The vagina and cervix make mucus to help clear bacteria, old cells, and other debris. Sometimes, blood mixes with this fluid, turning it pink.
Pink discharge after sex is often normal. It may be a sign of implantation bleeding, when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining.
Bleeding or spotting before your period is also common, and can turn pink as it mixes with the discharge. This is usually a good sign.
Causes
It’s possible to have light pink discharge after sex for a variety of reasons. Some of these aren’t dangerous, but others may indicate serious issues that need attention.
The most common cause is cervical irritation. The cervix can get irritated during sexual activity or after using certain sex toys. This can lead to bleeding, which mixes with the normal vaginal discharge and turns it pink or red.
This type of spotting is also common when you’re on hormonal birth control. It’s especially likely to happen if you start a new brand of birth control or use the pill for more than one month. It can also occur during menopause due to the decrease in estrogen.
Other causes of spotting include infections of the uterus, cervix and vagina. STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea and mycoplasma or ureaplasma can all cause spotting or bleeding with pink discharge. These infections can also cause pain during intercourse, vaginal itching and foul-smelling discharge.
Abnormal vaginal bleeding can also be a sign of cervical cancer. HPV, the most common cause of cervical cancer, can cause mutations in the cells of the cervix that lead to spotting and bleeding. This is why it’s important to always get regular pap smears and keep up with your vaccinations.
Symptoms
In most cases, pink discharge after sex is harmless. It may be caused by the menstrual cycle, birth control pills, or hormonal changes. It can also occur as a result of infections or conditions like ovarian cysts or pelvic inflammatory disease. In women who have STIs, a pink discharge can be an early sign of the infection. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should speak with a healthcare professional.
Vigorous sex can cause tears in the vagina, which can lead to light bleeding. This is normal and should not be a concern unless it is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, changes to your menstrual cycle, or abnormal vaginal odor.
If you are pregnant, you may experience spotting or pink discharge as a result of the increased blood flow in the uterus and vagina. This is normal during the first trimester of pregnancy. During the second and third trimester, this symptom may become more frequent as your hormone levels increase.
If you notice spotting or pink discharge outside your menstrual cycle, it could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. If the fetus attaches to one of the fallopian tubes, it can rupture and be life-threatening. If you are unsure whether the bleeding is an ectopic pregnancy, speak with your doctor immediately. Yeast infections can also lead to pink discharge. These happen when the yeast in your vulva overgrows.
Treatment
Generally, light pink discharge isn’t a cause for concern. However, it’s important to keep an eye on your discharge and be aware of any changes that may indicate a more serious problem.
Occasionally, blood from your period can mix with your regular vaginal discharge, giving it a light pink or red colour. This can occur if you begin using a new contraceptive method, such as switching to an oestrogen-only pill, or if you forget to take your birth control for several days in a row. It’s also possible to experience this symptom if you are pregnant, as a fertilized egg can sometimes attach itself to the uterine lining and trigger implantation bleeding in early pregnancy.
Bleeding or spotting that’s lighter than your normal menstrual flow or that’s accompanied by pain, itching, rashes, or thick discharge may signal an infection such as a STI (sexually transmitted infection) or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). In these cases, you should get checked out immediately to avoid complications.
A smear test can help diagnose and treat any infections you may have, such as a yeast infection or cervical polyps. You should also make sure you’re getting regular sex, use lubricant before and during sex, and keep up with routine pap tests and screenings to stay healthy. You can use K Health to check your symptoms, explore conditions and treatments, and get a consultation with a doctor online in minutes.
Prevention
In some cases, light pink discharge after sex can simply be leftover blood from your menstrual period. It may also be a sign of irritation or injury to the cervix, particularly after rough sex. It might also indicate a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, mycoplasma or ureaplasma. This type of infection can cause pain, itching and a foul odor in the vulva. If you notice a change in the color or consistency of your vaginal discharge, a foul smell, itchiness, or pain during sex or when peeing, you should see your doctor immediately.
Other causes of light pink bleeding are hormone changes. Ovulation bleeding, which happens about 14 days before your period begins, can sometimes look like spotting or light bleeding because the hormone levels in the body are going through big fluctuations at this time. Spotting can also be a sign of pregnancies, which is why it’s important to use condoms during sex.
Women can prevent pink spotting and bleeding by using lubricant, practicing good oral hygiene, and getting regular pap smears and cervical cancer screenings. It is also a good idea to get the HPV vaccine.