If you are on birth control and before your period have a horrible odor along with brownish discharge should be concerned?
If you are experiencing a horrible odor along with brownish discharge before your period while on birth control, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider. This could be a sign of an infection or other underlying medical condition.
Brown discharge before your period is often normal. It can be caused by old blood leaving the uterus. However, if the discharge is accompanied by a foul odor, it could be a sign of a bacterial infection.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common infection that can cause a fishy or unpleasant odor, along with brownish discharge. BV is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. It is not usually serious, but it can be uncomfortable and can increase your risk of other infections, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Other possible causes of brownish discharge with a foul odor include:
* Trichomoniasis, which is a STI that is caused by a parasite
* Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which is an infection of the reproductive organs
* Endometritis, which is an infection of the lining of the uterus
* Cancer of the cervix, uterus, or ovaries
* Rare cases of sexually transmitted diseases like herpes can cause these kinds of odors too
If you think you may have an infection, it is important to see your healthcare provider as soon as possible. They can test you for BV and other infections and prescribe treatment if necessary.
In the meantime, there are some things you can do to help reduce the odor and discomfort:
* Practice good hygiene. This includes washing your vulva and vagina with warm water and mild soap every day. You should also change your underwear daily.
* Avoid douching. Douching can actually make the infection worse.
* Use condoms during sex. Condoms can help to protect you from STIs.
* See your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not improve. If your symptoms do not improve after a few days, it is important to see your healthcare provider. They can evaluate you and determine if there is an underlying medical condition that needs to be treated.