Brown spotting before period is a common
occurrence among women. This condition is triggered by medical and
physiological conditions. Some cases of this brown discharge need medical
correction while others don't.
Many women have very little knowledge about
this occurrence and keep on asking what is brown discharge before period?
When
the Dituation Doesn't need any Medical Correction
If you experience scanty brownish discharge a
day before the regular bleeding, just know that the discharge is absolutely
normal.
Menstrual bleeding never opens up to full
capacity right away. Instead it starts gradually. It starts with slight strokes
of brownish discharge after which the actual bleeding begins.
Brown, dark or pinkish spotting is also
common right after sex especially before period. This spotting is normal unless
it is accompanied by pain.
When the Situation Requires Medical Attention
When the Situation Requires Medical Attention
Sometimes this brown spotting may require the
attention of a gynecologist.
The first case is when the brown spotting
occurs a few days before period.
This is not normal.
It is instead a symptom of temporary hormonal
disorders or diseases such as adenomyosis, endometritis or endometriosis. These
diseases precede uterine cancer. In some cases, brown spotting with blood
admixture happens due to cervical erosion.
This can be discovered easily during a
regular gynecological check if the uterus is observed using gynecological
mirrors. Other situations that you may need to see a gynecolologist include:
- If the light bleeding continues for 3 menstrual cycles
- Heavy discharge after sex
- Vaginal discharge that lasts for weeks
Causes
of Brown Discharge Between Periods
·
Contraceptive
pills - This is another common cause. It happens
when you skip the dose of your contraceptive pills. Ensure that you take the
pills as prescribed to avoid this.
·
Pregnancy
- Brown discharge before periods may symbolize pregnancy. You can use a home pregnancy test that is available and find whether you are pregnant. If you find
out that you are pregnant, it is advisable that you contact your doctor
·
Vaginal
infections - The brown discharge may be due to
Chlamydia. This is a serious condition that can result to infertility. If you
suspect Chlamydia, you should visit your doctor immediately to avoid further
complications. Its other symptoms include back and abdominal pain.
·
Pathological
processes. Brown stains before period may be a sign of
serious conditions such as uterine cancer or fibroids. These diseases are also
symbolized by menstrual irregularities.
·
Physical
or Mental Stress. Physical or mental stress can cause
hormonal upsets thus leading to fluctuations in menstruation patterns. In most
cases, the brown discharge is experienced at the end of a stressful situation.
Other causes include: Thyroid disorders,
Uterine Polyps, Diabetes, Bladder infections, Miscarriage, Ectopic pregnancy.
How to Prevent Brown Discharge Before Period
How to Prevent Brown Discharge Before Period
With the help of a gynecologist, you can
prevent the risk of brown discharge before period through the following ways:
- Taking regular pap smears. If the brown discharge is as a result of cervical cancer, regular pap smears can help. This is because cervical cancer is curable in its early stages.
- Taking contraceptives as prescribed by the doctor. Avoid skipping birth control pills. Stopping and restarting birth control pills may cause spotting between your menstrual periods. Skipping pills is also a common cause of bleeding. Try to take pills at the same time as prescribed to reduce the chance of vaginal discharge.
- Limiting aspirin intake. Aspirin exacerbates bleeding since it acts as a blood thinner.
- Maintaining a healthy weight. Obesity triggers uterine cancer which might lead to the brown discharge.
- Switching birth control method. Brown stains may be caused by intrauterine devices (IUDs). Ask your doctor about the possibility of switching to another form.
- Manage stress. Vaginal discharges and irregular periods can be the result of emotional stress. Use relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation aerobic exercise and deep breathing.
- Keeping a menstrual diary. This will help a gynecologist easily discover any abnormality.