Pink discharge: what does it mean?

Women experience vaginal discharge on most days of the menstrual cycle. It is a natural and common occurrence and is often harmless. But it can also signal underlying health conditions, which is why it is good to know a bit more about what's actually going on down there.

Vaginal discharge can be quite erratic in terms of consistency and colour, but it can give you solid insights into what's happening on the inside. Think of the change in the colour of your discharge as a means a messaging system for your body.

Spotting pink discharge, for example, can indicate loss of blood. But pinkish spotting could also mean several other things. And the same is true for other colours of vaginal discharge like brown and dark red. But for now, let's learn a bit more about pink discharge and its causes.

Here, the discharge can have a light reddish tinge or a very deep pink colour. It picks its pinkish hue from the little blood that it contains. The blood mixes with the cervical fluid that lends it this distinctive shade.

Several possible causes can trigger pink discharge or spotting. The timing and the symptoms that you experience with the discharge can help in identifying it better.

• Menstruation

One of the most obvious causes of pink discharge is your period. Period blood can mix with other vaginal fluids and lead to a pink vaginal discharge. This may happen before and after the period days. The spotting may also occur during other times of the menstrual cycle and be a sign of irregular menstruation.

• Hormonal imbalance

Pink discharge can be a cause of low oestrogen levels during your menstrual cycle. A drop in the hormones leads to the breakdown of the uterine lining that then begins to shed. This leads to a blood-stained discharge. Hormonal balance also brings with it other issues such as depression, weight gain, insomnia, and hot flashes.

• Sign of pregnancy

Pink discharge can be triggered by a fertilized egg planted in the womb. This is also known as implantation bleeding. While this occurrence is a sign of pregnancy, not all women experience it. This cause can be concluded in cases of engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse. Pink discharge during pregnancy could also be a result of bleeding on the edge of the placenta. If it continues in combination with other abnormalities like nausea and constant bleeding, it is important to see the doctor immediately.Learn more about nausea before period

• Yeast infection

Yeast infections can lead to bleeding in the vaginal wall. The blood can combine with the white discharge and cause a pink discharge. If the discharge is distressing, it is best to seek medical advice. Learn more about vaginal discharge with yeast infection

In certain rare cases, pink discharge can be a sign of cervical cancer. There may be sudden bleeding after sexual intercourse or during menstrual periods.

Apart from the above-mentioned causes, pink discharge can be a result of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), ovarian cyst, or perimenopause.

No matter how light or dark is the colour of your vaginal discharge, you must see a doctor if it has an unusual odour or texture. It is especially important to seek medical care if you notice other vaginal symptoms like:

• Regular pink spotting
• Itching
• Pain and discomfort
• Fishy or rotting smell

You doctor will evaluate the sample of the coloured vaginal discharge and also conduct a pelvic exam to rule out any possible medical conditions. Here are some tips to get rid of smelly vaginal discharge and what could green discharge mean.

Before you freak out about pink vaginal discharge, do evaluate your lifestyle and daily habits. If you feel like you are not following a healthy one, you must work on fixing it. The occasional pink spotting and discharge can be managed with ALWAYS panty liners which keep you fresh and comfortable throughout the day. You can also explore other Always menstrual hygiene products like sanitary pads and tampons, to have a happy period Always! Also, learn how to use a tampon.

Keep a track of your ovulation period with Always Ovulation Calendar and Period Calculator.

FAQ's

Noticing pink discharge at the beginning and at the end of your periods is common. It is often the leftover blood that mixes up with cervical fluid resulting in a pink hue. However, the pink discharge could also mean the following:

1. Hormonal imbalance
2. Sign of pregnancy
3. Yeast infection
4. Cervical cancer

It is best to consult a doctor as soon as you sight pink discharge. He can help you detect the cause and provide you with the necessary treatment if required.

If you notice pink discharge or pinkish reddish discharge, there could be a few reasons behind it. The most common is experiencing spotting or pink discharge before your period, which is normal as it is the start of your bleeding days. Pink discharge could also be due to implantation bleeding, which happens when a fertilised egg attaches itself onto the inner lining of the uterus. Although, this happens only to some women, not all. Lastly, some women experience spotting after ovulation, which can lead to pinkish red discharge. In such cases, use superior quality Always panty liners to manage vaginal discharge.

If you’ve noticed pinkish brown discharge right after your period, then don’t worry too much about it. Pink discharge after period is normal. Towards the end of a period, the blood is slowing down and getting mixed with other vaginal secretions on its way out of the vagina, it could change from red to pink discharge. To manage this pink discharge, it’s recommended to use Always panty liners. Go for the Always Multiform Panty liners which have a breathable design that ensures you feel dry and great.

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