A pink discharge from the vagina commonly occurs with spotting before your period.
You may also see a pinkish discharge after sex as tiny tears in vaginal tissues mix with vaginal mucus.
On rare occasions, vaginal bleeding may be a sign of more serious conditions likeendometriosisor evencervical cancer.
FreshSplash / Getty Images
FreshSplash / Getty Images
1.
Ovulation and Your Period
A pink discharge can develop at the beginning or end of your period.
Some people experiencespottingduring ovulation when an egg is released from theovary.
The light spotting may be pink-hued and occur roughly 14 days before your next period.
Cervical fluid is clearer around this time, so any blood would create a pink shade.
Light bleeding from ovulation is usually not a problem.
In most cases, light spotting before or after your period is not a cause for alarm.
However, ifspottingis persistent or if your periods are suddenly irregular, see your healthcare provider.
Perimenopause
Fluctuating estrogen levels are characteristic ofperimenopause, the transition period leading tomenopause.
As estrogen levels rise and fall,irregular spotting and periodscan occur, sometimes causing a pink discharge.
Additional lubrication may be all that is needed to overcome this concern.
But if bleeding continues despite ample lubrication, see your provider to have it checked out.
Implantation discharge may also beaccompanied by crampingor a “pulling” sensation in the abdomen or lower back.
Lochia can cause the discharge of tiny blood clots.
Outside of infection, lochia doesn’t require treatment other than the use of extra sanitary pads.
Do not use tampons during this time.
Hormonal Birth Control
Hormonal birth controlcan lead to anestrogen imbalancethat causesbreakthrough bleeding.
If spotting does not stop, you may need to consider a differentmethod of birth control.
Speak with your healthcare provider.
It is that also worth noting the irregular use ofbirth control pillscan lead to spotting.
Infections can occur when yourimmune systemis down or when takingantibioticsthat disrupt the normal vaginal biome.
A pink discharge is common when a yeast infection is severe, sparked by the disruption of vaginal tissues.
The disease affects the uterus, ovaries, and/orfallopian tubes, sometimes causing a pink vaginal discharge.
Your sex partner should undergo testing and potential treatment if you’ve been diagnosed with an STI.
Other signs of uterine fibroids may include:
Hormonal contraceptionis most commonly used to reduce bleeding.
A drug calledLupron (leuprolide)can help shrink the fibroid and reduce heavy bleeding.
Endometriosis is most common in people between the ages of 30 and 40.
Endometriosis can cause episodes of heavy bleeding during periods.
In between periods, endometriosis can cause spotting, light bleeding, or a pink discharge.
Surgery can be used to remove or destroy the excess tissues, known asendometrial ablation.
PCOS causes hormonal imbalances that can lead to infertility and irregular periods.
People with PCOS typically haveandrogenlevels.
These include hormones liketestosteroneassociated with male sexual development.
PCOS can cause abnormal menstrual periods with a pink discharge rather than a full flow.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical canceris a rare cause of a pink vaginal discharge.
An early sign of cervical cancer includes vaginal bleeding after sex and between periods.
Treatments include surgery,chemotherapy, andradiation therapy.
Other Vaginal Discharge Colors
Vaginal discharge can come in a variety of colors and consistencies.
In most cases, an occasional pink discharge isn’t a cause for concern.
This can occur when light vaginal bleeding mixes with clear cervical fluid, appearing pink.
Check with your healthcare provider if your discharge seems unusual or is accompanied by symptoms like pain and fever.
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