruation, it took 5 days, and then a brown, odorless daub began. before that, she was at the doctor's, they did a vaginal ultrasound: the bend of the uterus, inflammation was on the right ovary and adhesions appeared. Prescribed hormonal "dimia" began to drink from the first day of menstruation! And the brown discharge is still there!?

Hello Anastasia! On the first day of taking oral contraceptives, irregular spotting of a brown color is possible. There is nothing wrong with that, no need to worry. Usually in the second month of taking everything is normal. All the best!

Hello. I have such a problem. There was a delay of a month, I went to the gynecologist for an examination and ultrasound. They said it was a follicular cyst. That she is in regression. Menstruation went as usual and a week later brown spotting appeared. What does this mean?

Hello. After PMS, after 7 days, I started to have brown discharge, or rather anointed a little with blood. But after that, I started to get pain in the lower abdomen and back pain. But as if there is pain but not so often. That's just in the heat throws and headaches torment. Haven't contacted a gynecologist yet. Looking forward to next month. Such doubtful at first. What could it be?

Hello, I have such a situation, my period lasts 7 days and after that it goes brown and can last 10 days, what could it be?

Hello, I had my period for 5 days and the second day the brown discharge does not smell. What could be?

Ask a doctor

obstetrician-gynecologist Daria Shirochina.

Menstruation is over, and brown discharge after menstruation is still bothering. There are quite a lot of patients who turn to the gynecologist with similar complaints. A woman can observe small “smears” from the vagina before and after menstruation: this is not an SOS signal from the body. Odorless transparent clots from the genitals (leucorrhea) or a small amount of transparent, whitish or pinkish mucus a day or two before or after menstruation is a normal physiological process of the female body.

If brown discharge after menstruation began a few days later, then the reason for their appearance may be different: from hormonal failure to cancer. Therefore, it does not hurt for every young lady to know what health problems the appearance of abundant discharge after menstruation signals.

After menstruation, mucus continues to come out of the genitals? This is not a pathology. The secretion of a transparent color and a slightly cloudy composition, odorless, appears before and after menstruation: on average, the amount of such secretions is 50 mg during the day.

Within the normal range, the appearance of light brown discharge after menstruation is considered, which occurs within 2-3 days after the main bloody discharge is no longer there. This color of discharge is acquired due to blood, the flow of which into the uterus slows down by the end of menstruation. The blood coagulates and stains the vaginal secretion in a dark color.

Brown discharge a week after menstruation or a couple of weeks before them is a reason for an urgent appeal to a gynecologist. With a vaginal secret of a brownish color, and even with an unpleasant odor, the presence of a gynecological infectious disease may be associated. Also, girls often have complaints due to abundant discharge after menstruation, the causes of which may be in the development of inflammatory processes in the uterine mucosa (endometriosis, endometritis, and others).

Why the color of discharge after menstruation can be brown

Reliably, only a specialist can answer the question of why brown discharge occurs after menstruation. To do this, the doctor will prescribe both additional diagnostic examinations and carefully collect anamnesis. This is information about previous diseases, living conditions, the presence of pain, other complaints, etc. Often brown discharge at the end of menstruation can be signs of:

  • endometritis and / or endometriosis - gynecological ailments;
  • excessive growth of the uterine endometrium (hyperplasia);
  • fibroids, fibromyomas or polyps in the uterus;
  • ectopic pregnancy;
  • sexual infections.

Mucus from the vagina of a dark color or other shades that are associated with the presence of the disease is also accompanied by pains of a pulling and aching character in the lower abdomen, extending to the pelvis and lower back. The woman feels constantly tired and irritated, sexual desire and activity disappear. Let us consider in more detail what color postmenstrual leucorrhoea can be, what pathologies they will directly tell about the presence.

