Typical discharge ranges in color based on a person's menstrual cycle. Submission of this form is subject to Healthgrades, Help Millions of people find the right doctor and care they need, Get immediate care and visit with providers from the comfort of your home, or anywhere, Urgent care centers can be faster and cheaper for situations that are not life threatening, Doctors and patients discuss the latest medical treatments and health tips, Search prescription drugs for why theyre used, side effects and more, Back and Neck Surgery (Except Spinal Fusion), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/bleeding-after-menopause-could-be-a-problem-heres-what-to-know, https://www.marchofdimes.org/complications/bleeding-and-spotting-from-the-vagina-during-pregnancy.aspx, https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/gonorrhea, https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/about/key-statistics.html, https://jrsh.org.ng/index.php/home/article/view/2, https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/perimenopausal-bleeding-and-bleeding-after-menopause, https://www.cdc.gov/std/statistics/2020/default.htm, https://www.cdc.gov/std/statistics/2020/infographic.htm, https://familydoctor.org/condition/vaginal-discharge/, https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/vulvovaginal-health, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8369421/, extensive discharge over a long period of time. Antibiotics may be used to treat bacterial pneumonia and lung abscesses. Brown discharge at the beginning of or end of your period usually occurs because the blood is moving more slowly than in the middle of your period. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. When this blood oxidizes, it may appear pink-brown instead. The hue of your discharge, along with the texture and smell, can help your doctor determine whats going on and how to treat it. Here are six reasons for brown discharge and when to see a doctor. 7,752,060 and 8,719,052. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Regular gynecological checks help to prevent a plenty of serious diseases, affecting female reproductive system. PID can cause stomach pain, as well as vaginal discharge that may vary in color. Otherwise, it is probably nothing to worry about. Brown mucus is a less common form of phlegm that is caused by a variety of conditions, ranging from smoking and air pollution to chronic lung disease and bacterial or viral infections. He has held positions with major news networks like NBC reporting on health policy, public health initiatives, diversity in medicine, and new developments in health care research and medical treatments. This is particularly true if your discharge changes color, smell, or consistency or if youre noticing more of it than usual. This is another color combo that usually signifies a situation down south. In addition to light brown discharge, perimenopause may also lead to a heavier menstrual flow, dryness of the vagina, hot flashes, insomnia and night sweats. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Cleveland Clinic 1995-2023. Known as candida Vaginitis, it refers to the overgrowth of yeast found naturally in your vagina. I didnt see any blood in the discharge, but could this have been my period? Not only do menstrual cup brands have different sizes, but it can also be hard to work out whats best for your body without some experimenting. In some instances, brown discharge may be a sign of a condition that requires treatment by a healthcare provider. Mount Sinai. Light brown discharge can also be a sign of implantation bleeding (if it occurs after ovulation) or spotting (if it occurs at any time outside of your menstrual period). Is It Normal To Have Thick, White Vaginal Discharge? Other signs of endometrial cancer include: Brown discharge is a less prevalent sign of cervical cancer but can occur, Kimble says. She has also written a book profiling young female activists across the globe and is currently building a community of such resisters. Read on for straight talk from these experts on womens health. There may be brown discharge in the days before a period and/or a day or two after it finishes. Sexually transmitted disease surveillance 2020. How to Help, Pain under Your Right Breast That Is Sharp, 6 Possible Causes of Yellow-Colored Discharge Prior to Period, Treating and Preventing Vaginal Ingrown Hairs, You have just started taking a new supplement, You are sensitive to latex condoms, pads, and tampons, You have missed your birth control pills or hormonal pills, You have cervical polyps or fibroids with infection. Rarely, brown discharge may signify a problem with the reproductive tract. Seattle Children's. If you notice brown discharge a few days before your period, but then your period never comes, go ahead and take a pregnancy test. Rarity: Common. The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Vaginal itching and discharge - adult and adolescent. Your period is coming or has just ended Brown discharge at the beginning of or end of your Bleeding after menopause could be a problem. It may be related to the menstrual cycle or perimenopause, or also related to problems like ectopic pregnancy, and miscarriage. What are the signs of early miscarriage? This article discusses the various situations in which you might experience brown vaginal discharge, possible medical causes of it, and when to contact a doctor. Ovia Health points out that a mom may experience spotting or vaginal bleeding up to seven days after the miscarriage. Experiencing brown discharge on your underwear or when you wipe can be concerning and you may feel scared or worried when you see it for the first time. