Orange Discharge: What it Means and What to Do

We get it; discussing vaginal discharge isn’t a typical coffee shop conversation starter, never mind chats about orange discharge. But it’s high time we shook off the taboos. Vaginal discharge plays a pivotal role in keeping our vaginas clean and healthy by getting rid of old cells and protecting against infections. It’s also quite the communicator. Just as having discharge is entirely normal, varying colors, textures, and amounts are there to offer insights into our body’s monthly changes—life stages, too. And those stranger sides of discharge, like smelling of bleach or looking like cottage cheese, are simply signs that something is amiss. So, let’s lean into it and talk about what it means when orange vaginal discharge shows up and when it might be time to check in with your healthcare provider.
In this article: 📝

• Why is my discharge orange?
• What does orange discharge mean
• Can implantation cause orange discharge?
• Is orange discharge normal during pregnancy?
• What does orange discharge mean before period?
• When to see a doctor for orange discharge

Why is my discharge orange?

Typically, vaginal discharge ranges from clear to milky white. It can even appear pale yellow in color. But rust-colored discharge could be signaling something out of the ordinary. Think of it like your body’s way of sending smoke signals, only instead of fire, it might be hinting at an infection or hormonal imbalance. Discharge can turn orange due to a mix of vaginal secretions with blood (old or fresh) or an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast. As for how it looks, it can range anywhere from pinkish or peach-colored to a darker, rusty hue. It just depends on what’s behind it.

What does orange discharge mean

So, you’ve received a thoughtful nudge from your body saying, “Hey, let’s look into this.” What exactly are you looking at? Here are some possible reasons for that new peach-colored discharge you’re sporting:

Mixing with blood

One common reason behind orange discharge is the mingling of regular vaginal secretions with blood. This blood could be fresh, giving the discharge a reddish tint, or it might be older, resulting in a brown or orange hue. It’s a natural cleaning process—your body’s efficient way of tidying up and making sure everything’s in balance. As for the cause of the spotting, this could be related to your period, ovulation, or even implantation (we delve deeper further below).

Bacterial vaginosis (BV)

Our vaginas are home to a diverse community of bacteria—like a bustling city with good neighbors keeping everything in check. But sometimes unwanted bacteria can gatecrash, altering the color, texture, and smell of our discharge. This imbalance of good and bad bacteria can lead to an infection like bacterial vaginosis, which might be the culprit behind your orange discharge. Other symptoms to look out for include a burning sensation when you pee, vaginal itching, and a foul fishy smell (especially after sex).

Trichomoniasis

Common and easily treatable, trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a tiny parasite (called Trichomonas vaginalis). When ‘trich’ enters the scene, it can disrupt the peaceful balance of the vagina, leading to inflammation and a change in the environment. And this shift can cause your discharge to appear orange—just another way of your body raising a red, or erm orange, flag. Some other signs? Vaginal itching, burning, or an unpleasant odor.

Orange discharge after sex

Orange spotting when you wipe after sex can be startling, but often it’s down to a mix of normal vaginal fluids and a small amount of blood. And this can happen from something as simple as slight irritation or friction during intercourse—lube is your best friend here and can help prevent this in the future. If experienced infrequently and free from discomfort or pain, this pink-orange discharge is not necessarily something to worry about. It’s when you experience persistent itching, discomfort, or an unusual odor along with the orange discharge that it’s time to reach out to a healthcare provider. Frequent vaginal bleeding after sex could point to a number of conditions, such as:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease
  
  
• An STI like chlamydia or gonorrhea
  
  
• Vaginal dryness (atrophic vaginitis)
  
  
• Endometrial polyps
  
  
• Uterine fibroids

Simply put, if sex ceases to feel pleasurable, it’s a red flag. Any discomfort during sex should always be honored and addressed—listening to your body is essential for maintaining both your sexual and overall well-being.

Can implantation cause orange discharge?

Consider implantation the behind-the-scenes star of early pregnancy. It’s basically the moment when a fertilized egg finds its cozy spot in the lining of the uterus, kickstarting the beginning of pregnancy. This attachment of the egg can cause a little disturbance in the uterine lining, leading to what is known as “implantation bleeding.” Generally, this bleeding is light and can manifest in various shades, including a light pinkish-orange discharge. But some women on Peanut have experienced heavy implantation bleeding. If you’re trying to conceive (TTC) and notice this, it could be an early sign of pregnancy, but it’s also important to consider other potential causes and consult your doctor if unsure. Some other potential implantation symptoms to keep an eye out for include:

• Mild cramping
  
  
• Breast tenderness
  
  
• Bloating
  
  
• Headaches

It’s important to note that not every woman will experience noticeable orange implantation bleeding or symptoms. For some, the story of early pregnancy may unfold without this particular narrative, and that’s completely normal, too. Each body scripts its unique tale.

Is orange discharge normal during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, your body is working overtime, and changes in discharge are quite normal. From watery leukorrhea at the start to jelly-like discharge closer to labor. However, orange discharge is not typically one of those expected changes since it’s often linked to spotting or infection. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists bleeding in the first trimester happens in as many as 25% of pregnancies. And while that could signal the implantation bleeding we mentioned above, orange discharge in pregnancy could also point to complications like ectopic pregnancy or early pregnancy loss. It’s always better to play it safe and discuss any unusual discharge with your healthcare provider to rule out infections or other concerns, ensuring a safe environment for you and your growing baby.

What does orange discharge mean before period?

As your body prepares for menstruation, it might start the shedding process a bit early. And this interplay between small amounts of blood and your usual discharge can create a palette of colors—orange being one of them. It might simply be a sign to prepare for your period, but pay close attention to the consistency and odor of your discharge, too. Typical pre-period discharge might have a stickier consistency (because of rising progesterone), but it shouldn’t come with an unpleasant odor or cause discomfort. At most, your discharge may smell like metal, but nothing overly foul. If it does, it might be your body’s way of signaling that something needs attention. The same goes for orange discharge after your period.

When to see a doctor for orange discharge

When in doubt, check it out! If your orange discharge is accompanied by itching, swelling, discomfort, or an unusual odor, it’s time to book an appointment. And if you’re pregnant, spotting is the only symptom you need to enlist medical guidance. Pregnancy is a time of profound bodily changes, and while many are normal, it’s crucial to ensure that both you and baby are in optimal health. Your concern is valid enough.
Regular changes in your body are its way of communicating—tuning in and seeking advice when needed is key to maintaining optimal health. Orange discharge with no odor is not always cause for alarm bells, especially if it’s around your period or even ovulation. But there’s never any harm in putting in the extra steps to understand your body’s language, respond to its signals, and seek professional advice when the narrative seems unclear. Staying attuned to our bodies and addressing concerns promptly is key to nurturing your overall well-being. And we’re here for it.