What can tell the color of discharge after menstruation

After the end of menstruation, the young lady may be disturbed not only by dark discharge from the vagina or clots that look like coagulated blood. Often the appearance of brown discharge after menstruation, the causes of which lie in endometritis or endometriosis, is alarming. So:

  • endometritis can be suspected not only when brownish leucorrhoea began, but also when they have a characteristic unpleasant odor. The smell may be in the vaginal secretion during sexual infections: in this case, the mucus will not necessarily be brown, it may be cloudy, whitish, yellowish, etc. Endometritis most often occurs against the background of abortion, trauma, surgical treatment of gynecological diseases.
  • endometriosis is a benign disease, very often it affects young girls (20-45 years old). Doctors have not yet established the true cause of the development of this disease. However, endometriosis worries not only with dark whites after menstruation: the girl feels a pulling pain in the lower abdomen. If left untreated, the disease can lead to infertility.

  • red discharge after menstruation may be the result of an injured polyp or fibroids that have formed on the wall of the uterus. Hormonal disruptions, chronic inflammatory processes, etc. can lead to the appearance of such benign formations. If the blood from the vagina has ceased to stand out, and after a couple of weeks reddish clots or bleeding appear, then an urgent appeal to a gynecologist is required. Such symptoms can occur with ectopic pregnancy and oncological diseases of the genital organs.
  • yellow discharge after menstruation will tell about the presence of genital infections. Often such leucorrhoea has an unpleasant odor and may be greenish in color, while vaginal itching is disturbing. If you notice white discharge after menstruation, which is cheesy and has a specific smell (but not always), then such symptoms will tell vaginal candidiasis (thrush). Thrush in most cases is accompanied by severe itching in the vagina.

When light, mucous and dark discharge is not caused by a disease

Each woman is unique in nature, so hormonal changes in her body, even if everything is in order with health, can manifest themselves in different ways.

If mucous discharge occurs after menstruation or a few days before them, then you should not immediately panic. A vaginal secret without color and odor, not accompanied by severe pain, is most likely a harbinger of imminent menstruation. In this case, the stomach may ache a little and the chest may fill up.

After the end of menstruation, mucous or light brown "smearing" may be observed within 3-4 days. Perhaps you are cold, and your hormonal levels are disturbed. The use of pregnancy pills, intrauterine devices, stress and irregular (or vice versa) - too active sex life can also lead to the appearance of various discharges before and after menstruation: from clear to dark brown.

If during the period of ovulation, a couple of weeks after the end of the separation of blood from the vagina, you had unprotected sex, then instead of a full period, the next time there may be only bloody or dark brown small clots. This indicates the onset of pregnancy and the attachment of a fertilized egg to the wall of the uterus.

When vaginal discharge requires a visit to the doctor

An urgent visit to the doctor requires the detection of:

  • dark brown discharge after menstruation. It takes a couple of weeks after the end of menstruation, and suddenly these symptoms appear? You should definitely see a gynecologist. The presence of such signs often occurs with an ectopic pregnancy. And, if it is not identified and eliminated in time, everything can end sadly: a fetal egg that grows in the uterine tube or ovary can lead to rupture of these organs.
  • the presence of light brown discharge after menstruation, as well as the appearance of other vaginal secretions, in addition, with a characteristic odor, require examination and adequate treatment. Untreated inflammatory processes, especially of an infectious nature in the female genital organs and uterus, eventually lead to intrauterine pregnancy, the development of infertility, the appearance of benign and malignant tumors. In addition, the quality of sexual life and the severity of sexual sensations are reduced.
  • spotting whites and bloody clots that appear immediately after sex may indicate cervical erosion. Untreated erosion is the entrance gate for various bacteria. Also, over the years, this pathology degenerates into cervical cancer.

The gynecologist at the reception will conduct an examination in the mirrors and a manual examination, take swabs from the vagina, prescribe, if necessary, ultrasound, colposcopy and a number of other manipulations. Only having a complete picture of what is happening and understanding the nature of vaginal discharge of a particular color, the gynecologist will prescribe the appropriate treatment.

