What does pink discharge mean?

Vaginal discharge can be a sign that your reproductive system is healthy and functioning, but it can also be a warning sign that something isn’t quite so healthy. The color of your discharge can be a  clue either way: Clear or whitish discharge is typically normal, while green or gray discharge can point to an infection.

But what about pink discharge—what does it mean? 

According to Jonathan Russell, MD, FACOG, a gynecologist at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, pink discharge is regular vaginal discharge—the cells and bacteria that lubricate the vagina and fight infections—tinged with a small amount of blood.  

Usually, pink discharge isn’t something to worry too much about. But sometimes, it can be a reason to check in with your healthcare provider. Here’s what you should know about pink discharge, including why it happens and when you should contact your provider.

RELATED: What does the color of your period mean?

What does pink discharge mean?

“Vaginal discharge is a fluid made by the vagina, uterus, and cervix,” Dr. Russel says, and its consistency may change during your menstrual cycle. For example, it often increases and thickens during ovulation, breastfeeding, and times of sexual arousal.

Pink discharge, or vaginal discharge mixed with light bleeding, can happen for a variety of reasons—many of them perfectly normal. Here are the most common causes.

Menstruation

“Pink discharge may occur right before your menstrual period,” says Alyssa Dweck, MD, FACOG, a gynecologist and Medical Advisor for INTIMINA, noting that a small amount of vaginal bleeding mixed with your regular vaginal discharge is common  just as you’re about to start menstruating. 

Ovulation

Dr. Dweck says that abrupt hormonal changes happen during ovulation—the point in the menstrual cycle when an ovary releases an egg into the fallopian tubes. This can cause some women to have a little light bleeding mid-cycle. When you mix that spotting with the increased amount of vaginal discharge that occurs at this time, it’s normal to see some pink discharge.

Implantation bleeding

Another thing that can happen around the midpoint of your menstrual cycle is the implantation of a fertilized egg within the lining of the uterus. Because this usually happens just a few days after ovulation, you may notice light pink discharge or spotting long before your period is due, according to Dr. Dweck.

“The uterine lining becomes thick and vascular in preparation for pregnancy,” explains Dr. Dweck, “and approximately 25% of women will experience bleeding or spotting with implantation.”

Sexual intercourse 

“Pink discharge can happen soon after sexual intercourse if the intercourse caused any amount of bleeding,” says Taniqua Miller, MD, an Atlanta-based gynecologist, certified menopause practitioner, and founder of Revival Telemedicine for Menopause Care.

Bleeding during intercourse can happen for a few reasons. The most common is friction. If there is a lack of lubrication, Dr. Miller says intercourse can cause injury to the vaginal tissue. However, there are a few other less common reasons you may bleed during intercourse, like cervical polyps (which are typically benign cervical growths), precancerous cervical changes, or cervical cancer. Dr. Miller recommends scheduling an appointment with your healthcare provider if you see recurrent blood following intercourse.

Pregnancy

Pink discharge can also happen during early pregnancy.. “This isn’t always a cause for alarm,” Dr. Miller says, noting that cervical irritation or inflammation, intercourse, and some infections can cause spotting during pregnancy. It’s fairly common: Up to 25% of pregnant women experience spotting during early pregnancy. 

“However, spotting in early pregnancy can also be a sign of ectopic pregnancy,” Dr. Dweck says, so it’s always a good idea to seek medical attention from your healthcare provider for any spotting or pink discharge during pregnancy.

Birth control 

Some types of hormonal birth control can cause pink vaginal discharge or spotting, sometimes called breakthrough bleeding, during your menstrual cycle. According to Dr. Russell, this is especially common when starting birth control for the first time (because of hormonal imbalances) or when using low estrogen forms of birth control because lower estrogen levels can cause the uterine lining to shed at different times.

Dr. Miller adds that missing doses of birth control can also lead to unscheduled bleeding.

If you’ve been on the same birth control for a long time but are still having pink spotting, you should check in with your provider. Dr. Miller says you may need an evaluation for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or you may need to switch your hormonal contraception to a form that doesn’t cause as much breakthrough bleeding. 

Infection

Several different types of vaginal infections can cause light pink discharge because they irritate the cervix or vagina, Dr. Russell says. These include bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). According to Dr. Miller, new infections with human papillomavirus (HPV)  can also cause enough cervical inflammation to create pink discharge. 

If you have vaginal itching, pelvic pain, or a strong odor along with pink discharge, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to be tested for vaginal infections.

Reproductive tract 

Some gynecological conditions of the uterus or ovaries can cause a small amount of bleeding, although these are less common causes of pink discharge. Dr. Dweck says precancerous or cancerous cells can result in pink discharge, as can ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and uterine polyps.

How long does pink discharge last?

It depends on what’s causing your pink discharge. Many times, pink discharge will only last for a day or two before resolving.

Generally speaking, pink discharge caused by menstruation, ovulation, implantation bleeding, and intercourse will be brief, lasting no more than a couple of days. Pink discharge caused by early pregnancy may be more intermittent throughout the first trimester. Discharge caused by birth control may resolve after the first few months or remain an ongoing issue. Pink discharge caused by infections or conditions like fibroids may persist until the root cause of the bleeding is addressed.

When you should see a doctor

You may be familiar with what counts as normal vaginal discharge for you. “But for the most part,” Dr. Dweck says, “vaginal discharge should be clear or slightly cloudy, be free of any unpleasant odors, and vary in amount and consistency based on your menstrual cycle.” For example, it may become heavier and more mucus-like around ovulation. 

On the other hand, discharge that has a foul or fishy smell; is green or bright red in color; or is accompanied by pelvic pain, itching, redness, rash, or fever, should be considered abnormal and warrants a call to your OB-GYN or primary care provider. 

Your provider will likely take a  medical history, including your sexual activity and any medications you take, before further testing for yeast or bacterial infections, STIs, and pregnancy. 

Whether you need to treat your pink discharge will depend on several things, such as what’s causing it and how much it interferes with your daily life. For example, pink discharge that only occurs monthly just before your period or during ovulation may not need treatment. But you may want to track your menstrual cycle so you can prepare for it. Discharge caused by your birth control may be a similar annoyance, but if breakthrough bleeding is persistent, your provider may recommend switching to a different type.

On the other hand, pink discharge during pregnancy may require further evaluation, like an early ultrasound, to confirm that the pregnancy is developing normally. Infections causing discharge will need to be treated with the appropriate antibiotics or prescription medications. 

The bottom line 

If you’re used to seeing pink discharge around the same time each month, it’s likely not a cause for concern. But if your pink discharge is new or frequent, or if you don’t know the cause, you should make an appointment with your provider to discuss next steps.