Ovulation bleeding or ovulation spotting is a common monthly occurrence for many women.
There are some who have never experienced it, or only experienced it after changing birth control, but you should know that it is normal, regardless if you have the spotting or not.
Some who experience ovulation bleeding monthly use it as a reasonably reliable way to determine ovulation so they can use this sign to either avoid getting pregnant or to conceive instead.
What Causes Ovulation Bleeding
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If the egg is fertilized, you will get pregnant, if not, then you will get your period roughly two weeks later (that’s why women talk about the “TWW” or two-week wait while trying to conceive because that’s the timeframe we have to wait before determining if implantation was successful).
During ovulatory phase of menstrual cycle, the surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) causes release of egg. The cervical mucus changes from watery to egg-white in consistency indicating the release of egg from ovary. [2].
For some, the release of the egg may cause some pain and cramps and also bleeding.
The cause of the bleeding/spotting is generally related to the sharp drop in estrogen aver ovulation before the levels of progesterone have risen [3].
But this isn’t something that has been studied regularly and researchers are still figuring out the cause of spotting.
According to one study, only 3 percent of women actually experience ovulation bleeding [4].
What Does Ovulation Bleeding Look Like
There are plenty of differences between ovulation bleeding and menstrual bleeding.
Generally, when it comes to ovulation bleeding it’s far lighter than a period and is generally light pink or brownish red [5].
For some, they also experience mild cramping as well (not unlike a period but a lot lighter and shorter in duration).
It may be mixed with cervical mucus and may be accompanied by mild pain in the stomach or some cramping that resembles menstrual cramping. Not all bleeding can be regarded as ovulation spotting.
If you notice heavy bleeding that lasts for days and looks like you are menstruating, consult a doctor immediately.
How Long Does Ovulation Bleeding Last?
Ovulation bleeding doesn’t usually last long. The average time frame is one to three days [6].
So if you have experienced spotting for a longer period of time, this is something you’ll want to be seen by a doctor because it can be a sign of something more serious or an underlying problem.
When it comes to the timeframe as to when you might see ovulation bleeding, it would happen around 14 days prior to your next period (or anywhere from 11-21 days from the first day of your last period [7]).
If it were implantation bleeding it would only happen about a day or two prior to your period [8] (which is why it’s sometimes confused for a period instead).
Ovulation Bleeding As a Birth Control Method
Those who experience ovulation bleeding in the middle of each cycle, can use this to help them either prevent or get pregnant.
Ovulation bleeding indicates that the egg has been released and is available for fertilization by sperm. So, if you are trying to get pregnant, it’s the perfect time to try.
In that same sense, if you are trying to avoid the pregnancy, you can use the same method.
But again, this is not a 100% sure way to avoid pregnancy and additional methods should be used if you are really trying to avoid starting or growing your family.
In addition to monitoring ovulation with spotting, there are a lot of people who use this in conjunction with measuring their basal body temperature in order to determine exactly when they are ovulating.
This is considered natural family planning and when done right can be extremely reliable; however, the failure rate of this method is high.
Other Signs of Ovulation
While ovulation bleeding is an amazing tool to either prevent or attempt to get pregnant there are also a few other ways to help determine that you are ovulating.
Other signs that indicate ovulation include changes in the cervical fluid, changes in the basal body temperature, increased sex drive, increased breast tenderness, and heightened senses as well [9].
Final Thoughts
Ovulation bleeding can be a way to tell when you are ovulating and when you are most fertile. If you are having regular bleeding or unusually painful cramps, that’s something that you want to discuss with your doctor to make sure there are no additional underlying conditions.
Again, it can be completely normal (I am one of the 3 percent that have ovulation bleeding) and your body’s way of telling you the perfect time to have intercourse. It also could be something you want to look into further at least once just to be sure.
References
- Clar McWeeney via Clue. Ovulation bleeding: What it is, and How to Know If You’re Experiencing It. [link]
- See above #1
- See above #1
- Menstrual Bleeding Patterns Among Regularly Menstruating Women [link]
- Anisha Nair via Parenting First Cry. Bleeding During Ovulation: Causes and Things to Know. [link]
- See above #5
- See above #4
- See above #5
- See above #4
Hi….i started my period on 11th of july this month and ends on the 15th…. and i started spotting brownish watery discharge on 21st( cycle 11)… did u think this is normal or is it something i should be worried about….
Hi
I’m just looking for answers about random bleeding. I started my period July 10 and it ended July 16. I didn’t take my BC for the last 5 days of my period. I took one on my first two or three days of ovulation but missed a day in the middle and took one the next day.
I had slight spotting yesterday with cramping but then last night after sex, I started bleeding heavier. Now I’m having what looks like a period!
Please, Help! What could be wrong??
Hi Leslie, Vaginal bleeding after intercourse can be a cause of an internal infection. Diagnosing vaginal bleeding after sex is usually a matter of exclusion. You should see your physician in order to get tested and properly diagnosed, so as to choose the best possible treatment.
My period was due on the 10th July and on the 11th I started spotting brown/pink discharge for 3 days but only when I wiped. I took a pregnancy test on the 13th and again on the 15th (thinking it could be implantation bleeding) but both were negative. I still haven’t gotten my period, when should I test again?
Hi Michelle, irregular, delayed periods are the causes of hormonal imbalance. You should get your period soon. If not, then i’d suggest you to take a test.