The sooner you see a doctor, the more likely you are to eliminate the causes or cure the disease, if there is one. It is important for all ladies, regardless of their age, to undergo preventive examinations at least once a year. This will help prevent cervical or ovarian cancer, detect a bacterial infection in a timely manner and avoid the development of complications.

Discharge after the end of menstruation is a fairly common complaint of many health-conscious women. Sometimes such a signal of the body may indicate the presence of any disease of the reproductive system. In general, vaginal discharge before and after menstruation is normal if it is not accompanied by itching and burning of the skin, pain in the lower abdomen and is odorless. Otherwise, it is recommended to visit a antenatal clinic.

Every woman knows that normal menstruation lasts no more than seven days. Many gynecologist patients who sound the alarm about their health experience brown discharge in the first days after the monthly bleeding stops. So, you should know that brown vaginal discharge observed in the first three days after the end of menstruation is the norm. This happens due to the fact that in the last days of menstruation, the blood is released more slowly, respectively, it has time to clot and acquire a dark brownish tint. Brown discharge observed for a long time after the end of menstruation is a cause for concern. A similar symptom may indicate the presence of one of such diseases as endometritis and endometriosis.

Symptoms of endometritis

Endometritis is an inflammation of the endometrium, the lining of the uterus. The main reason for its occurrence is the presence in the body of streptococci, pneumococci, staphylococci that enter the uterus as a result of abortion, complications of childbirth, etc. Acute endometritis is characterized by the presence of the following main symptoms:

  • Prolonged brown discharge from the genital tract before and after menstruation;
  • Frequent pain in the lower abdomen;
  • temperature increase;
  • General weakness of the body.

In the chronic course of the disease, an increase in body temperature, as a rule, is not observed. Endometritis is dangerous because it is almost asymptomatic. A woman most often does not turn to a gynecologist until complications appear in the form of long and heavy menstruation, which are the result of the onset of rejection of the uterine mucosa. The most serious consequence of endometritis is infertility.

Endometriosis is a gynecological disease associated with the growth of endometrioid tissue cells, a benign tumor. Endometriosis affects, as a rule, women of reproductive age, from 25 to 40 years. The main symptoms of the disease include:

  • Prolonged heavy menstruation (more than 10 days);
  • The presence of pain in the lower abdomen;
  • The appearance of brownish discharge from the vagina.

Most advanced cases of the disease end in infertility. Endometriosis is diagnosed by a gynecologist. To establish the diagnosis, laparoscopy is required (examination of the abdominal organs through a special puncture of its wall) and ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs. Sometimes a special blood test is prescribed to confirm the diagnosis - a test for an onco-marker. Timely initiated hormonal or surgical treatment is the key to a complete recovery and the ability of a woman to conceive and bear a healthy child.

What does the nature of the discharge say?

You can also assess the condition by the nature of the discharge. First of all, their color and consistency are evaluated. Depending on the saturation of the color, the reasons may be different:

    Light brown - last for three days after the end of menstruation and at the same time have a pronounced smell. They indicate an inflammatory process, in particular, endometritis.

  • Dark brown discharge is characteristic of hyperplasia and endometriosis. Often, the diagnosis reveals nodes located under the mucous membrane (submucosal).

    • Yellow-brown discharge is normal, but pathologies from the reproductive organs are not excluded. In the absence of diseases, the discharge persists for 2-3 days and is not accompanied by other signs. Concomitant symptoms may indicate pathologies such as vulvovaginitis, adnexitis, salpingitis, cervical erosion.

Thus, already by the color of the discharge, one can assume the cause of their occurrence. The final diagnosis is made after instrumental and laboratory studies.

Allocations by date of occurrence

It is also important when exactly brown discharge appears. In the first three days of menstruation, they may indicate too much bleeding. Also, colds, general overheating, psycho-emotional stress, physical activity, and a violation of the intake of hormonal drugs can increase the duration of the cycle, provoking brown discharge. This is normal and does not require any treatment.

