I have a brown discharge, which has a bad odor, what can I use?



Vaginal discharge or white discharge under normal conditions should be thin, colorless and painless. Having vaginal discharge is normal as the glands in the cervix naturally produce such clear mucus. Exposure to air may turn the discharge color to white or yellow. It is important to note that the amount of mucus produced by the body varies with the menstrual cycle. Conditions such as discolored vaginal discharge or foul smelling discharge are indications of sexually transmitted infections, hormonal imbalance, depression, stress, anxiety, allergic reaction or post menstrual discharge. The reasons would vary from being normal to a serious one and therefore a deviation from the normal discharge must be given prompt attention. Key symptoms that indicate a change from normal conditions are vaginal itching, abnormal bleeding, pain in the pelvic area, lumps in the breast or breast pain.

Brown or dark brown vaginal discharge accompanied by foul smell or odor can be a cause for concern. The use of home remedies for vaginal discharge is best suitable to treat mild to moderate conditions. Some popular home remedies to treat foul smelling or discolored dark brown vaginal discharge include:

  • Self -hygiene: Wearing clean undergarments and changing undergarments at least twice a day ensures the genital area is kept clean and dry. Wear cotton underwear that absorbs moisture. Excessive cleansing of the vaginal area can affect the pH balance. Avoid using soaps, vaginal douches or other perfumed products on the vagina.
  • Diet: Eat fibrous foods (brown rice, whole wheat, vegetables with skin) and avoid intake of sugary, spicy and yeast foods. Crushed aloe leaf juice extract with honey would help in providing a cure to foul smelling vaginal discharge.
  • Applications: Dipping a tampon in yoghurt and inserting it in the vagina can ward off fungal infections. Dust the vaginal area with powder after a bath. Anti-fungal properties in garlic also help fight fungal infections. Place garlic in a cheesecloth and place it in the vagina. This would kill the harmful bacteria and therefore help in treatment of the dark brown vaginal discharge.

Brown discharge during early pregnancy can be a serious issue and must be discussed with a medical practitioner. It is important to note that intake of certain foods could also change the normal color to brown. Use of tampons and keeping tampons for long periods may also cause dark brown vaginal discharge. It is advisable to try home remedies for vaginal discharge that is not normal. You could use this for a day or two but if foul smell and brown color vaginal discharge persist it is best to consult a health practitioner.

answered by G M


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