The color and smell of vaginal discharge is an important indicator of fertility, hormone balance and reproductive health. That's why people often wonder if the color or consistency of vaginal discharge is normal or needs to be checked. Is bloody discharge a sign of disease?
1. What is vaginal discharge?
Vaginal discharge (vaginal discharge) is fluid that comes out of the vaginal canal. The discharge oozes from the vagina every day to remove dead cells and debris, keeping the vagina clean and healthy. The amount, consistency, color, and smell of vaginal discharge varies from person to person. In fact, it can vary from day to day depending on the time of the menstrual cycle.
White: Vaginal discharge is usually white (white discharge), vaginal discharge a little white, especially at the beginning or end of the menstrual cycle is normal. However, if the discharge is accompanied by other symptoms such as itching and the discharge has a thick or cheese-like consistency, it should be treated because it is a sign of a yeast infection.
Clear and Watery: Clear and watery discharge is completely normal and it can happen at any time unrelated to the menstrual cycle. After heavy exercise there may also be vaginal discharge in this form.
Transparent and stretchy: When the discharge is clear but stretchy and mucus-like instead of watery, you are likely ovulating. This is a normal sign.
Brown or bloody: In some cases, discharge that is brown or bloody is usually normal, especially when it occurs during or shortly after the menstrual cycle. However, it can also be a sign of serious illnesses.
2. Causes of bloody vaginal discharge
Thus, bloody discharge can be a normal sign related to the menstrual cycle. However, in rare cases, brown or bloody discharge is a sign of endometrial or cervical cancer, or possibly other problems such as fibroids, etc. Knowing the cases of white blood mixed with blood helps you determine when to see a gynecologist . Accordingly, some causes of bloody discharge include:
2.1. The menstrual cycle
The rate at which blood exits the vagina from the uterus at the beginning and end of the menstrual cycle is usually slower. When blood leaves the body quickly, the blood is usually red, however, when the rate of blood out of the vagina is slow, it can oxidize and turn brown or even black.
If you see white blood mixed with blood at the beginning or end of your period, this is completely normal.
2.2. Hormonal imbalances
During the menstrual cycle Bloody discharge can signal a hormonal imbalance. Normally, estrogen helps to stabilize the endometrium (uterus), if the body has too little estrogen, the lining can break down at different times throughout the cycle. As a result, you may experience brown spots or other unusual bleeding. Low estrogen levels can also cause other symptoms such as:
Hot flashes Insomnia Mood swings or depression Difficulty concentrating Urinary tract infections Weight gain
2.3. Use of hormonal contraceptives Hormonal contraceptives (eg oral contraceptives) can lead to bloody discharge during the first few months of use. If bloody discharge persists for more than three months, talk to your doctor about how to change the appropriate method of birth control.
2.4. Ovulation
In some women, when ovulating, there may be red or pink to brown spots mixed in the vaginal discharge. Besides, there are a number of other signs that signal ovulation, including:
Viscous discharge like egg white Lower abdominal pain Changes in body temperature
2.5. Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts can cause bloody discharge. Other symptoms include pelvic pain, breast tenderness, pain during sex, etc. If you suspect you may have a cyst, see your doctor.
2.6. Infection Sexually transmitted Infections (STIs) also lead to bleeding or bloody discharge. Some genital infections such as gonorrhea or chlamydia sometimes cause no symptoms in the early stages. However, in the later stages, there may be symptoms such as pain when urinating, pelvic pain, vaginal discharge with blood between periods. In addition, bacterial vaginosis (BV) also causes vaginal discharge with blood in it.
It is important to see your doctor if you suspect you have a sexually transmitted infection or other infection, because if left untreated it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and risk of infertility or chronic pelvic pain.
2.7. Endometriosis Symptoms of endometriosis include pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and bloody discharge. Other symptoms of endometriosis include:
Bloating Nausea Fatigue Constipation Diarrhea Painful urination Pain during vaginal intercourse
2.8. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome(PCOS)
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome causes irregular or irregular menstrual cycles and bloody discharge due to missed ovulation. Other symptoms include:
Headaches Acne Darkening of the skin Thin hair Depression, anxiety Weight gain
2.9. Pregnancy
Implantation can cause light bleeding with bloody discharge. Early symptoms to help you detect pregnancy include:
Uterine contractions Bloating Nausea Fatigue Breast pain Consider taking a pregnancy test if you are late for your period or you are seeing bloody white discharge.