If the discharge continues for a week or more, serious pathologies should be excluded. They may be the following:

  • Adenomyosis is always accompanied by pain.
  • Chronic inflammation.
  • Violations associated with the intrauterine device - its displacement, too long stay in the uterine cavity, local inflammatory process.
  • - often provokes heavy menstruation and brown discharge after them.
  • Metroendometritis - in an acute form, it is accompanied by an increase in temperature.

It is possible that brown discharge continues, despite the fact that the next menstruation period has come. This can indicate both uterine and ectopic pregnancy. Endometrial hyperplasia is also not excluded.

Everything you need to know about brown discharge in the middle of the cycle -

Important characteristics of secretions

In the differential diagnosis, accompanying symptoms are also important. So, the absence of smell with brown discharge only confirms that the cause is not associated with inflammation. At the same time, it can be both a norm and a symptom of endometriosis or endometrial hyperplasia. The presence of an odor indicates inflammation.

Pain is always indicative of a pathology requiring treatment. But its absence cannot be considered as proof of absolute health. Polyps and other formations can occur with only one symptom: brown discharge before or after menstruation. By the nature of the pain and its localization, one or another disease can also be suspected. This is especially true of ectopic pregnancy and inflammatory processes.

An increase in body temperature always indicates a deviation, therefore, if a symptom is combined with discharge, you should immediately see a doctor.

In some cases, a symptom appears after a course of Duphaston. This situation is considered as the norm if it was the first course of the drug, since the functions of the endometrium have not been restored sufficiently.

Causes of the disease

A number of reasons can lead to the appearance of brown discharge.

Sometimes the cause of brown vaginal discharge can be such a dangerous disease as endometrial hyperplasia (growth of the inner wall of the uterus). Severe forms of the disease can be the starting point for the development of a malignant tumor of the uterus.

The vaginal discharge of a healthy woman is usually odorless. The smell appears as a result of their contact with air and during the reproduction of bacteria. Brown discharge that continues after the end of menstruation and has an unpleasant odor may indicate the presence of ureplasma, chlamydia, mycoplasma, and a virus in the body. At the first suspicion of sexually transmitted diseases, you should contact a specialist - a gynecologist or a venereologist and take a smear.

Another possible cause of brown discharge is a life-threatening ectopic pregnancy, characterized by the development of the fetus not in the uterine cavity, but outside it (in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, abdominal cavity, etc.). The only treatment for this disease is surgical removal of the fetus. Establishing a diagnosis at an early stage of pregnancy allows for gentle treatment without the use of surgical instruments.

So, the appearance of brown discharge after the end of menstruation, especially in women who have an active sex life, even with the use of contraceptives, may be one of the signs of an ectopic pregnancy. Therefore, immediately after the appearance of such a symptom, you should buy a test to determine pregnancy.

The cause of brown discharge from the vagina can be the uncontrolled use of contraceptive hormonal drugs that have a significant effect on the entire body. The appearance of small bloody or brownish discharge while taking oral contraceptives is normal. If the discharge does not stop for more than a month, you should consult a specialist.

A completely normal physiological reason for the appearance of spotting or dark blood clots after menstruation is the implantation of the embryo into the uterine wall. This can happen, as a rule, a week after ovulation only if there was unprotected sexual contact in the last month.

Treatment

Depending on what exactly caused the appearance of brown discharge, treatment is also selected. In this regard, it is required to undergo an examination by a gynecologist and exclude serious pathologies. This is especially true in cases where the discharge is accompanied by pain, fever and an unpleasant odor.

If the body is healthy and no deviations in the analyzes and instrumental studies have been identified, attention should be paid to hygiene and the choice of hormonal contraceptives, which will normalize the menstrual cycle.

Brown discharge after menstruation may be the norm, or indicate that a woman has diseases that can cause irreparable harm to her reproductive health. If a woman is not bothered by her discharge, as a rule, does not cause discomfort and does not cause skin irritation, there is no reason to contact a gynecologist. If the discharge becomes brown, accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, an unpleasant odor and heavy menstruation, you should contact the clinic and undergo an examination. After identifying the disease, if any, the doctor will prescribe a qualified treatment.

