Pink discharge is a common symptom that happens when a small amount of blood mixes with normal vaginal secretions, giving it a light pink color. It can occur with several normal situations, such as the start or end of a period, hormonal changes, or birth control use.
Pink discharge can also appear with other conditions, including pregnancy, ovarian cysts, infections, ovulation spotting, vaginal dryness, or even strenuous exercise. These causes may lead to additional symptoms like pelvic pain, changes in menstrual patterns, or unusual discharge.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve hormonal regulation, infection management, or lifestyle changes. Medical evaluation is recommended when pink discharge becomes frequent, lasts longer than expected, or is accompanied by symptoms like fever, strong pain, or foul odor.
Why is my discharge pink?
Pink discharge can be caused by:
1. The beginning or end of a period
Some women may have pink discharge at the beginning or at the end of their period. It is usually a combination of menstrual blood and normal vaginal discharge. Learn more about discharge before a period and how it can present.
What to do: Having pink discharge at the beginning or at the end of a period is perfectly normal, therefore no treatment is necessary.
2. Ovulation bleeding
Ovulation bleeding occurs in some women due to a brief drop and surge in estrogen levels around ovulation. This can cause light breakthrough spotting that mixes with cervical mucus and appears pink.
In this case, pink discharge usually lasts 1 to 2 days and may occur together with mild pelvic discomfort.
What to do: No treatment is necessary for occasional ovulation bleeding. However, if spotting becomes heavier, lasts longer than 2 days, or causes significant discomfort, a doctor may assess hormone levels or cycle patterns.
3. Strenuous exercise
Intense physical activity can lead to hormonal fluctuations that cause changes to your menstrual cycle, resulting in pink discharge. Athletes who undergo heavy training loads may experience irregular bleeding related to energy imbalance and stress on the reproductive system.
What to do: Reducing training intensity, increasing caloric intake, and monitoring cycle patterns can help regulate hormonal balance. Persistent spotting may require evaluation of hormonal levels and overall energy status.
4. Using birth control
Some women have pink discharge when they start or change contraceptives. This is more common when the contraceptives used have low estrogen doses, or if they have progesterone in them.
Additionally, pink discharge can also happen if the contraceptive is not taken properly. Learn more about the different birth control options available to manage reproductive symptoms and prevent pregnancy.
What to do: Generally, this symptom arises during in the first 3 months of starting the contraceptive. However, if you experience pink discharge for over 3 months, you should follow-up with your prescriber.
5. Recent pelvic exam or Pap smear
A pelvic exam or Pap smear can cause minor abrasions to the cervix, especially in women with cervical ectropion or hormonal changes that increase tissue sensitivity. Light pink discharge may occur for 24 to 48 hours following these procedures.
What to do: This spotting typically resolves on its own. If bleeding becomes heavy or lasts longer than 48 hours, a doctor may assess for infection, cervical polyps, or increased cervical fragility.
6. Sexual intercourse
In some cases, sexual intercourse can lead to pink discharge due to scant bleeding from the inner vagina. These micro-wounds and bleeding can be consequence of vaginal dryness, inadequate lubrication and/or intense intercourse. Pink discharge is more common in young women and in women on birth control.
What to do: Pink discharge from sex can last for up to 2 days and is not of clinical concern. However, if bleeding persists for longer, or if you notice additional symptoms, like foul smelling discharge, you should see a doctor for a more thorough assessment. The doctor will identify the cause of the discharge and start treatment as necessary.
7. Pregnancy
Pink discharge can also be a symptom of early pregnancy. It is associated with implantation of the embryo to the endometrium (the lining of the uterus). Read more about what implantation bleeding looks like and how long it can last.
What to do: Pink discharge during implantation is perfectly normal, even though it does not happen to all women. However, if the intensity of the bleeding increases, see your doctor or obstetrician. Read more about pregnancy discharge and how it can change.
8. Miscarriage
Pink discharge can also be a sign of miscarriage, which is very common in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. It can happen due to the fetus not developing properly, the mother consuming too much alcohol or medication, or abdominal trauma.
Generally, the signs and symptoms of a miscarriage occur suddenly and can include fever, strong abdominal pain, headache, and pink discharge that can evolve to greater blood loss with clots.
What to do: If you suspect you are having a miscarriage, go straight to the emergency department.
9. Menopause
When a woman is in the transition period to menopause, she undergoes hormonal changes, which result in changes to the menstrual cycle. As a consequence, symptoms such as pink discharge, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness, or mood changes can occur.
See the other common signs of menopause and what you can do to relieve these symptoms.
What to do: A woman going through menopause should only undergo treatment if symptoms cause discomfort and compromise quality of life. In some cases, hormone replacement therapy or diet supplements may be advised.
10. Vaginal dryness
Low estrogen levels, breastfeeding, anti-estrogen medications, or inadequate lubrication can cause vaginal dryness that leads to microtears, resulting in pink discharge. The dryness may also cause discomfort, burning, or pain during intercourse.
What to do: Management may include vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, or low-dose vaginal estrogen when appropriate. For those who cannot use estrogen, non-hormonal options or alternative therapies may be recommended.
11. Hormonal imbalance
When a woman undergoes hormonal changes, she may have pink discharge. This happens when estrogen levels are not sufficient enough for keeping uterine lining stable, which causes it to shed. The shedding can mix with normal vaginal discharge, giving it a pink color.
What to do: Hormonal imbalance can be influenced by several factors, like stress, malnutrition, being overweight, or chronic disease. Therefore, it is important to visit a general practitioner or endocrinologist in order to understand the cause of the imbalance.
12. Ovarian cysts
An ovarian cyst is characterized by liquid-filled sac that can form inside or around the ovary. Many women can be asymptomatic, but others may experience symptoms such as pink discharge, pain, changes to cycle, or difficulty getting pregnant. Check out our online symptom checker to assess your risk for an ovarian cyst.
What to do: Ovarian cysts are only treated in certain situations (e.g. if they cause intense symptoms or are very large). The doctor may recommend the use of a contraceptive pill that contains estrogen or progesterone to control the cyst, or, in extreme cases, surgical removal of the ovary may be advised.
13. Vaginal or cervical infections
Infections such as cervicitis, bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, or sexually transmitted infections can cause inflammation and irritation that lead to pink, blood-tinged discharge.
These infections can make the cervical tissue more fragile, allowing small amounts of blood to mix with vaginal secretions.
What to do: Treatment depends on the cause and may include antibiotics, antifungals, or removal of irritants. It is important to undergo testing to identify the infection and ensure the correct treatment is used.
14. Pelvic inflammatory disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection that starts in the vagina and rises, affecting the uterus, the fallopian tubes and the ovaries. It can also spread to a great part of the pelvic area and even the abdomen, creating symptoms such as pink, yellowish or greenish colored discharge, bleeding during sexual intercourse, and pelvic pain.
What to do: Generally pelvic inflammatory disease is treated with antibiotics. However, depending on the severity of the illness, surgery may be necessary.