2.7. Endometriosis Symptoms of endometriosis include pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and bloody discharge. Other symptoms of endometriosis include:
Bloating Nausea Fatigue Constipation Diarrhea Painful urination Pain during vaginal intercourse 2.8. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome causes irregular or irregular menstrual cycles and bloody discharge due to missed ovulation. Other symptoms include:
Headaches Acne Darkening of the skin Thin hair Depression, anxiety Weight gain 2.9. Pregnancy Implantation can cause light bleeding with bloody discharge. Early symptoms to help you detect pregnancy include:
Uterine contractions Bloating Nausea Fatigue Breast pain Consider taking a pregnancy test if you are late for your period or you are seeing bloody white discharge.
2.10. Ectopic pregnancy
Sometimes a fertilized egg can implant itself in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, abdominal cavity, or cervix and is called an ectopic pregnancy. The presence of bloody discharge can be a telltale sign. In addition, an ectopic pregnancy can cause:
Sharp pain in abdomen, pelvis, neck, shoulders One side pelvic pain Dizziness Fainting Rectal pressure See a doctor immediately if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, because without treatment, it will cause your fallopian tubes to rupture.
2.11. Miscarriage
Bloody white blood is also one of the signs of miscarriage besides accompanying signs such as:
Cramping or pain in the lower abdomen Passing tissues or blood clots from the vagina Dizziness Fainting
Bleeding early pregnancy may be normal, but it is important that you inform your doctor about bloody discharge and other unusual symptoms so that he can confirm the diagnosis of the underlying cause and advise timely.
2.12. Postpartum fluid
Postpartum discharge (Lochia) refers to the period of bleeding 4 to 6 weeks after childbirth. At first, it usually bleeds profusely, is red, and often contains many small clots. After a few days, the bleeding usually slows down and is pink or brown in color. After about 10 days, postpartum vaginal discharge turns yellow or cream again before disappearing completely. If you have a foul-smelling vaginal discharge, have a fever, or have large blood clots in your stool, you should see your doctor, as it could be a sign of an infection.
2.13. Perimenopause
The period before menopause is called perimenopause and is characterized by fluctuating estrogen levels causing irregular bleeding or spotting leading to bloody discharge. Other symptoms of perimenopause such as: Hot flashes Insomnia Irritability and mood swings Vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence Changes in libido
3. Vaginal discharge mixed with blood is cancer?
You should not be subjective when you see bloody discharge, because it can also be a sign of cancer. Specifically:
Cervix: The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. The cervix is susceptible to a sexually transmitted infection, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which can transform the cells of the cervix into cancer cells. Bloody or brown vaginal discharge can be a sign of cervical cancer.
Uterus/endometrium: The endometrium is the layer of cells lining the inside of the uterus. Women of menopause have an increased risk of developing cancer cells inside this lining, called endometrial cancer or uterine cancer. Bloody discharge can also be a sign of this type of cancer. Symptoms that appear in the late stages of cancer are: Pelvic pain, weight loss, persistent fatigue, difficulty urinating or defecating, leg swelling,... Therefore, you should see a gynecologist. periodically for early detection of disease.
Thus, brown vaginal discharge at other times in your cycle may still be normal - but be sure to be aware of any other symptoms you experience. If bloody discharge occurs outside of your menstrual cycle and sexual activity, is after menopause, or has symptoms of an infection, see your doctor for prompt treatment advice.
Vinmec International General Hospital is the address for examination, treatment and prevention of many diseases. This is also the place to visit and screen for obstetric and gynecological diseases that many people trust and choose. At Vinmec, there are many specialties integrated with a standard examination process, so many women choose. Therefore, when there is a condition of bloody discharge, accompanied by unusual symptoms, you can go to Vinmec for examination and treatment.
To arrange an appointment, please call HOTLINE or make your reservation directly HERE. You may also download the MyVinmec app to schedule appointments faster and manage your reservations more conveniently.
Reference source: healthline.com