Vaginal discharge appears as a result of biochemical processes occurring in the reproductive system. Normally, their character changes regularly at different periods of the cycle. This is due to hormonal changes. Every woman knows what discharge is if she is healthy. Deviations are always alarming, as serious pathologies can be the cause. It is known, for example, that after menstruation, normal discharge is very meager, slightly yellowish. But if they look unusual, you should pay special attention to this, consult a doctor.

Content:

What should be the discharge after menstruation

The processes of the menstrual cycle, including the production of mucus in the cervix, are associated with changes in the levels of female sex hormones - estrogens and progesterone. It is this mucus that is the main component of the secretions. Immediately after menstruation, the mucus is dense and thick, forming a protective plug that prevents the passage of spermatozoa, as well as the penetration of pathogens into the uterus.

As a result of this discharge after menstruation, they are normally very scarce, thick, yellowish-white due to the particles of the vaginal epithelium and leukocytes contained in them. Up to the moment of ovulation, a slightly acidic environment is maintained in the vagina due to the increased content of beneficial lactobacilli. Therefore, the discharge has a barely noticeable sour smell. Closer to ovulation, the mucus thins, reaching the consistency of egg white.

After ovulation, the vaginal contents become plentiful, liquid and slightly alkaline. All these conditions are necessary for the penetration of spermatozoa into the tubes and the implementation of fertilization. If it does not occur, the mucus thickens, becomes more scarce, and then menstruation appears, the processes are repeated.

Signs of normal discharge after menstruation are:

  • volume 1-4 ml per day;
  • color - transparent white with a slight yellowish or creamy tint;
  • smell - almost imperceptible, sour;
  • consistency and structure - like a thick jelly.

A woman does not feel any inconvenience, since leucorrhea does not cause irritation and itching in the genitals. Each organism has its own individual physiological characteristics (clotting and blood composition, metabolic rate, the state of various systems). This may to some extent affect the nature of the discharge (in different women they may have subtle shades, slightly differ in volume).

Tolerances

In some cases, the appearance after monthly brown discharge of a smearing nature within 2-4 days is considered acceptable. This phenomenon is observed if a woman has begun to use hormonal contraceptives (takes pills or an intrauterine device is installed in her). Smearing brown discharge appears after menstruation for 2-3 cycles. This is caused by hormonal changes. If the remedy is chosen correctly, everything returns to normal. If the "daub" continues to appear further, it is necessary with the help of a doctor to choose another contraceptive.

The appearance of minor impurities of blood in the discharge about a week or two after menstruation is also not a pathology. They are called ovulatory. Droplets of blood enter the vaginal contents from the ruptured follicle. There is no danger in this.

It is considered normal if spotting after menstruation appears in teenage girls (these are the so-called juvenile bleeding). The cycle is not established immediately after the onset of puberty, but within 1-2 years. The reason for the appearance of such secretions is the fluctuation of the hormonal background. Weak spotting can turn into heavy intermenstrual bleeding, resulting in anemia. In this condition, medical attention is already required.

Note: Similar discharge after menstruation can also appear in women over 40 who have experienced premenopause. The reason is hormonal changes associated with a decrease in hormone production in the ovaries. However, in this case, such a symptom should not be ignored, since hormonal failure can cause serious diseases of the uterus and appendages, which are also characterized by a change in whiteness.

Video: Normal and pathological discharge, their causes and signs

Pathological discharge and their causes

Signs of pathology are:

  • the appearance of discharge after menstruation of an unusual consistency (liquid foamy or curdled);
  • volume change compared to normal;
  • the presence of a sharp unpleasant odor;
  • the appearance of an unusual color (yellow, green, red, brown, grayish-white);
  • irritant effect, causing burning and itching in the genitals and perineum.

Such discharges appear immediately or some time after menstruation without any connection with the processes of the cycle and disturb the woman throughout it. The causes of pathological leucorrhoea can be hormonal disorders, various diseases of the endocrine and reproductive organs, injuries, stress that a woman experiences.

