Vaginal discharge is a fluid produced naturally by the glands inside the vagina and cervix and helps keep the intimate female area protected against vaginal infections and other conditions. In the same way as its texture and consistency, its color may vary depending on the month and the stage in which the woman is. Still, significant alterations should also be a reason for concern and medical consultation since they can indicate the suffering of some conditions or specific health problems.
If you have ever observed a pink vaginal discharge when cleaning your intimate area or in your underwear and you have wondered why it is, continue reading this FastlyHealarticle to know what are the possible causes of pink discharge.
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Pink discharge due to ovulation
One of the most common causes of pink discharge is the process of ovulation, usually if this color is observed in vaginal secretions about two weeks before the period starts.
This slight spotting is normal and is part of a woman’s ovulation process. The ovum is released from the ovaries in the second half of the menstrual cycle. Its subsequent displacement from the ruptured follicle to the uterus through the fallopian tube can cause that slight pink bleeding. This can also be accompanied by other symptoms such as cramps, discomfort in the lower back area, and breast tenderness.
Although, in this case, the pink vaginal discharge should not be a cause for concern, it is crucial to remain attentive to the amount of it and go to the gynecologist if it is abundant or if it has a bright red color.
Pink discharge: implantation bleeding
Pink vaginal discharge can also be caused by the Implantation of a fertilized egg in the wall of the uterus, which usually happens about 6 or 7 days after fertilization and is called embryo implantation.
This slight blood loss comes from the endometrium, the tissue that lines the uterus and gives rise to the placenta and the amniotic sac. Usually, when this occurs, a woman may observe slight vaginal bleeding, called Implantation bleeding, which can range from a light pinkish color to a darker brown, such as that which occurs at the beginning of the period. Therefore it is common to confuse implantation bleeding with menstruation.
To know how to differentiate them, it is enough to bear in mind that the color of the implantation bleeding becomes increasingly lighter as the days go by, it has a shorter duration (no more than five days) and is fairer than the rule. On the contrary, during menstruation, the bleeding becomes redder and more abundant as the days go by.
In any case, to clear up doubts, it is best to take a pregnancy test and go to the gynecologist if the bleeding persists for many days and is not menstruated.
Discover more details about this condition in the article Implantation bleeding: symptoms, color, and duration.
Pink discharge in pregnancy
And when pink vaginal discharge occurs during pregnancy, what can it be due to? In this case, the causes can be diverse, and among the most frequent are the ones listed below:
- Sexual intercourse: During intercourse, some blood vessels in the cervix may break, resulting in light bleeding.
- Increased Estrogens: During pregnancy, the female body undergoes many changes, and estrogen levels often rise, leading to a bit of blood flow.
- Expulsion of the mucous plug: the mucous plug is made up of mucous secretions that accumulate in the cervix from the fifth week of pregnancy until the end, preventing bacteria from entering the uterus. When it is expelled, a yellowish, pinkish, or reddish discharge can be observed if it is tinged with a bit of blood, and its elimination can indicate the onset of labor, although this can occur in hours or days, or weeks.
Bloody vaginal secretions during pregnancy should be an urgent reason for medical consultation. It is also possible that they are due to some problem, and there is a risk of a miscarriage. It is essential to see a specialist if these secretions are also accompanied by abdominal pain and cramps.
Pink discharge after menstruation
When the pink discharge occurs just after the end of menstruation, in many cases, it may simply be due to the expulsion of blood that had accumulated or the leakage of vaginal bacteria. In this case, the hue of the secretions can range from a light pink to a darker brown, and its consistency can be watery or, on the contrary, thicker and pasty.
On the other hand, if you notice a brighter bloody discharge, this is accompanied by other symptoms such as inflammation, redness or itching of the vulva, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, abdominal pain, discomfort during sexual intercourse, or painful urination, it is very. You must consult with a gynecologist urgently, as it could be due to suffering from some infection or sexually transmitted disease.
Pink fungal discharge
Although it is less frequent, sometimes another cause of the pink discharge is the suffering of a fungal infection caused by the overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans in the genital area. This condition is called a vaginal yeast infection. It usually causes a thick white vaginal discharge similar to the appearance of cottage cheese and other symptoms such as itching, burning, irritation, and redness of the vulva. In this case, the pink discharge may occur if the vaginal mucosa is very irritated and there is minor bleeding due to the presence of a wound.
Vaginal candidiasis is an infection that must be treated medically quickly. It is necessary to start a pharmacological treatment that includes topical use or taking antifungal drugs by the mouth for its cure. In addition, it is required to suspend sexual intercourse for the duration of the infection since there is a risk of infecting the partner.
We advise you to consult the Vaginal article candidiasis: symptoms, treatment, and prevention to learn more about this infection.
Other possible causes of pink discharge
- Ectopic pregnancy.
- Thinning of the tissues of the reproductive tract after menopause.
- Cervical or uterine cancer.
- Fibromas.
- Uterine polyps.
- Gynecological exams can cause a slight spotting after completion, such as cytology.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Pink discharge: causes, we recommend that you enter our category of Female reproductive system.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.