Is brown discharge 15 days after intercourse a sign of pregnancy or menstruation?

Pregnancy refers to gestation. The appearance of brownish discharge 15 days after intercourse cannot be definitively diagnosed as either pregnancy or menstruation based on this single symptom alone. It is necessary to consider the timing of menstrual onset and perform a pregnancy test for clarification. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Menstruation

If brownish discharge appears 15 days after intercourse and it is already within the expected menstrual period, this is likely an early sign of menstruation. Typically, bleeding will gradually increase as the endometrial lining sheds, eventually turning into normal menstrual flow.

2. Pregnancy

If the brownish discharge is short-lived and normal menstruation does not occur—especially if the period is delayed—the discharge may be due to implantation bleeding caused by the fertilized egg attaching to the uterine lining. If an early pregnancy test strip shows a positive result, this indicates pregnancy.

The presence of brownish discharge after intercourse alone cannot determine whether it is menstruation or pregnancy. The diagnosis should be made by considering the menstrual cycle and results from a pregnancy test. Close observation is advised, and when necessary, a blood HCG test should be performed for confirmation.