Hormonal disorders often occur in women after hormone replacement therapy in connection with the treatment of infertility, menstrual disorders, complications of menopause. The cause of the failure is diseases of the endocrine organs (thyroid gland, pituitary gland and others).

The cause of inflammatory diseases is infection and trauma to the internal genital organs during abortion or childbirth, as well as operations and diagnostic procedures. Inflammatory processes also occur when infected with sexually transmitted infections. A sign of the occurrence of such processes in the organs of the reproductive system is the appearance of characteristic changes in the discharge after menstruation.

Bloody issues

Pathology may be the appearance of spotting a few days after menstruation. If a woman conceived at the very end of the cycle, then she may have meager periods, since hormonal changes do not occur immediately, partial detachment of the endometrium in the uterus has already begun. In some women, a similar phenomenon is observed within 3-4 months.

If some time after such menstruation, spotting appears, this indicates placental abruption and the threat of miscarriage. A woman for whom pregnancy is desired, if this symptom is present, should immediately go to the doctor. If she is confirmed to be pregnant, then with the help of timely treatment it will be possible to save her.

Bloody discharge after such menstruation, which appeared after 2-3 weeks, speaks of an ectopic pregnancy. In this case, a woman usually feels pain in the lower abdomen on the side where the embryo is attached. It is also possible that the death of the fetus occurred at the earliest possible stage (missed pregnancy). The discharge then acquires a fetid odor. It is important to detect pathology as early as possible in order to provide medical assistance.

"Daubing" before and after menstruation can be a sign of serious diseases such as cervical erosion, fibroids, ovarian cysts, polyposis, endometrial hyperplasia, endometriosis and, finally, uterine cancer. In this case, the appearance of ichorus, leucorrhoea with blood clots, real bleeding that is not menstruation is possible. As a rule, such ailments are manifested by pain in the abdomen, various cycle disorders.

White

They occur with the following pathologies:

  1. Thrush (vaginal candidiasis). Reproduction in the body of a fungal infection causes a sharp change in the nature of the discharge both after menstruation and throughout the entire cycle. They become liquid, similar to a curdled mass, have the smell of sour milk, cause severe itching and burning in the vagina.
  2. Dysbacteriosis of the vagina. There is a violation of the composition of the microflora. As a result of taking antibiotics, improper douching or caring for the genitals, beneficial bacteria in the vagina die, and pathogens begin to develop. Leucorrhea becomes liquid, frothy, has a grayish tint and a characteristic smell of rotten fish.
  3. Diseases of the thyroid and pancreas, diabetes. Hormonal failure and metabolic disorders lead to the appearance of white, sticky secretions that irritate the external genitalia.
  4. Stagnant processes in the uterus, arising from the formation of adhesions in it, the bend of the neck. At the same time, mucus accumulates, the reproduction of harmful bacteria begins in it, and the content of leukocytes increases. Due to this, the discharge after menstruation and in the middle of the cycle becomes abundant, cloudy white, and has a bad smell.

Video: Dysbacteriosis, its causes and manifestations

Yellow and green

This color of the secreted mucus indicates the appearance of a purulent inflammatory process in the vagina, cervix, uterine cavity, tubes and ovaries, the occurrence of diseases such as colpitis, cervicitis, endometritis, salpingo-oophoritis.

Signs are aching pains in the area of ​​​​the location of these organs, fever. The cause of the pathology is infection with sexually transmitted infections (Trichomonas, pathogens of mycoplasmosis, syphilis, gonorrhea), which are characterized by the appearance of abundant, foul-smelling, foaming, purulent discharge.

When to See a Doctor

It is imperative to contact a gynecologist if, after menstruation, instead of secretions of a dense consistency, meager in volume, a woman has abundant liquid mucus, which, as a rule, has an unusual color and smell. A sign of pathology may be the presence in the secretions of clots, lumps, foam, purulent mucus. It is especially important to pay attention to them if the nature of the discharge does not change during the entire current and subsequent cycle.

