Vaginal discharge is Complaints that are quite common in women. However,can different meaning if the vaginal discharge that occurs is accompanied by change specific color, for example, brown discharge. vaginal discharge like this you should be careful because can be a sign presence of disease certain.
Normally, brown vaginal discharge occurs at the beginning or end of the menstrual period, as well as during pregnancy. The process of attaching the fertilized egg to the uterine wall can cause bloody discharge known as spotting or implantation bleeding.
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Spots of fetal implantation bleeding can be red, pink, or light brown in color, and are early signs of pregnancy. This normal vaginal discharge can occur about 6-12 days after conception, and will not cause other complaints and can go away on its own.
Reason Brown vaginal discharge What to Watch Out for
Apart from being associated with menstruation and pregnancy, brown vaginal discharge can also be caused by disease. What's more, if the vaginal discharge is brown in color, accompanied by an unpleasant odor, the number is large, and it is itchy or painful.
Here are some diseases that can cause brown discharge:
1. Atrophy vagin
Also known as atrophic vaginitis, this condition occurs due to a decrease in the hormone estrogen. Vaginal atrophy is usually experienced by women who have entered menopause.
Vaginal atrophy can cause inflammation or irritation of the vagina as well as a decrease in the natural lubricating fluid of the vagina. This condition can cause women to experience several complaints, namely pain during intercourse, the vagina feels dry, sore, and there is a brownish vaginal discharge.
2. Uterine polyps
Uterine polyps can also be the cause of brown vaginal discharge. Not only vaginal discharge, this disease can also cause other symptoms, such as vaginal bleeding after sex and menstrual bleeding that is more than usual.
If left untreated, uterine polyps can put the sufferer at risk for infertility or difficulty conceiving.
3. Cervicitis
Cervicitis or inflammation of the cervix is generally caused by a sexually transmitted infection. This disease may be asymptomatic. If symptomatic, it is usually a brown or vaginal discharge accompanied by blood.
In addition, cervicitis is also possible to cause other complaints, such as frequent urination, painful urination, anyang-anyangan, and bleeding and pain during intercourse.
Cervicitis that is not treated properly over time can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
4. Cervical cancer
In its early stages, cervical cancer is generally asymptomatic. However, as the disease progresses, sufferers may experience symptoms, such as brown discharge, pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis, pain during sexual intercourse, and difficulty urinating.
In addition, cervical cancer can also cause weight loss and vaginal bleeding outside of menstrual periods, after menopause, or after sex.
How to treat brown discharge
Because it can be caused by various diseases, brown vaginal discharge should not be underestimated. You need to see a doctor when you experience this, especially if the brown discharge has been going on for a long time or is accompanied by other troubling symptoms.
To determine the cause of brown discharge, the doctor can perform examinations, such as a physical examination and supporting examinations, including colposcopy, PAP smear, blood and urine tests, and pelvic ultrasound.
After the cause is known, the new doctor can provide treatment to deal with brown vaginal discharge appropriately. Here are some treatment steps that can be done by doctors:
Administration of drugs
To treat vaginal atrophy, doctors may prescribe hormone replacement therapy. This therapy can be done by giving oral tablets or vaginal creams that contain estrogen. In addition, to moisturize a dry vagina, the doctor may suggest the use of a water-based vaginal gel or lubricant.
Meanwhile, to treat brown discharge due to infection, for example due to cervicitis or pelvic inflammatory disease, doctors can give antibiotics.
Operation
Surgery is generally required to treat brown vaginal discharge caused by uterine polyps or cervical cancer. This operation can be performed using a minimally invasive laparoscopic method or with open surgery.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy
Both of these therapies are generally done to treat cervical cancer. With chemotherapy and radiation therapy, cancer cells that grow in the cervix and that have spread to other parts of the body or organs can be eradicated. This therapy can be done before or after surgery.
To prevent the occurrence of abnormal brown vaginal discharge, it is important for you to always maintain the cleanliness of the intimate organ area properly. There are several tips that you can do to care for the health of the intimate organs, namely:
- Clean the vaginal area with a mild, unscented soap, and avoid feminine hygiene products or vaginal douche.
- Always clean the intimate area from front to back. This is important to prevent the entry of infection-causing bacteria from around the anus to the vagina.
- Wear cotton underwear that absorbs sweat to prevent moisture in the vagina.
- Avoid risky sexual behavior, namely frequently changing sexual partners or not using condoms when having sex.
- Complete vaccinations, including the HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer.
Brown discharge that occurs occasionally and goes away on its own is generally nothing to worry about.
However, if the brown discharge does not improve or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, abdominal pain, weight loss, frequent urination, and fatigue, you should consult a doctor to find out the cause and how to properly treat it.