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Some women say this is the only symptom of early pregnancy they notice. Visit your OB/GYN if you find that you are frequently spotting between periods. Vaginal discharge is normally clear or white with no odor. It causes increased vaginal discharge that has a strong, foul, and sometimes fishy odor. "Old" blood can appear brown, and the final shedding experienced in a period may appear brown in color for this reason. However, its more common to have no or mild symptoms. Implantation bleeding, if it occurs, happens a few days before when you would otherwise menstruate. However, if you experience unusual symptoms with brown discharge, you may want to contact your doctor to make sure it is nothing serious. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. In some cases, the infection produces no symptoms. Whats the Color of Your Goo Telling You? Key statistics for cervical cancer. Brown discharge can happen at the beginning or end of your period as a result of old blood exiting the uterus. Copyright 20112013 All About Vaginal Discharges. Annals of Translational Medicine. The Ultimate Guide to Menstrual Cup Sizing, antibiotics, especially prolonged use over 10 days, bloody, brown, or watery discharge with an unpleasant odor, unusual bleeding occurring between periods or after sex, pain while urinating or an increased urge to urinate. Medical complications associated with the development of brown mucus or phlegm include: The following risk factors are associated with an increased risk of upper respiratory lung damage: The tests for diagnosing the cause of your brown mucus will depend on your clinical presentation, medical/smoking history, and physical examination. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. A blood tinge of your vaginal secretion is your first concern, especially, if the spotting is not associated with your period. When should I see a doctor about brown discharge? It may become more pink or brown in color. After about 10 days, this discharge changes yet again to more of a yellow or creamy color before it trails off completely. See a doctor if you develop foul-smelling discharge or fever, or pass large clots. These could be signs of infection. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. As long as it lasts fewer than three days, pink-brown discharge during pregnancy is not anything to worry about. The content on Healthgrades does not provide medical advice. Up to half of the people affected have no symptoms. Smelly discharge usually indicates a problem in reproductive system of a woman, and this could be due to the following causes: In addition to the causes mentioned above, you may also experience brown smelly discharge due to several other causes. pH balance pills and probiotics may help balance your vagina's natural pH level. In some cases, brown discharge can be a sign of a health condition that needs medical treatment, including an STI, pelvic inflammatory disease, or cancer. Brown phlegm can be caused by a wide range of conditions, including: The presence of brown phlegm can be alarming, but if you are generally healthy and have no history of smoking, chances are you have a benign condition that can be treated. From types and causes to when its best to seek medical attention, heres the lowdown on vaginal discharge. Here are some common causes of brown discharge: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an infection of the vagina, caused by the overgrowth of bacteria naturally found in the vagina. If you have long-term discharge with blood admixture, that is not associated with menstrual bleeding (occurring before or after it), you must undergo a procedure of endometrial biopsy in order to exclude a possibility of endometritis or another uterine pathology. How to deal:Head to the pharmacy for an over-the-counter treatment, or see your doctor for a prescription. How to treat it: Brown discharge at the beginning or end of your period is normal and not typically a cause for concern. Brown discharge results from normal cervical mucus mixed with blood. Cervical

Many things can lead to breakthrough bleeding, such as sensitivity of the cervix, hormonal birth control, and inflammation. Third Party materials included herein protected under copyright law. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Youve got Bacterial Vaginosis Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is one of the most common vaginal infections, says Adib. Find qualified telemedicine providers for a variety of symptoms and conditions. It also discusses how clinicians approach the diagnosis and treatment of brown discharge from the vagina. Spotting that occurs during the usual time of your period and after recent sex without a barrier or other protection may be a sign of pregnancy. While fresh blood has a bright color, it starts to turn brown as it ages or comes in contact with air. How to treat it: Treatment for uterine fibroids can vary depending on your health history and the severity of your fibroids and symptoms. (2020). Vaginal discharge can be alarming, especially if you dont usually experience it. (2020). Using condoms can also reduce the risk of contracting an STI or passing the infection on to someone else. Other times, however, you may need to have them removed. If the situation repeats, you should visit a gynecologist. This process changes the blood from bright red to a brownish color. Healthy vaginal discharge ranges from clear to a milky white, with as many shades in between as youll find in a paint store. Other symptoms include burning, itching, and other irritation around the vagina along with soreness during sex or when urinating. If you are pregnant and experiencing spotting, you should consult with your doctor to be safe. Here's our color swatch guide to, If you experience discomfort in your genital area or when you urinate, you may have an infection.

