Vaginal discharge consists of fluid and cells that are shed through the vagina. Most vaginal discharge is normal, and it's also normal to have some vaginal discharge during pregnancy. Although most causes of abnormal discharge are relatively harmless, if vaginal discharge has a strong color, such as brown, or is accompanied by sensations such as itching or pain, that could be a warning that a person should see a doctor.
Cervical Cancer
According to the National Institutes of Health, continuous vaginal discharge, which may be brown, bloody or foul-smelling, could be an indicator of cervical cancer.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID, is an infection of the female reproductive organs. It usually occurs when invading bacteria enter through the vagina and spread to the uterus and upper genital tract. According to the Mayo Clinic, PID is important to avoid because it can result in infertility.
Genital Warts
Genital warts, also known as venereal warts, are small bumps and have a cauliflower-like appearance. Genital warts can sometimes multiply into larger clusters. The virus that causes genital warts --- the human papillomavirus, or HPV --- has been associated with cervical cancer. Genital warts can be treated with medications and surgery.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is sexually transmitted and can affect the urethra, rectum, throat and cervix. Pregnant women with gonorrhea can pass the bacterium to their fetuses. In fetuses, gonorrhea most commonly affects their eyes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts that about 700,000 people contract gonorrhea each year in the United States.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection of the genital tract spread through sexual contact. Each year, the Mayo Clinic estimates that 4 million people in the United States are infected with disease. According to the National Institutes of Health, diagnosing chlamydia requires tests of the urethral discharge in men or cervical secretions in women. The sample is then subjected to a fluorescent or monoclonal antibody test, DNA probe test or cell culture. Some of these tests may also be performed on urine samples. Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics such as tetracyclines, azithromycin and erythromycin. Early antibiotic treatment is highly effective and may prevent long-term complications, including inflammation of the cervix, infertility and increased odds of ectopic pregnancy.
Vaginitis
There are four common types of vaginitis. First is bacterial vaginosis, which results from overgrowth of one of several organisms normally present in the vagina. Second is yeast infections, caused by a naturally occurring fungus. Third is trichomoniasis, caused by a parasite and commonly transmitted by sexual intercourse. Fourth is atrophic vaginitis, resulting from reduced estrogen levels after menopause.
