What causes a female to discharge brown, pus-like secretions, and what should be done about it?

Under normal circumstances, brownish vaginal discharge resembling pus in females may be caused by ovulation bleeding, residual menstrual blood before or after menstruation, bacterial vaginosis, cervicitis, endometritis, and other reasons. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through general management, medication, or other methods under a doctor's guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Ovulation bleeding: During ovulation, a temporary drop in estrogen levels can cause slight shedding of the uterine lining. The blood turns brown after oxidation and mixes with vaginal secretions, giving it a pus-like appearance. Rest adequately, avoid strenuous exercise, change breathable underwear frequently, and maintain good external genital hygiene. Symptoms usually resolve spontaneously within 2–3 days.

2. Residual menstrual blood before or after menstruation: At the beginning or end of the menstrual cycle, residual menstrual blood remaining in the uterine cavity is expelled and mixed with vaginal secretions, appearing as brown, pus-like discharge. Avoid cold or raw foods during menstruation, keep the abdomen warm, clean the external genital area with warm water, and reduce intake of spicy and irritating foods.

3. Bacterial vaginosis: Imbalance of vaginal flora leads to overgrowth of bacteria such as *Gardnerella*, resulting in increased brownish, pus-like discharge accompanied by a fishy odor. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include vaginal administration of metronidazole suppositories, clindamycin phosphate suppositories, or tinidazole suppositories. Sexual intercourse should be avoided during treatment.

4. Cervicitis: Inflammation caused by pathogen infection of the cervix leads to congestion and exudation of cervical mucosa, producing brownish, pus-like discharge along with lower back or sacral pain. Medications such as cefixime dispersible tablets, azithromycin dry suspension, or doxycycline hydrochloride tablets may be used as directed by a physician, along with gynecological wash solutions for external genital cleansing.

5. Endometritis: Inflammation of the endometrium due to bacterial invasion results in inflammatory secretions mixed with minor bleeding, appearing as brown, pus-like discharge, often accompanied by lower abdominal pain. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include ceftriaxone sodium injection, metronidazole tablets, or levofloxacin capsules. In severe cases, curettage may be required to remove infected tissue.

In daily life, avoid frequent use of feminine hygiene washes, which may disrupt the natural balance of vaginal flora. Choose cotton, breathable underwear, avoid prolonged sitting, and maintain a regular lifestyle. Maintaining reproductive health requires both healthy living habits and proper medical treatment.