What does brown vaginal discharge mean? First, let's clarify what vaginal discharge is. It consists of secretions expelled by the vagina, whose volume and consistency are influenced by estrogen and progesterone levels in the body. These factors cause cyclical changes in discharge volume and texture throughout the menstrual cycle.Normal discharge should be milky white or clear, with a slight fishy odor or no smell. However, brown discharge warrants attention, as it indicates an underlying issue.
If discharge contains other colors—such as green, red, yellow, white, or black—or exhibits pathological states like excessive volume, pus-like thickness, watery consistency, foul odor, itching, burning pain in the genital area, lower back soreness, leg weakness, or abdominal distension and pain, traditional Chinese medicine collectively refers to this as "leucorrhea."
If the discharge is minimal, milky white or egg-white-like in color, with a slight fishy odor but no discomfort, it is considered physiological discharge.Pathological discharge manifests as excessive volume with yellow, purulent, or even bloody changes. For instance: - Grayish-yellow, frothy discharge with a fishy odor, accompanied by vulvar itching, burning, pain, and dyspareunia, typically indicates trichomoniasis;Grayish-white discharge resembling cottage cheese or curdled milk, sometimes foul-smelling with vulvar itching and burning, is typically candidal vaginitis; Yellow or yellow-green discharge with an odor, resembling rice water or pus, is often caused by purulent bacterial infections such as chronic cervicitis, senile vaginitis, or endometritis;Blood-tinged discharge appearing reddish-brown or dark brown (termed bloody discharge) is commonly seen in severe cervical erosion, cervical polyps, submucosal fibroids, or cervical cancer. Watery discharge resembling thin water or rice water often occurs in cervical cancer, uterine body cancer, or fallopian tube cancer. It may also appear in cases of submucosal fibroids or inflammation.
The above outlines some common causes of brown vaginal discharge. However, abnormal discharge can stem from numerous factors. Therefore, if women notice any unusual discharge, they should promptly seek medical examination to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.