What could be wrong if the day after your period is over you have a brown discharge that has an odor and lasts almost week?

* Endometritis or adenomyosis. Bleeding between periods and abnormal menstrual cycles are the classic signs of both. Endometritis means the innermost layer of the uterus, the endometrium, is inflamed. Adenomyosis means it is growing inside the muscle wall. Both conditions are commonly linked to heavy bleeding, spotting between cycles, and pain, all from too much blood collecting.

* Uterine or vaginal infection. Both sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and non-STIs can cause abnormal discharge. While an infection from gonorrhea, herpes or chlamydia can show up immediately, infections from mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas can take several weeks to develop.

* Uterine polyp or fibroids. Polyps are small growths on the uterine wall, while fibroids grow inside the uterine wall and are commonly linked to heavy bleeding and mid-cycle spotting.

* Uterine cancer or an STD. Irregular vaginal bleeding, particularly when you’ve been through menopause, can be an indication of uterine or ovarian cancer. Persistent heavy bleeding early on in a woman’s reproductive years may also indicate uterine cancer.

* Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). A common hormonal condition, it causes elevated levels of androgens (male hormones) in women. It frequently causes irregular, prolonged and heavy periods.

* Birth Control. It can cause changes to your period pattern for the initial 3 to 6 months, particularly if it is a hormonal method like the birth control pill, shot, implant or patch.

* Ectopic pregnancy. This is a very serious condition and you should see your healthcare provider immediately if you suspect it.