When and Why Should Light Pink Discharges Become the Cause of Concern?

The female reproductive system requires special concern and attention. Any serious changes may lead to infertility, infections and diseases, if they are left unnoticed. Light pink discharge is one of the processes to pay special attention to. What should the average woman know?

The vagina and cervix have dead cells and various bacteria that should be flushed out in order to keep the environment healthy and clean. Vaginal discharge accomplishes this task. This is why in 97% of cases it is absolutely normal for every woman.

Discharge can be different in color: black, brown, white, yellow or pink. If you have a pink discharge, it may be an early sign that you are pregnant. Sometimes it is very minor and you don’t feel it at all. You can see it in your underwear. If you have a light pink discharge, it means that a small amount of blood flowed into the vagina or that the amount of estrogen in your body has increased.

Panic: Appropriate Or Not?

When an average woman sees pink spotting in her underwear, she begins to panic. Many think that this is a problem that is related to their pregnancy. Not everyone knows that this discharge protects an unborn baby from possible infections, by blocking the cervical opening.

What if the discharge is not caused by pregnancy? This may be leftover blood from previous menstruation, or a sign of the next one. This is when a woman should consult a doctor.

If the light pink discharge exists for a relatively long time,  it’s a reason to get worried. It can be caused by more serious conditions (such as cervical cancer or vaginitis).

In cases of vagitnitis, a woman experiences discharges for a long period of time, which means that either her vagina or vulva is inflamed. This is an infection that appears as a result of sexually transmitted diseases. When the color of the discharge is getting more intense and turns from light pink to dark red, then there is a possibility of cancer.

What’s Normal and What’s Not?

An average woman discharges nearly two grams of dead cells and three grams of mucus daily. However, these numbers are general, and what’s normal for one woman can be dangerous for another. Normal discharges do not smell and don’t cause itching or irritation. During pregnancy and sexual excitement the amount of discharge increases greatly, as the glands near the vaginal opening secrete additional slippery mucus that acts as intercourse lubricant.

The discharge is abnormal if:

- It started after unprotected sex;

- It smells foul and is green;

- It smells fishy;

- It is white and thick;

- It is itchy;

- It contains blood (except for the cases when a woman has her period);

- A woman has genital sores;

- A woman experiences pain during intercourse;

- A woman experiences abdominal pain.

Light pink discharges are common to all women, but if they start changing color, it’s best to consult a doctor to protect oneself from unwanted consequences.