Is It Normal To Have Brown Discharge While On Birth Control Pills?
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Birth control pills, also known as “the pill,” are taken by women primarily to prevent pregnancy. They are oral contraceptives that regulate your hormone levels to decrease the chances of getting pregnant. These oral contraceptives alter the function of your uterus and ovaries to prevent ovulation. Most contraceptive pills work by combining both hormones estrogen and progesterone, which prevent the egg from being released, thereby making fertilization impossible. However, birth control pills have been proven to be 99% effective and cannot prevent STDs (1).
What Causes Discharge?
Discharge from down there is common. It’s a part of the physiology of a female. The walls of your cervix cleanse your body, which causes the discharge. Therefore, fret not. It’s normal and healthy (2). But when you take birth control pills, there may be an increase in discharge because of the combined pill containing estrogen and progesterone. There are several reasons for increased discharge. Here are some of them:
- Old Blood
Your discharge could just be old blood. Once your period is done, your uterus has traces of your period blood, which could come out after days, causing it to change color. The more your blood remains, the browner it may get. Blood, when oxygenated, turns brown because of the iron content in it. It may not be a cause for concern but consult a medical professional to be sure (3).
- Spotting
It is normal for spotting to occur when you first start taking birth control pills because of the fluctuations in your hormone levels. Spotting is not the same as periods. It is the irregular bleeding that occurs in between your menstrual cycles. Doctors generally say that it takes about 6 months for your body to get used to hormone change. While doctors do not know the exact reason for spotting, they say it might be due to the increase in progestin resulting in changes in the uterus’ lining (4).
- Missed Pills
Birth control pills are supposed to be taken every day. The most common ones come in 21-day packs that have to be consumed during the same time every day. The 7 days when women do not take the pills are usually when their menstrual cycle occurs (5). Missing a day or even changing the time you take the pill can increase the chance of spotting due to fluctuations in hormone levels.
- Ovulation
When you are on the pill, you generally do not ovulate. However, if you’ve missed the pill a few times or are taking low doses, ovulation can occur. During ovulation, you may experience brown discharge or spotting. It may last for a week or more. Don’t forget to consult your doctor when this happens (6).
- Infections
Birth control pills prevent pregnancy by up to 99%, but they do not prevent STDs. Therefore, always use protection when you are doing the deed to prevent infections. If you experience pelvic pain, irritation while urinating, painful intercourse, and brown discharge, you may have an infection. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and other such STDs may cause brown discharge (7).
Tips To Deal With Brown Discharge
While on birth control pills, you might experience brown discharge, which can be uncomfortable. Here are a few tips to deal with it:
1. Panty Liners
Pantyliners are mini-pads that prevent your underwear from getting wet and sticky when you have light discharge. It is perfect for long days and travel when you do not have access to a clean washroom.
2. Pads
If your discharge is on the heavier side, you can always use pads. Most women are comfortable using pads and are familiar with the routine. It can be a good alternative to panty liners when you have a heavier discharge.
3. Consult A Medical Professional
While it is common to experience discharge or spotting for 6 months or so when you start taking birth control pills, too much is always risky to ignore. Always keep your doctor informed about your cycles and discharge situation, so you know there is nothing to worry about.
There are several reasons why women go on the pill apart from contraception. It helps regulate menstrual cycles, lessen period cramps, treat PCOS, improves acne, and lower the risk of ovarian cancer, among other things (8). But there are side effects to the pill. Therefore, always ensure you consult your doctor to brief you about it so you will be prepared.
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