What Causes Pink Discharge?...

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Medically reviewed by Andrea L. Braden, MDMedically reviewed by Andrea L. Braden, MDPink discharge occurs when a small amount of blood mixes with vaginal discharge. Pink discharge usually occurs during the beginning or end of your period or anytime you experience a light menstrual flow.Other common causes include ovulation, early pregnancy, implantation bleeding, hormonal fluctuations, and the use of hormonal birth control. Typically, pink discharge resolves on its own and is not associated with a harmful medical condition.In rare cases, pink discharge may be associated with more serious conditions, such as infections or cervical cancer. Pink discharge that occurs with other symptoms—such as severe pelvic pain, fever, and irregular or heavy bleeding—is cause for concern. Follow up with a healthcare provider if you experience these symptoms.What Does Pink Discharge Look Like?It’s normal to have vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge is made up of cells from your vagina and cervix. The cervix is the opening at the bottom of the uterus that sits at the top of the vagina, made of the same muscular tissue as the uterus. Discharge is most influenced by the hormone estrogen, which fluctuates throughout the menstrual cycle.It’s normal to have between half a teaspoon and a teaspoon of discharge daily. This discharge can be clear, slippery, thick, pasty, and may look white or yellowish. It will change throughout your cycle, becoming most abundant in the middle of your cycle when you ovulate.When a small amount of blood mixes with discharge, the discharge may look pink. Pink discharge is simply vaginal discharge mixed with blood. The discharge color will vary based on how much you are bleeding and how much discharge you have. Sometimes, blood mixed with discharge will look more reddish. Older blood that mixes with discharge may cause a brownish-colored discharge.Typically, people with pink discharge don’t have any other symptoms unless they are menstruating, in which case, they may have cramps. However, very painful cramps, severe pelvic pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, or any other concerning symptoms are not common with normal bouts of pink discharge. These symptoms may require a phone call or a visit to a healthcare provider.CausesThere are many different reasons why you might have pink discharge. Most causes are due to normal menstruation and are nothing to worry about. However, some causes are more concerning, especially if accompanied by other serious symptoms.MenstruationIt’s very common to experience some spotting, or light flow, as your period arrives. It’s also common to experience spotting at the very end of your period. When this spotting mixes with your vaginal discharge, you will see pink discharge. Normal variation in blood flow during menstruation is the most prevalent cause of pink discharge. It may be accompanied by other signs of your period, like menstrual cramping.OvulationAnother common cause of pink discharge is ovulation. Many people experience light spotting during ovulation. When this light spotting mixes with your discharge, you’ll see pink discharge. Usually, the discharge experienced during ovulation is clear and slippery. You might see streaks of blood mixed into this discharge.Other signs of ovulation include increased sexual desire, one-sided cramping, increased energy, and bloating.Implantation BleedingImplantation bleeding occurs when a fertilized egg implants itself into your uterine lining. Along with light cramping and other PMS-like symptoms, you may experience light spotting or bleeding. Sometimes this appears as pink discharge. Implantation bleeding typically occurs one to two weeks after conception and is an early sign of pregnancy.Fibroids and PolypsFibroids are benign (non-cancerous) growths that occur in your uterus. Polyps are also benign growths, and they can be found in the uterus or on the top of the cervix. Both fibroids and polyps can cause irregular vaginal bleeding, which can result in pink discharge. Fibroids and polyps may not cause other symptoms but can cause abdominal pain, cramping, and heavier periods.Hormonal FluctuationsChanging hormones can have strong effects on bleeding and can cause spotting and irregular menstrual bleeding. For instance, if you aren’t ovulating (anovulation), you will experience irregular cycles, which may result in spotting and pink discharge. It’s also common to experience spotting and pink discharge when you first start menstruating, as well as during the menopause transition (perimenopause).Hormonal Birth ControlHormonal birth control, like birth control pills, can cause abnormal bleeding, including spotting between periods and lighter than normal menstrual flow. Hormonal birth control can also result in something called “breakthrough bleeding,” which is when you have light spotting at the time of your period. This spotting may mix with discharge, causing pink discharge.PregnancyLight bleeding or spotting is common in early pregnancy, with up to one-fourth of pregnant people experiencing it. This spotting might look like pink discharge. Contact your healthcare