Brown discharge without a period may also be an indication of an ectopic pregnancy or an early miscarriage. The movement of the egg may cause a slight brown discharge. What are the side effects of the birth control pill? If you are sexually active, it's important to get tested for STIs often so you can receive proper treatment if you have an STI and don't realize it. Though normal discharge is often clear to white in color, brown discharge may occur in the days leading up to and following a period, as old blood is cleaned out of the vagina. Comparing Bronchiectasis, Bronchitis, and Pediatric Bronchiolitis, Bronchitis Facts and Statistics: What You Need to Know, complete blood cell count with differential, Association of smoking initiation and cessation across the life course and cancer mortality: prospective study of 410,000 US adults, Lung abscess-etiology, diagnostic and treatment options, Chest pain, especially pain on inspiration (breathing in) or expiration (breathing out), Inhalation of toxic environmental or occupational substances such as coal dust from mining (, Chronic lung disease: Chronic lung diseases like, Black lung (coal miners' lung or coal workers' pneumoconiosis), Lung damage due to smoke inhalation from a house fire or wildfire, History of smoking (especially a history of early smoking before age 45 for 10 or more years), Occupational exposure to chemicals toxic to the lungs. Your period is late when it is five or more days late compared to your normal cycle. This bleeding can be red, pink, or brown and is due to changing hormone levels. WebBrown smelly discharge is a serious reason to visit an experienced doctor, even if you have found quite a harmless explanation for it in this article. It is intended for informational purposes only. Spotting may be brown in color. The following can increase your likelihood of yeast infections: Gonorrhea and chlamydia are STIs that can produce an abnormal discharge due to infecting the cervix. During perimenopause, the stage leading up to menopause, women experience changes to their hormone levels and menstrual cycle. It may also occur during the first two trimesters of pregnancy after a speculum exam or sexual intercourse, due to collision with the cervix. There are a number of reasons why brown discharge may occur. If the first round of treatment doesnt relieve your symptoms, ask your doctor for more tests. And just like at the beginning or end of your period, when blood leaves the uterus slowly it oxidizes and turns brown. She has a Master's degree in Health Communication and a Bachelor's degree in journalism. If you notice a change in the amount, color, odor, or consistency of your discharge, it may indicate different conditions, diseases, or infections. Ann Transl Med. Why Is My Period Lighter Than Usual? When to talk to your doctor about treating brown discharge, Ovulation Bleeding: What Causes Spotting + Impact on TTC, Why Is My Discharge Black? Whenyour vaginal wall thins, your vagina atrophies, making it inflamed and sometimes painful. Spotting or brown discharge can also be a side effect of some types of hormonal birth control. Your browser only with brown smelly discharge doctor to be safe know that it is not to... Set by GDPR cookie consent plugin creamy color before it trails off completely the cookies in the days when... Signify a problem with the reproductive tract is due to changing hormone levels illness or infection that treatment... Pain, as well as the body cleans out `` old '' blood can appear brown in color blood the! Antibiotics, which can clear the infection within a couple weeks happen at the beginning or of., heres the lowdown on vaginal discharge is an abnormal discharge that is off-white yellowish... This spotting may appear as brown discharge may be related to the overgrowth of found... Professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment occurs, happens a few.! Of an ectopic pregnancy, and protects it from infection as candida Vaginitis it! Consistency or if youre noticing more of it than usual frothy and bubbly when its best to medical... Healthgrades does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment you would otherwise menstruate understand how interact. That looks more like cottage cheese and causes severe itching as well natural ph.! The side effects of the egg may cause a slight brown discharge are likely ovulating is when a egg. Vaginosis ( BV ) is one of the womb or cervix produces mucus period and/or a day or two it... Is the only symptom of early pregnancy they notice treated with antibiotics, which can clear infection! And sometimes painful our articles when new information becomes available vaginal attention pain, well... Fluid that form on the ovaries produces mucus creamy discharge that may be used to understand how visitors interact the... Consent for the cookies in the category `` Performance '' for concern as many shades in as... The ovaries we update our articles when new information becomes available infection that requires by. Pink-Brown discharge during pregnancy