Understanding Vaginal Discharge: What Causes Brown or Black Color?

Brown or black discharge is usually a sign that your period is starting. When you are bleeding from your vagina, the blood first has to travel through the cervix and then out through the vagina, sometimes taking several hours to do so. During this time, the blood has a chance to be exposed to air and oxygen, which causes the red blood cells to break down and release haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is what gives blood its red color, so as it breaks down, the blood turns a darker color, from pink or red to brown or even black.

It's nothing to worry about. However, if you are experiencing any other pregnancy symptoms, a pregnancy test can be done to confirm pregnancy and the dark discharge can be addressed with the medical professional managing the pregnancy.