I had sex on 27th July 2016 and got my period same day in the evening. before this my last period had came on 1st June. however, I have been experiencing sore breasts for two weeks. my next cycle is yet to begin. could this be a sign of pregnancy. the period I got on 27th was less heavy and lasted only three days considering I always bleed for five days
thanks
Hi,
You stated that you had sex and your period on 27th July 2016. Do you mean 27th June 2016?
Hi, I’ve had my period 2 weeks ago. It was 9 day late and I spotted pink a couple times for two days, then period shows very heavy for two days, then light pink spotting again for 2 days. Not normal for me. I usually bleed for 5 days heavily. Then I start bleeding 2 days ago. Not spotting but bleeding. Not bright red, but medium red blood. Its lasting 3 days now. It gets in my panties some and I see more of it when I wipe. A lot of my tissue paper. This has never happened to me. Please help me. No clots or cramps.
I would suggest that you consult your doctor on this matter.
Hi me and my husband had sex July 3rd and I came off my cycle on the first of july. I feel like I am about to come on my cycle again but nothing happens. I stopped taking bcp on June 23rd for we are trying to conceive. What does having period systems but no cycle mean?
Hello, i missed my cycle last month … my last cycle date is 24th may 2016 … but still i did nt start my cycle..but very little bleeding now and getting back pain … am i pregnant please let know..
What you are feeling could be ovulation bleeding. Please read http://womanjunction.com/facts-about-ovulation-bleeding/
Hi I had my period on june 30 then and it went off on July 4. I had sex on July 3 and 4 with my husband. on july 6 i had seen light brown discharge then that night and now nothing but I been very tired and i pee a lot.
Hi Please refer this article http://womanjunction.com/facts-about-ovulation-bleeding/
Hi I’m 33years and my husband is 39. we’ve been ttc two years ago and nothing is not happening. I had three ultrasound done last year and they found nothing.I have hormonal imbalance and several months past without having a period.in April last year I was pregnant and three months after I miscarried. Then 6 months past without a period. my doc put me on vitex for a month.it regulate my period for three months and it went back irregular. I did not see it for may and doc put me back on vitex with a stronger dose while taking it I saw the sticky stretchy clear cervical mucus on the 22nd of June and I saw a few drops of brownish red spots in my underwear on 26th. I had sex on the 24th .is there a chance I can be pregnant
Hi, I think in this case you should consult your doctor.
I had unprotected sex a week ago and today I’m having slight cramps and light pink and brown bleeding. I’m due to be fertile starting Saturday and my ovulation day is a week from today. Is it just ovulation symptoms or pregnancy?
Cramps and brownish discharge are more of pregnancy symptoms, please take a pregnancy test to confirm
Hi, I had some sudden bleeding (filled my underwear), about day 17 of my cycle. I was very worried as this has never happened before. It only lasted that once until my next period. The next month I had brown spotted discharge around the time I was ovulating. I had a scan which showed thickened endometrial lining at 19mm but then a following scan was normal at 3mm. I’m mid 30s. Should I be worried?
Hi Robyn,
It’s nothing to be worried about again spotting is normal. Please read this article http://womanjunction.com/facts-about-ovulation-bleeding/
Hi i really need my question answered because I’m confused on what this could be but me and my boyfriend had sex on the last two days of my period and my period stopped on June 28th now a week later I’m bleeding again first it was just light pink and now its a little heavier and reddish brown and I’m cramping and feeling nauseou . What could this be ?
Hi, the browninsh discharge that you are having is ovulation bleeding. PLease read this article http://womanjunction.com/facts-about-ovulation-bleeding/
Hi my period bleeding is just 3days. wich day will I ovulate & which day can I have sex to become pregnant
pls I need ur help.my period started on second of June and lasted for four days.on the fourth day after my period ended I had sex with my boy friend next day. the fifth day I took birth control pill cause I was afraid then had sex with him that the same day I took the drug but didn’t take any drug again.after four days later I noticed I was spotting it lasted three days.pls does it mean that am pregnant
Hi Tricia, spotting could also be the effect of that drug you took. Check the effects of that drug. Also, for more confirmation take a pregnancy test.
Hi!
I’m 24 years old and currently my husband and I are trying to conceive. My ovulation window was from Jun 2-8. We tried on almost all days. It’s now 8 days past my ovulation and 8 days before my new cycle and I’m spotting. which is very unnatural for me. Day 1 of spotting was light pink and even turned brown and yellow. Day 2 of spotting is verrry light but requires a liner. Took test and they were all negative. From your knowledge, could this be implantation?
Hi, Yes this could be implantation bleeding. Also visit http://womanjunction.com/faq-frequently-asked-questions-menstrual-cycle-pregnancy-ovulation-abortion/ for your further answers.
im 25,
since 15 ive always gotten my period regularly every month on or around the same day.. I had a miscarriage @2 1/2 wks and a month later I find out i am pregnant again about 3 month into the pregnancy I miscarry again.. then once again I get pregnant but miscarry about a month in.. It’s been 3-4 months since then but a less than a month after my last miscarriage I started my period then less then 2 weeks later I started bleeding again… so I’ve been getting 2 heavy periods a month.. 1 during my reg cycle and 1 during my expected ovulation.. I have no clue what is going on with my body, it’s all out of wack. is this something I should be concerned about? what should I do? & what are the possibilities of what might be wrong?
Hi, I think you should consult your doctor because having heavy bleeding after miscarriage that too twice in a month is somewhat a matter of concern.