Most women are quite used to seeing some kind of discharge, particularly before or after periods. It's common to see changes in this ovulation discharge around your menstrual cycle, and pink discharge is no different.
When you're keeping a closer eye on your bodily functions whether by tracking your menstrual cycle with anovulation calculator when trying to conceive, or when pregnant, it can be worrying when you notice any changes from what normally occurs 'down there'. So read on to find out what causes is pink discharge and what it means.
What is pink discharge?
This discharge appears pink in colour simply because it is blood mixed with your usual clear cervical fluid. Pink discharge is most commonly a sign that you are beginning or the end of your period. You may find that it appears in the few days before you begin your cycle, as spots of blood become mixed up with the mucus of the discharge, and make it a light pink tone.
If you get this discharge at the end of your period it is generally caused by remnants of dead cells and bacteria that weren’t flushed out during your period, being cleared out by the discharge instead.
Other causes of pink discharge
Pink discharge isn’t normally a reason for concern, especially if it occurs around the time of your expected period. If you're getting this spotting outside of your usual cycle it could be a sign of implantation bleeding, which often shows as a light spotting which is pink or brown in colour.
Another potential cause is a hormone imbalance, or changes in your estrogen levels. For example, just before ovulation, when your ovaries release an egg, your estrogen levels rise. After ovulation, if you don’t conceive, your estrogen levels drop again. This can cause light spotting or ovulation bleeding. You may also notice other vaginal discharge changes around the time you ovulate, as it's acommon ovulation symptom.
Your hormone levels may also fluctuate when using a new type of contraception, or if you're approaching the menopause.
In rare cases this pink spotting could be linked to ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancies or a miscarriage, so if you're concerned do visit your GP. Also let your doctor know if you experience symptoms such as pain, dizziness, fever, or clots alongside the pink discharge.
Is pink discharge normal when pregnant?
Knowing that pink discharge is linked to periods can mean seeing it when you're pregnant leaves you concerned. But don't worry, it's very common to have some kind of vaginal bleeding while pregnant - in fact 1 in 4 women experience this.
Pink discharge early in pregnancy may appear light pink or a darker shade of pink since it’s a mix of clear vaginal fluid and a little bit of blood. If your pink discharge is related to implantation bleeding (more on that in a minute), it may look pinkish or brownish.
Again, if you have any concerns do contact your GP or midwife.
What does normal discharge look like?
It's perfectly normal to have some kind of vaginal discharge, as the vagina and cervix make mucus to clear bacteria, old cells, and other debris to help prevent infection.
This vaginal discharge should appear clear, white, or slightly yellow. What is 'normal' differs from person to person, you know your own body best and if you do think something is not right, it's important to seek medical advice. If your vaginal discharge ever looks yellow, grey, the consistency or odour changes, or you notice any itching or discomfort, it could be the sign of a vaginal infection.
We also spoke to superintendent pharmacist Abbas Kanani, who said: "Pink discharge can happen for a number of reasons and varies in colour, anywhere from light pink to a slightly darker brown shade. It is this colour because the discharge often occurs from a small amount of blood mixing with normal vaginal fluids. Light spotting or pink discharge may occur before or after a period and some women can also have pink spotting around ovulation because of hormonal changes. Sometimes hormonal contraceptives can cause spotting or pink discharge too. When a fertilized egg implants in the uterus, which usually happens around 6-12 days after conception, it can cause a light pink or brown coloured discharge. It can also indicate a problem in pregnancy, so it is best to visit your midwife or GP, especially if it is persistent or heavy spotting. Pink discharge that comes with symptoms like itching, burning or a foul odour may indicate a bacterial or yeast infection. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are STI's which can cause pink discharge too. Rarely, pink discharge could indicate a serious health condition like cervical or endometrial cancer."
Meet the expert
Abbas graduated as a pharmacist in 2013 and spent the first 3 years working for high street multiples, including a senior management role with the largest multinational pharmacy in the UK. In 2017, he qualified as an independent prescriber, spending time working in a primary care setting. He then assumed a consulting role within the NHS, providing advisory services on cost savings and clinical efficiencies. He has been within Chemist Click since the very start and continues to play an integral role within the team.
Stephanie Anthony is the Deputy Digital Editor at Mother&Baby and auntie to four aged 7 to 2 months old. With a particular interest in health, she loves discovering products that make parent’s lives easier.