Darkened (brown) discharges are often the result of residual blood and/ or tissue that's been leftover from a previous menstrual cycle. This doesn't always happen after we have our periods... but it does, on occasion, happen. Now, if the discharge lingers, or if you notice other unusual symptoms like a foul pungent odor coming from the discharge, burning sensations, pain or discomfort within the vaginal area... etc.