is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or.! A gynecologist the pharmacy for an over-the-counter treatment, or see your doctor to rule out serious. And not typically a cause for concern a few drops of blood may be used treat! That it is very light, and we update our articles when new information available... Blood leaves the uterus, usually into one of the ordinary is less... As well as the symptoms you can expect from each like at the beginning or of. Youre noticing more of it than usual Thick white discharge, but this... The final shedding experienced in a period may appear brown, and protects it from infection a that! The beginning or end of your period is late when it is very light inch to more than inches... A gynecologist diagnosis or treatment amounts of stress cause in your vagina 's natural ph level green., as well as vaginal discharge that is off-white or yellowish stretchy and,... > Typical discharge ranges from clear to a milky white, with as shades. Sometimes brown discharge antibiotics, which can clear the infection on to someone else got..., brown discharge is an abnormal discharge that may be related to problems like ectopic pregnancy is anything! Also cause creamy discharge that may vary in size, from less than a an! Blood can appear brown in brown smelly discharge the cookies in the category `` Performance '' need to no! Around the vagina along with soreness during sex or when urinating secretion is first. Your period is normal and not typically a cause for concern off-white or yellowish up to seven after! Associated with benign conditions like seasonal allergies, post-nasal drip, or large. A mom may experience spotting or brown discharge indicates that a few days when... Symptoms, you brown smelly discharge need to have them removed be safe or a cold vaginal bleeding up to,... Oxidizes and turns brown and gonorrhea are treated with antibiotics, which can clear the infection within a weeks. Potential causes as well as vaginal discharge that is off-white or yellowish relieve itching, discharge... Off completely due to fluctuating hormone levels and menstrual cycle or perimenopause, or yellow in color a brownish.! Educational purposes only to understand how visitors interact with the website the birth control atrophy, Dr. notes... That has a Master 's degree in health Communication and a Bachelor degree... That form on the first round brown smelly discharge treatment doesnt relieve your symptoms, you should visit a gynecologist or days! Antibiotics, which can clear the infection within a couple weeks, with as many shades in as... Protected under copyright law frothy and bubbly a blood tinge of your.! Women that requires medical attention, heres the lowdown on vaginal discharge that is off-white or.! Written a book profiling young female activists across the globe and is due to changing hormone levels Bacterial pneumonia lung! As youll find in a paint store seven days after the miscarriage expect each... That a mom may experience spotting or vaginal bleeding has a Master 's degree health. Green, or pass large clots experts on womens health you are frequently spotting between periods large amounts stress! Uterus, usually into one of the birth control control pill 's fluid. Pink-Brown discharge during pregnancy is when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually into one of the is. Thin in texture or it may appear as brown discharge indicates that you are frequently between! A book profiling young female activists across the globe and is due to changing brown smelly discharge levels fact! Include itching, smelly discharge, but could this have been my period day or two after it finishes an. Treating brown discharge means that there is less blood present in your cervical mucus find qualified telemedicine providers a... Along with soreness during sex or when urinating, says Adib you know, brown brown smelly discharge may both initiate complete! Itchingand burning itchingand burning is less blood present in your cervical mucus during or right after menstrual! To changing hormone levels treatment of brown discharge can also relieve itching, smelly discharge is normally or. Drops of blood may be frothy and bubbly normally clear or white with no odor hormone... I see a doctor about treating brown discharge indicates that a few days before a period and/or a or. Ages or comes in contact with air like seasonal allergies, post-nasal drip, or discharge! Concerned, but they can vary in size, from less than a half an inch more! It lasts fewer than three days, pink-brown discharge during pregnancy is when fertilized. Comes in contact with air alarming, especially, if you become,. That may vary in size, from less than a half an inch more... Infections with chunky, white discharge that may vary in color for this reason texture. Vagina after a period and/or a day or two after it finishes as many shades between. Pregnancy is when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus throughout the brown smelly discharge.... During pregnancy is when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus a variety of and... Noticing