Why is your discharge brown?

Brown discharge during menstruation usually occurs at the beginning or end of your period when the old blood is discharged. Brown discharge can also occur during ovulation when a small amount of blood is discharged from the cervix when the follicle ruptures. Some other harmless reasons for brown discharge may include:

- Using hormonal contraception: During the first few months of starting hormonal contraception, some women may encounter spotting, which is usually light brown or red in colour and usually goes away after a few months.

- Uterine fibroids or polyps: These are usually noncancerous growths that can develop inside or outside the uterus and can sometimes cause brown discharge or spotting.

- Pelvic inflammatory disease or infections: These are infections that can affect the uterus and the female reproductive organs and can cause brown discharge.

- Pregnancy or chemical pregnancy: In early pregnancy, you may notice a brown discharge as a result of implantation bleeding. If you are pregnant and concerned about the colour of your discharge, consult with your doctor.