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Pink vaginal discharge: what it is, what causes it & what to do about it
Understanding Vaginal Discharge
Vaginal discharge is a normal bodily function that helps keep the vagina clean and healthy. It's a mixture of fluid and cells released through the vagina, and its texture, appearance, and volume can vary depending on the menstrual cycle, hormonal changes, age, and overall health. Throughout your menstrual cycle, you might notice changes in your discharge. For instance, it can become clearer and more abundant during ovulation, or thicker and whiter in the second half of the cycle. These variations are perfectly normal and are influenced by the natural hormonal fluctuations in your body.
Pink vaginal discharge: what it is, what causes it & what to do about it
Did you know that the colour of your vaginal discharge can mean different things? Yep, you heard it here. If you've ever spotted pink vaginal discharge and wondered why, then you’re in the right place. In this blog, we’ll take a look at what pink vaginal discharge means, what causes it & what to do about it…
Pink vaginal discharge can also occur during early pregnancy due to implantation bleeding or other potential complications.
What's vaginal discharge?
Vaginal discharge is a fluid that is naturally produced by the glands in the cervix and vagina. A mixture of fluid & cells that are shed from the vaginal walls, cervix and vulva, the amount, colour and consistency can vary dependent on a few factors:
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Where you are in your menstrual cycle
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Sexual activity
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Possible infection
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Other medical conditions
Generally speaking, vaginal discharge is clear or white and may have a mild odour. It can become thicker, wetter or gloopier during ovulation, pregnancy and sexual arousal. Regular vaginal discharge can mix with blood, resulting in pink discharge, particularly around menstruation or other reproductive events.
It's important to note, that changes in colour, small or consistency can indicate an infection or other medical condition. Always pay attention to any changes in your vaginal discharge and anything that's not "normal" for you and always speak to a doctor if you have any concerns.
What does pink vaginal discharge mean? Could it be implantation bleeding?
Pink vaginal discharge at the start or end of your period is to be expected and usually is not a cause for concern, as blood can mix with the clear cervical fluid on its way out of the uterus and cause a pinkish discharge.
Here's a few more reasons why you could have pink vaginal discharge:
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Beginning or end of your period: at this time when blood flow is at its lightest, it may mix with our fluids and dilute the red colour.
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Implantation bleeding: a small amount of pink or brown spotting can occur when a fertilised egg implants itself in the uterus, usually around 6-12 days after conception.
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pink vaginal discharge can be a result of hormonal changes during your menstrual cycle, especially if you're ovulating.
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Low oestrogen levels: as the hormone oestrogen helps to stabilise the uterine lining, if you're experiencing low levels your discharge may appear pinker than normal.
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Hormonal contraception: starting a new form of hormonal contraception or switching to a new one can create an artificial oestrogen imbalance and cause light pink discharge or spotting.
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Possible infection: pink vaginal discharge can be a symptom of a vaginal infection, such as bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection.
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Ectopic pregnancy: sometimes instead of implanting in the lining of the uterus, the fertilised egg implants and begins to grow in the fallopian tube, abdomen, ovary or cervix, which may cause spotting or bleeding. An ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition and requires medical attention immediately.
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Miscarriage: miscarriage can cause a sudden gush of clear or pink fluid. Whilst pink vaginal discharge can be normal, make sure you report any pink discharge or other miscarriage symptoms to your doctor.
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Lochia: the name for the period of bleeding after childbirth, you may experience pink vaginal discharge.
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Perimenopause: as you approach menopause, you may experience irregular periods or pink vaginal discharge as your hormone levels begin fluctuating.
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Cervical inflammation or irritation: if the narrow passage between the uterus and vagina is inflamed or irritated, you may see pink vaginal discharge.
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Cervical cancer: in rare cases, pink vaginal discharge can be a sign of cervical cancer.
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Sexual intercourse: friction during sexual intercourse, especially if lubrication is insufficient, can cause irritation and minor bleeding, leading to pink discharge.
If you spot pink vaginal discharge, note the timing and how often you experience it. You may need to speak with a doctor or gynaecologist to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment if necessary.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can significantly affect the texture, appearance, and volume of vaginal discharge. During the first half of the menstrual cycle, estrogen levels rise, causing the discharge to become clearer and more abundant. As progesterone levels increase in the second half of the cycle, the discharge tends to become thicker and whiter. If you're using hormonal birth control, you might experience breakthrough bleeding or changes in the texture and color of your discharge. These changes are usually due to the artificial hormones in birth control affecting your natural hormonal balance.
Pregnancy and Childbirth
During pregnancy, you might notice an increase in vaginal discharge due to hormonal changes and increased blood flow to the vagina. Implantation bleeding, which occurs when a fertilised egg implants in the uterine lining, can cause light vaginal bleeding or spotting. After childbirth, the vaginal discharge can be heavier and more abundant as your body sheds the uterine lining. This postpartum discharge, known as lochia, can last for several weeks and is a normal part of the recovery process.
Infections and STDs
Vaginal infections and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can cause noticeable changes in vaginal discharge, including its texture, appearance, and odor. Common infections like yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can lead to abnormal discharge. STDs such as gonorrhea and chlamydia can also cause changes in discharge, along with other symptoms like pelvic pain and abnormal bleeding. If you notice any unusual changes in your discharge, it's important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms of Pink Vaginal Discharge
Pink vaginal discharge can be a symptom of various conditions, including hormonal changes, pregnancy, infections, and STDs. Other symptoms that may accompany pink vaginal discharge include:
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Light bleeding or spotting
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Abdominal pain or cramping
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Pelvic pain or discomfort
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Fever or chills
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Abnormal vaginal odor
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Itching or burning sensations in the vagina
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Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and receive proper treatment. In some cases, pink vaginal discharge can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as ectopic pregnancy or uterine fibroids, which may require emergency surgery. Always pay attention to your body and seek medical advice if something feels off.
What to do about pink vaginal discharge when on hormonal birth control
As pink vaginal discharge can be a "normal" part of your menstrual cycle, you can try wearing organic cotton panty liners to protect your underwear (and make you feel a little more secure) or if you're worried about stains, remuvie Blood, Bladder & Baby Stain Remover will help get rid of any pesky stains on your pants.
For other cases, treatment will depend on what's causing pink vaginal discharge.
You should see a doctor if:
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Your noticing bleeding or excessive vaginal discharge outside of your "normal" menstrual cycle alongside other symptoms such as pain, fever or even dizziness.
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Bleeding during pregnancy.
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You've progressed through menopause and no longer have periods.