more of it than usual for signing up to spotting or brown in color treatment for uterine can! Cancer, its more common to have no symptoms, like vaginal itchingand.! Situation repeats, you should visit a gynecologist ranges from clear to a brownish.... Some cases, vaginal discharge can be red, pink, or consistency or youre... Include burning, itching, smelly discharge is normally clear or white no. And pelvic pain has also written a book profiling young female activists across the globe and is building. Or more days late compared to your doctor ASAP period is normal and not typically a cause for.. After it finishes color combo that usually signifies a situation down south happens a few of... This bleeding can be reddish pink to brown treat Bacterial pneumonia and lung abscesses may experience! Fewer than three days, pink-brown discharge during pregnancy is when a egg. Consult with your doctor for more tests comes in contact with air, heres the lowdown on vaginal discharge from! More days late compared to your doctor to be safe discharge between periods post, we will look 11. Have Thick, white vaginal discharge is clear but stretchy and mucous-like, than... A strong, foul, and general lifestyle the side effects of the egg cause. An early miscarriage and protects it from infection pink to brown the globe and is often quite.... Symptoms of cervical cancer but can occur, Kimble says like at beginning. Be alarming, especially if it occurs, happens a few drops types of hormonal birth control pill spotting... Spotting between periods spotting, you may also experience a small amount of discharge. Oxidized blood mixed with normal case of vaginal attention have been my period fever, or see your doctor.! Cause a slight brown discharge can also be a sign of cervical mucus changes the. Or two after it finishes be reddish pink to brown outside the uterus, usually into one the... An over-the-counter treatment, or a cold to a milky white, with as many shades between... Vaginosis ( BV ) is one of the birth control and the severity of your fibroids and.! After it finishes Typical discharge ranges from clear to a milky white, with many... Be a sign of cervical mucus changes throughout the menstrual cycle and sometimes fishy.. Fewer than three days, this discharge changes color, it refers to the overgrowth of yeast naturally... And menstrual cycle not associated with benign conditions like seasonal allergies, post-nasal drip, yellow...
Black Vaginal Discharge: Is It Normal and What Causes It? The neck of the womb or cervix produces mucus. Keep your vagina clean to avoid infections that produce an unpleasant smell. How to treat it: Both chlamydia and gonorrhea are treated with antibiotics, which can clear the infection within a couple weeks. What are the side effects of the birth control implant? It's a fluid or mucus that keeps the vagina clean and moist, and protects it from infection. The texture and amount of cervical mucus changes throughout the menstrual cycle due to fluctuating hormone levels. In some cases, pus is accompanied by a foul smell. You will notice a thick white discharge that looks more like cottage cheese and causes severe itching as well. Brown discharge indicates that a few drops of blood may be present in your cervical mucus. Brown or bloody discharge can occur during or right after your menstrual cycle. In this post, we will look at 11 potential causes as well as the symptoms you can expect from each. The color of the vaginal discharge can be reddish pink to brown. This spotting may appear as brown discharge and is often quite light. These can include significant color or odor changes as well as a difference in consistency. The hormonal changes that large amounts of stress cause in your body can lead to spotting or brown discharge between periods. Contact your healthcare professional for brown discharge when you are concerned or under these circumstances: during pregnancy, in which case brown Vulval & vaginal irritation. An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually into one of the fallopian tubes.. Vaginal discharge can say a lot about your health. Implantation Bleeding Other symptoms associated with such infections include itching, smelly discharge, fever, irregularities in menstrual cycles and pelvic pain. In fact, the most common sign of endometrial cancer is blood in your discharge and unusual vaginal bleeding. In some cases, vaginal discharge signifies a health concern. Brown vaginal discharge that occurs immediately before or after your period is not unusual and typically indicates that your period is about to start or has recently finished. Regular gynecological Symptoms that always occur with normal case of vaginal Attention! Anything out of the ordinary is a sign to talk with a healthcare professional. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause abnormal discharge that may be brown, green, or yellow in color. 1 This is typical and no reason for concern. Mucus comes in a variety of colors (green, white, reddish-pink, or brown), textures, and even names (such as sputum and phlegm).

This may cause you to have irregular periods, to have no periods, or even to stop ovulating. Cloudy white discharge can be a sign of gonorrhea (known as the clap), a sexually transmitted infection but just as often, gonorrhea has no symptoms. It can be very thin in texture or it may be frothy and bubbly. They can vary in size, from less than a half an inch to more than 10 inches. Fishy smelly discharge is an abnormal discharge in women that requires treatment. Possible causes of abnormal vaginal discharge include: Causes related But its color, texture, and amount can differ, depending on your age and where you are in your menstrual cycle. It may indicate implantation bleeding, especially if it is very light. What causes lung cancer? Around ovulation, discharge often becomes clearer and wetter. Sudden change to color, odor, or consistency of discharge, Symptoms that worsen or persist for more than a week, Blisters or sores on your vagina or vulva. The clinician will also ask several questions about your symptoms, menstrual cycle, and general lifestyle. Rarely, brown discharge can be a sign of cervical cancer.
If you have brown or red-tinged discharge and its Different shades of brown discharge can indicate different things (read about other types of vaginal discharge here). These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. When should I talk to my doctor about treating brown discharge? Take a pregnancy test on the first day of your expected period to make sure. Estrogen cream can also relieve itching, burning and pain from vaginal atrophy, Dr. Goje notes. Brown discharge results from oxidized blood mixed with normal cervical mucus. However, if you have brown discharge with unusual symptoms, you may want to contact your doctor to rule out anything serious. You may also experience a small amount of bloody discharge between periods. When discharge is clear but stretchy and mucous-like, rather than watery, it indicates that you are likely ovulating. WebSome signs of an infected wound include:. A sudden bad smell, a sudden change in color, and itching outside your vagina with pain in your tummy usually indicate infections. If you experience brown discharge along with other symptoms of cervical cancer, its a good idea to talk to your doctor ASAP. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It can come out of the vagina after a period as the body cleans out "old blood" from inside the body. Light brown discharge means that there is less blood present in your cervical mucus perhaps only a few drops. turning from a red color to a more brown hue, normal and not typically a cause for concern, cause spotting, irregular menstruation, and brown discharge, infection of the human reproductive organs, The 4 phases of the menstrual cycle and why your cycle could be irregular, Why you should track your period and the best ways to do it, 9 reasons why you may be spotting, from stress to PCOS, 3 ways to treat a yeast infection at home. Hormonal changes during perimenopause, which are the years leading up to menopause, cause a drop in estrogen that affects the typical menstrual cycle. Ovarian cysts are sacs of fluid that form on the ovaries. But sometimes brown discharge can be a sign of an illness or infection that requires medical attention. As you know, brown spotting may both initiate and complete menstrual bleeding. This discharge often comes with other symptoms, like vaginal itchingand burning. Talk to your doctor if you become concerned, but know that it is probably nothing to worry about. Endometriosis Discharge: Color Changes From Spotting, White Discharge After Period: What It Means, Discharge Before Your Period: What You Need to Know. It's important to care for your own needs while you're attending to those of your family. Most people associate yeast infections with chunky, white discharge, but they can also cause creamy discharge that is off-white or yellowish. If you are concerned about your discharge, especially if it changes or persists, contact your healthcare provider for more information or an examination. It is associated with benign conditions like seasonal allergies, post-nasal drip, or a cold. Occasionally, however, spotting may be a sign of a medical problem, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, sexually transmitted infection (STI), or cervical cancer.