Pink discharge before the period
The pink discharge before the period is the clear vaginal bleeding that occurs before the menstrual cycle and occurs in approximately 25-30% of the women, this bleeding also happens after the period and its origin can be of normal origin as the implantation of the Ovule in the uterine wall or ovulation, however there are also other causes such as ectopic pregnancy, a vaginal infection or miscarriage.
Not all women have experienced this, so some may worry, here I explain a little more
Vaginal smear
It refers to very light bleeding that occurs throughout the menstrual cycle, unrelated to the period and one of its most frequent causes is ovulation. It is often accompanied by low back pain, cramping and tenderness in the breasts.
In addition, it is usually the result of implantation of the fertilized egg in the endometrium. This is known as implantation bleeding and lasts from minutes to a couple of days
Pink discharge before the period is pregnancy sign?
Vaginal discharge is common early in pregnancy, if you experience a discharge from about 12 days to a week before your period you may be pregnant. Why does this happen? Because when the fertilized egg attaches to the endometrium filled with blood, it can affect some blood vessels and cause them to crack, resulting in a slight bleeding and pink vaginal discharge. As we know we are not all the same so the amount of blood varies in each of us, while in a lasts a few minutes others have a heavier bleeding that lasts for days so they may think that they have begun to have the period.
Here’s a little more about pink discharge before the period, what you should consider normal and what not:
As I said before the vaginal discharge before the period is very normal since it performs an important protective function for the female reproductive system, helping to eliminate bacteria and dead cells and thus prevents gynecological infections. But their odor, quantity, consistency and whether or not they present additional symptoms should be monitored.
Before the period the hormones change the composition of the vaginal microflora. This is why the woman observes a thick, somewhat sticky, creamy consistency, white or slightly cloudy, sometimes with a yellowish tone. The amount of vaginal discharge may increase before the period and during sexual arousal.
Also, the presence of bleeding or spotting before the period happens to women who use hormonal contraceptives, vaginal ring or oral contraceptives. Usually the vaginal discharge changes its texture, color and quantity throughout the cycle. When this does not happen unless it is during menstruation, it can be a sign of infertility or a side effect of hormonal contraceptive use.
And when the vaginal fluid is considered abnormal?
When it is abundant, white and thick, as well as yellow, pink, brown and greenish secretions in addition to the presence of pelvic pains.
When there is abnormal vaginal fluid with blood before menstruation indicates the presence of some pathological process in the uterus or deterioration of ovarian function if bleeding is abundant.
This pre-period vaginal bleeding can be caused by hormonal imbalance, triggered by stress or medical conditions, use of emergency contraception, use of hormonal contraception or endocrine disorders.
If the vaginal fluid is pathological
- It is bright red and may begin before the period, especially after any activity that causes physical contact with the cervix, such as sexual intercourse, a gynecological examination or vaginal showers (typical of cervicitis).
- Transparent white-striped secretions may also be seen at the end of the cycle, before the menstrual period, this mucous secretion is associated with the cervix and is also a symptom of cervicitis.
- Brown, is alarming, as it represents diseases that lead to female infertility. It is characterized by hormonal disorders, endometrial hyperplasia, uterine fibroids and others. These conditions require immediate treatment to avoid that these processes are irreversible and cause problems in conception or infertility.
- White and lumpy vaginal fluid. If it is similar to curds and smells like sour milk, it is an indicator of vulvovaginal candidiasis.
- Pink fluid (like diluted blood) with bad odor may occur before the period and is a typical symptom of diseases such as chronic endometritis and chronic endocervicitis.
- Yellow or greenish vaginal discharge, this secretion may be abundant or scarce and is a symptom of sexually transmitted infections or chronic diseases, affecting the uterus and its appendages, its odor is unpleasant.
- Purulent and frothy vaginal discharge, this is often due to trichomonascolpitis, these secretions are abundant, watery and unpleasant odor, it is accompanied by burning and itching around the vagina, sleep disorders and low abdominal pains.
With this it can be concluded that normal vaginal discharge before the period is not accompanied by discomfort or unpleasant sensation as irritation.
Any unpleasant odor is a product of bacteria and when the vaginal discharge is abnormal should be reported to a physician. This will save you worries and complications.
Pink discharge after the period
If you notice a pink discharge after the period does not mean that something is not right, this pink watery discharge can be the result of the discharge of vaginal bacteria or blood remains. In this case the color is light pink or dark brown and the consistency is watery or pasty, the smell will be strong and similar to when you have the period.
But we must keep in mind that a pink discharge after the period can also indicate the presence of an infection. In addition to other symptoms such as burning when urinating or itching of the vulva infections also produce pink discharges but the amount is more abundant and the blood is brighter than pink or brown.
The most recommended is that if you present these symptoms go to a doctor, since if the pink discharge occurs one week after the period may be sexually transmitted diseases, if it is after two weeks is most likely to be ovulation.
There are also other causes of pink vaginal discharge. Here are some:
- Spotting is common in the case of ectopic pregnancy, a condition in which the egg attaches to the cervix or fallopian tubes, instead of the endometrium in addition to causing pink discharge there will be no menstruation and Pregnancy will be negative.
- If an abortion occurs, heavy vaginal bleeding with clots, back pain, uterine cramps, and low abdominal pain may occur.
- The use of hormonal contraceptives (pills, patches)
- Side effects of anti-depressant drugs and steroids
- A hormonal imbalance caused by thyroid or ovarian problems
- Continuous stress
- Cervical or ovarian cancer, endometriosis, uterine lesions, polyps, or fibroids
Post-coital bleeding (after sex). It usually occurs due to the rupture of small blood vessels in the cervix.
Pink discharge caused by contraceptives
The pink discharge can be caused by hormonal contraceptives, whether in the form of pills, patches, vaginal ring, intrauterine devices or intradermal implantation.
I will explain a little because it happens, both using combined contraceptives and using intrauterine devices:
- Combined contraceptives: When you take combined oral contraceptives you may experience vaginal bleeding, it is more common to occur during the first three months of use, this bleeding occurs suddenly during any day of the menstrual cycle being mild and with a duration of 2 to 3 days. If the pink discharge is more prolonged and is presented for more than the first 3 months, it means that the contraceptives are not suitable for you; you must go to a doctor.
- Intrauterine devices: Your presence in the uterus should not cause discomfort. If a vaginal discharge occurs, the device is most likely to be misplaced, an unplanned pregnancy, or a hormonal imbalance.
Pink discharge caused by infections or diseases
When an inflammatory process occurs, swelling, redness, fever and pain occur. The pink vaginal discharge may be a symptom of inflammation, as a result of an infection or other illness. Here is a list of some:
- Gynecological Infections: Vaginal discharge with blood from infections is very common. Consistency should be taken into account if there is burning or itching.
- Hormonal disorders: The pinkish flow as a sign of hormonal imbalance is very normal these days. It occurs because of very strong physical activity, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometrial hyperplasia, tension, abrupt climatic change.
- Cancer: if the pink vaginal dischargeis not accompanied by pain is not associated with the menstrual cycle and appears at any time in the cycle is considered as a sign of cancer. It is more common than endometrial or cervical cancer in advanced stages. (The most common is that they occur in women over 45 years)
- Diseases of organs and associated systems: Vaginal bleeding can also occur due to diseases such as diabetes, blood clotting disorders, hematopoietic system diseases, rectovaginal or vesicovaginal fistula, kidney or liver disease. In this case the help of a qualified specialist is necessary.