Emergency care is required if, after menstruation, real bleeding occurs after a while. Blood loss is dangerous to health, and sometimes to life. You should contact your doctor if you experience any bleeding that is not menstruation.

It is necessary to find out the cause of the discharge by contacting a doctor in any case if they are accompanied by pain or discomfort.


Brown discharge after menstruation is one of the most common complaints during a visit to the gynecologist. Such symptoms cause serious anxiety, especially if they appear for the first time and for no apparent reason. In some cases, the discharge is indeed a signal of the body about the development of diseases of the reproductive system.

There are a lot of diseases that cause this symptom, but do not forget that brown discharge can also be a variant of the norm. Let's try to understand this issue.

How dangerous is this

The average duration of menstrual bleeding is about 5-7 days. By the end of this period, the release of blood slows down significantly. Often it begins to curl up before it leaves the vagina. Therefore, brown discharge can be attributed to the norm, but only if they last no longer than three days after menstruation, and the sensations with them remain standard.

The following symptoms should alert a woman:

  • burning;
  • discomfort in the lower abdomen;
  • mucus with an unpleasant odor;
  • discomfort in the lumbar region;
  • too abundant discharge;
  • cycle disruption.

A violation is indicated by brown discharge a week after menstruation or some time before they begin. Natural secreted mucus should not be red, brown, or black in color or have noticeable odors.

Brown discharge - causes

To find out for sure why brown discharge is coming, and menstruation should have ended, you need to see a doctor. After listening to complaints, the specialist should conduct an examination and prescribe instrumental or laboratory tests that will help determine the diagnosis.

endometriosis

A common disease in which the endometrium - the glandular tissue of the uterus - grows outside of it. The tubes, ovaries, peritoneum, rectum, and bladder may be affected. During the menstrual cycle, tissues experience the same changes as the uterus - pain occurs, the organ increases in volume, and abnormal mucous discharge at the end of menstruation is possible.

There are other signs of pathology:

  • painful menstruation;
  • discharge of a dark color before menstruation;
  • pain during sexual intercourse;
  • infertility.

For a long time, endometriosis can be asymptomatic, and the disease is “accidentally” detected during a preventive examination by a gynecologist.

It is quite difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of the violation. Risk factors include inflammatory diseases of the urogenital area, anemia, various uterine injuries - the installation of an intrauterine device, abortion, cauterization. Laparoscopy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment depends on the age of the patient and the severity of the disease. In some cases, medical treatment through hormone therapy is sufficient. In the middle and severe stages, surgical methods are used with the preservation of the organ. For women over forty and with active development of endometriosis, radical surgery is recommended. Endometriosis is treatable, but prone to frequent relapses: within five years, the disease returns in 20% of cases of surgery and after 50% of cases of drug therapy.

endometritis

Dark discharge after menstruation often occurs at the onset of endometritis. This is an acute or chronic inflammation of the inner lining of the uterus. Most often, the causes of the disease are urogenital infections and opportunistic pathogens. Contribute to the process of mucosal injury, hormonal disorders, low immunity.

Endometritis has the following symptoms:

  • brown discharge;
  • putrid smell from the genitals;
  • It's a dull pain;
  • general weakness;
  • slight increase in body temperature;
  • heavy bleeding a few days after childbirth or abortion.

If the inflammation is accompanied by a staphylococcal infection, the risk of pyometra, a purulent form of endometritis, increases. There is a serious intoxication of the body, which is accompanied by headaches, purulent and brown discharge with a smell, chills and a temperature above 38 degrees. If treatment is not started on time, septic shock is possible.

For treatment, general strengthening, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs are used. Broad-spectrum antibiotics may also be needed. In the presence of mixed infections, local therapy is carried out with antiseptic solutions, suppositories or gels.