provider if you know you are pregnant and see pink discharge. This could be a completely normal symptom during pregnancy, but it may be concerning if paired with other symptoms.Contact your provider immediately if you experience heavy bleeding or severe cramping, as they may be signs of pregnancy loss.Less Common CausesThere are many other potential causes of pink discharge, though these are less common than the ones previously listed. Other causes of pink discharge include:Endometriosis: This condition involves uterine-like tissue that grows outside of the uterus. It usually causes heavier bleeding during periods but can also result in irregular spotting or light bleeding, leading to pink discharge.Ectopic pregnancy: This happens when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, resulting in a non-viable pregnancy. It's typically accompanied by light vaginal bleeding and severe, one-sided cramping.Miscarriage: Pink discharge can be an early sign of miscarriage (loss of pregnancy).Physical trauma to the vagina: Rough, consensual sex or instances of sexual assault can cause trauma to the vagina, such as bleeding.Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): This is an infection of the reproductive system usually caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that can cause abnormal bleeding.Cancer: Though rare, cervical or endometrial cancer may cause light bleeding.When To See a Healthcare ProviderIf you are experiencing pink discharge that goes away in a day or two, and you aren’t experiencing any other unusual symptoms, it’s not necessary to visit a healthcare provider. However, consider discussing this symptom with your provider during your next annual visit.When pink discharge is accompanied by any concerning symptoms, you should visit a healthcare provider. Some symptoms to watch for include:Pink discharge that becomes more bloody and isn’t related to your periodDischarge that is also grayish, greenish, or grayishDischarge that’s clumpy, like cottage cheeseDischarge that has an unpleasant odor, including a fishy odorDischarge that’s accompanied by a burning, itching feelingSevere cramping, including one-sided crampingFlu-like symptoms or feverIf you choose to visit your healthcare provider, they will likely start by asking you questions about your discharge, including when it started, how long it has lasted, and any other symptoms you have. They may do a pelvic exam, which involves examining your vagina, vulva, cervix, and pelvic region. They may also take a swab of your pink discharge and send it to a lab to check for infections or take an ultrasound of your pelvic region to check for growths or lesions.Treatments for Pink DischargeMost cases of pink discharge do not need to be treated because they will resolve on their own. However, if your pink discharge is caused by an infection, medication, or other treatable condition, your provider will recommend a treatment plan.If an underlying condition is causing your pink discharge, the treatment will depend on the individual condition. This may include:PID: Treatment involves managing the infection causing the condition. For example, most STIs are treated with antibiotics.Fibroids or polyps: These growths can be treated with medications or surgery.Hormonal birth control: Your provider can adjust your birth control if spotting and pink discharge is a common or unpleasant side effect for you.Uterine or cervical cancer: Treatment involves addressing the cancer with surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.Endometriosis: This condition is treated with hormone therapy or surgery.Ectopic pregnancy: An ectopic pregnancy is an emergency situation and is treated with medicine or surgery.How To Prevent Pink DischargeIn most cases, pink discharge is normal and can’t be prevented. However, practicing regular hygiene and taking care of your vaginal health can help your discharge stay normal and prevent infections or irritations. Here are some tips:Keep your vulva and vaginal area dryTowel off or air dry your vaginal area after showersPromptly change out of wet bathing suits or clothesWear breathable, cotton underwearUse a condom during sexual intercourse to prevent STIsAlways thoroughly clean reusable products you insert into your vagina, such as diaphragms, cervical caps, or menstrual cupsAvoid douchesConsider taking probiotics, especially if you have been taking antibioticsAlways wipe from front to backA Quick ReviewPink discharge occurs when a small amount of blood mixes with vaginal discharge. Most people with vaginas experience this occasionally, and it’s usually normal. Pink discharge typically happens at the beginning or end of the menstrual cycle when bleeding is lighter. It can also be caused by hormonal fluctuations, ovulation, hormonal birth control, fibroids, polyps, or pregnancy.More serious causes of pink discharge, such as cancer, are rare. However, if you are experiencing pink discharge along with other concerning symptoms like severe cramping, fever, or heavy bleeding, you should reach out to a healthcare professional. For more Health.com news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Health.com.

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