I recently started having sex with a guy, and today, a week before my period is due, I noticed I had a lot of brown-ish red discharge. Should I be concerned?

You could have started spotting. And the longer discharge sits in your underwear the darker it gets. So say you had discharge just sitting in your underwear all day, it will get darker

Brown discharge indicates old blood, left in your system. It happens to everyone at least once. I usually get it near the end of my period, but sometimes get it between periods.

It's normally not something to be concerned about, but there are a few things that can cause brown discharge that are a concern. If you're concerned, you should see your doctor.

I'm only concerned because I'm not on birth control, and condoms aren't always effective at preventing pregnancy. Could it be something like a miscarriage?

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Originally Posted by ermahgerd

I'm only concerned because I'm not on birth control, and condoms aren't always effective at preventing pregnancy. Could it be something like a miscarriage?

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Any bleeding, if you are pregnant, could indicate a miscarriage. But usually there's heavy red bleeding, and cramping.

Some women do experience bleeding throughout their pregnancy, and mistake it for a period.

If you think you could be pregnant, wait until at least 2 weeks after your period is due, and try testing with first morning urine. If it's negative, wait until your next period. If you miss it, test again or get a blood test.

That's really the only advice anyone can give you.