Chronic endometritis refers to morphological syndromes. Due to frequent damage to endometrial cells, structural and functional changes occur that disrupt the process of detachment and recovery. This can lead to physiological infertility. Symptoms include scanty periods, brown discharge weeks after menstruation, frequent pain in the lower back or abdomen.

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Treatment and causes of discharge with an unpleasant odor in the intimate area

Ectopic pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is a pathological condition in which a fertilized egg does not attach to the uterus, but to the ovaries or walls. The embryo enters the fallopian tubes and for some reason does not reach the final goal. Successful gestation is excluded.

Provoke the wrong course of pregnancy can:

  • genital tract infections;
  • urogenital inflammation;
  • surgical interventions;
  • treatment of patency of the fallopian tubes.

In the early stages, symptoms of pathology are often absent. A violation may be indicated by abundant brown or reddish discharge, continuing a few days after menstruation or in the middle of the cycle. They are accompanied by signs of early toxicosis, nagging pain in the abdomen and lower back, painful swelling of the chest.

To definitely identify an ectopic pregnancy, you need to donate blood for the hCG hormone. You can do this 2 weeks after the last menstruation has ended. Additionally, an ultrasound may be required. If the diagnosis is confirmed, treatment is carried out in a hospital.

The main task of physicians is to remove the fetal egg before its development leads to serious complications. Medical interruption is rarely used; laparoscopy, laparotomy, salpingotomy are more often used. When planning your next pregnancy, you will need to undergo a series of medical examinations.

Polyps on the uterus

A polyp is a benign neoplasm, focal hyperplasia of the endometrium. With pathology, the mucous membrane grows, turning into numerous or single growths on the leg. In some cases, the violation does not have obvious signs, but more often a woman is waiting for at least one of the following symptoms:

  • violation of the cycle;
  • bleeding after intercourse;
  • heavy bleeding during menstruation;
  • dark brown discharge after menstruation;
  • soreness;
  • physiological infertility.

The most common causes of pathology are inflammatory processes, hormonal disruptions, trauma to the uterine mucosa, problems with the endocrine system, and treatment with tamoxifen. During the violation, the principle of the ovaries changes - they begin to secrete more estrogen, which usually occurs in the first two weeks of the cycle.

For reference. The most reliable treatment is surgical removal of polyps. A single outgrowth is excised; with multiple neoplasms, it is necessary to process the entire upper layer of the mucosa. When using hysteroscopy, the patient can return home on the day of the operation.

Use of hormonal contraceptives

Some contraceptives (pills, implants, vaginal rings) contain hormones that are involved in the regulation of the menstrual cycle. "Unexpected" odorless spotting usually occurs when you start using a hormonal contraceptive. This can continue for about three months until the reproductive system adjusts to the new hormonal balance.

Under adverse conditions or the use of an inappropriate means, the discharge continues on any day of the cycle, before or after menstruation. During the adaptation period, a partial rejection of the endometrium occurs, a periodic “daub” of a red or dirty brown hue begins.

When the standard blister, which contains 21 tablets, is over, the uterus self-cleanses for another two to three days. If after menstruation there are blood clots inside, they come out. Color secretion at 6-10 at the end of ovulation is a sign of a lack of progestogen.

The norm is red or brown discharge at the end of the use of hormonal drugs. The cleansing process takes 2-3 days. Mucus mixed with blood can be observed for two weeks: the body needs time to restore the natural hormonal levels.

uterine fibroids

A benign tumor - fibroids - is formed in certain places. It usually affects the walls of the organ, muscles or connective tissues. The neoplasm has a heterogeneous structure, consists of muscle elements and fibrous tissue. One of the main signs is red, yellowish or brown discharge after menstruation or in the middle of the cycle.

At the initial stages of the development of pathology, the discharge is more often bloody in nature. Tumor growth leads to hormonal disorders that provoke endometrial hyperplasticity and its uneven growth. Areas with an excessive increase in tissue begin to reject the "excess". Partial exfoliation is signaled by reddish discharge, complete - by dark-colored mucus.