Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Brown Vaginal Discharge?
Question: I recently asked a previous doctor, Dr. XXXXXXX XXXXXXX about a brown discharge that I was having. He stated that this is normal being that I am on Depo Provera and that it shouldn't last more than 3-5 days. It seems as though the discharge is constant to the point where I have to wear panty liners and everytime I wipe its always brown. Is this normal? Is it ok to have sex with this brown discharge because I have no fearing that there is something wrong with me. I am due for my shot within a week or so I don't know if this is a factor or not. Also, it seems as though I do not have my cycle throughout the whole day but as soon as I wake up I have a heavy period, but that is only that one time of the day my cycle doesn't happen anymore after that, should I be concerned?
Brief Answer:
depot should not cause daily and post intercourse bleed...explained
Detailed Answer:
hello,
Thanks for contacting hcm again.
I went through your history of questions asked and found that you have been on depot from 16 years of age and have been experiencing this brown discharge and sometimes bleeding following intercourse.
Ideally if this discharge was progesterone induced and due to breakthrough bleeding then it should have remained to spotting but not continuous and regular. Bleeding after intercourse suggests likely presence of CERVICAL EROSION or ECTOPY , which is possibly secondary to the continuous progesterone effect , thereby making the cervix softer. So whenever intercourse happens then this cervical erosion undergoes frictional injury during the act and cause bleeding from fresh lesions on cervix.
It is suggested that you visit your physician and book an appointment for a per speculum examination and a pap smear to rule out cervicitis and metaplasia of cervical epithelium .
The prime concern is that this bleeding is unlikely to be uterine as its regular and there is no uterine discomfort either . A local cervical lesion is the possible cause which can only be commented upon on physical examination by the physician.
So please get a pap smear and per speculum exam done and would like to suggest to consider stopping provera and shifting to other forms of contraception for atleast 3 months. you may discuss the same with your physician and at the same time you may self monitor if the bleeding reoccurs or stops completely.
regards,
dr XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
depot should not cause daily and post intercourse bleed...explained
Detailed Answer:
hello,
Thanks for contacting hcm again.
I went through your history of questions asked and found that you have been on depot from 16 years of age and have been experiencing this brown discharge and sometimes bleeding following intercourse.
Ideally if this discharge was progesterone induced and due to breakthrough bleeding then it should have remained to spotting but not continuous and regular. Bleeding after intercourse suggests likely presence of CERVICAL EROSION or ECTOPY , which is possibly secondary to the continuous progesterone effect , thereby making the cervix softer. So whenever intercourse happens then this cervical erosion undergoes frictional injury during the act and cause bleeding from fresh lesions on cervix.
It is suggested that you visit your physician and book an appointment for a per speculum examination and a pap smear to rule out cervicitis and metaplasia of cervical epithelium .
The prime concern is that this bleeding is unlikely to be uterine as its regular and there is no uterine discomfort either . A local cervical lesion is the possible cause which can only be commented upon on physical examination by the physician.
So please get a pap smear and per speculum exam done and would like to suggest to consider stopping provera and shifting to other forms of contraception for atleast 3 months. you may discuss the same with your physician and at the same time you may self monitor if the bleeding reoccurs or stops completely.
regards,
dr XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
So should I refrain from sexual activity until I see a doctor?
Brief Answer:
yes you should refrain.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the follow up.
Yes you should refrain from sexual activity as this might worsen and may injure the cervix further. So better avoid .
regards,
Dr.Sameer Kumar
yes you should refrain.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the follow up.
Yes you should refrain from sexual activity as this might worsen and may injure the cervix further. So better avoid .
regards,
Dr.Sameer Kumar
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
