It’s a good idea that at the onset of symptoms that the answers to these questions be noted so that a full evaluation of the brown cervical mucus can be performed. These can include inquiries about the frequency, duration, smell, other symptoms as well as sexual history. Typically a doctor’s appointment to identify the causes of unusual discharge will include many questions asked by a health care provider. However, when it’s persistent, recurring or noticeably concerning, it could possibly be a sign of sinister underlying causes. If the unusually colored mucus occurs right after a period, immediately following intercourse, or occurs alongside periods that are sporadic or irregular, then it may not be anything to worry about. If accompanied by other new or unusual symptoms, scheduling a doctor’s appointment is a good idea. It’s incredibly important that when brown cervical mucus is present that a symptom inventory be taken promptly. Typically, this change in mucus hue will be accompanied by bleeding that is irregular or abnormal as well as pain in the abdomen. WebMD points out that both cervical and endometrial cancer can carry brown discharge as a symptom. There are some more ominous causes of brown cervical mucus that should be considered if the symptoms are persistent or recurrent. And, brown is not one of the colors that can result from hormonal changes. However, the hues remain unchanged, varying between clear, white and light yellow depending on the part of the cycle that the body is currently going through. Throughout the monthly cycle, these hormonal changes can alter the consistency and color of the resulting vaginal fluid. Similarly, hormone fluctuations can result in changes to cervical mucus. Instead, they create a characteristic and often easy to identify set of symptoms associated with discharge, whereby it becomes thick and white (like cottage cheese) and often produces a foul odor. However, yeast infections do not produce brown cervical mucus. One of the most common infections that can affect the vaginal area is a yeast infection. Of course, they can certainly contribute to a change in vaginal mucus color. Hormones and infection are not common causes of cervical mucus that is brown.
In fact, dark, old or dried blood in cervical mucus is most commonly related to either the menstrual cycle itself or an irregularity thereof in one manner or another. And, brown mucus is also not uncommon as a result of simple irregular periods, as indicated by WebMD. The UK National Health Services note that the end of menstruation can also be a cause of brown cervical mucus as well. One of the most common reasons for this is intercourse, where brown mucus discharge can result following the movement of the dried blood. And sometimes, it can be a result of disruption by other means where the mucus or a brown mucus plug comes out unexpectedly. But, once it dries or becomes old, the bright red hue can diminish to a duller shade and result in brown cervical mucus. When it’s fresh and part of regular menstruation, blood is often bright red to red in color.
One of the most common causes of brown mucus discharge, according to is simply old blood. And, one of the most disturbing of these is brown cervical mucus. Cervical mucus has another purpose as well, as changes in it can signal distress within the female system. And, it’s also a pretty helpful tool for those looking to achieve pregnancy, as thickened egg white like versions help serve as sperm transport, taking the fertilizers to their next destination.
It’s a cleaner of sorts for the cervix, flushing out bacteria and other invaders away from the sensitive reproductive organs. But, under most circumstances, cervical mucus serves as a rather big help. When it changes, it can sometimes be alarming. It can be an embarrassing and even gross topic, and that’s when it’s normal. Cervical mucus is not something that most women care to talk about, whether with their health care providers or anyone else for that matter.