What Causes Foul Smelling Brown Vaginal Discharge?

Posted on Mon, 21 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 21 Apr 2014 Answered on

Mon, 19 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have brown stuff leaking from my vagina and it smells

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (45 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
INFECTION LIKELY.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for writing to us with your health concern.
Can you tell me if your cycles are regular ?
DO you have any itching, burning, pain in urination, pain in abdomen, pain during intercourse ?
Brownish discharge with foul smell indicates a vaginal infection mostly.
It could be yeast, trichomonal or bacterial vaginosis ( BV ).
I would recommend a thorough internal evaluation ( per vaginum and per speculum ) and a vaginal swab and culture to identify the exact organism.
A pelvic ultrasound scan is also advisable.
All the best
Please feel free to discuss further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (27 minutes later)

My periods ain't regularly & it hurts when I have sexual intercourse that is when a lot of brown discharge comes out.

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (1 minute later)

Brief Answer:
AS BELOW

Detailed Answer:
AN infection seems the first possibility.
Endometriosis, a polyp, fibroid or a lesion on the cervix ( cervicitis ) should be ruled out also.
Please have an examination along the lines suggested by me.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj