Expert: Lawrence Jay Rappaport <B>M.D.</B> - 10/10/2005
Question I'm 20yrs old. I have no children and the first day of my last period was 13 days ago. Two days ago I had protected sex (like always) and everything was fine however i woke up yesterday with a brownish red discharge that I had to wipe away. I first noticed it when I used the restroom yesterday morning. It wasn't a flow just sticky mucus like. It is still there today. There is no odor and it doesn't itch. I am using a 28-day birth control. Is this something I should worry about? I have read about infections but from what I have seen it doesn't quite fit. I also read something about it just being ovulation...could this be it?
Answer A reddish-brown discharge is often seen at mid cycle and is called "mittelshmerz". This occurs around the time of ovulation and has no significance, as long as there is no itching or foul smell. If you suspect that it may be vaginal infection (inflammation, burning, itching, bad odor) check with your doctor and get a culture.
