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
Photo: Pixabay
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
A woman who sees her period on the 8th ,how is she suppose to know the time of her ovulation?
Hello there Akanimoh Jonah, please use the following link to help you with calculating this:
https://womanjunction.com/
Hi. My average menstrual cycle is 32 days. My last (real) period was May 08, 2017. I had sex w/ my bf last May 17 and took ECP on May 18, experiencing withdrawal bleed 5 days after, which was May 23. Yesterday, June 05 I was having a clear & watery CM but it shifted to a light brown – brownish CM few hours after. What does it mean? Thank you for responding.
Hello Ivy, sorry I am unable to help due to not knowing specifically what the acronym of your ECP could mean. Please see your doctor or medical professional who prescribed or recommended this ECP. All the best.
I’m just worried and wondering , I had my last period may 11th 2017 , I started birth control only took it for like a week and maybe 2-3 days . I had sex 2 days before ovulation . I stopped my birth control the day before I was suppose to ovulate & started bleeding very lightly , the color was between dark brown & light pink for about 4 days . Could I still have ovulated & could I still have gotten pregnant?
Hello there Emilea, it is hard to say whether you ovulated or not. If you period does not come around the expected time then take a pregnancy test. All the best.
Hi my period ended 12 days ago and the past couple of days I’ve noticed light bleeding that has been very light orange and sometimes a bit red. I don’t have any pain and there is no chance I could be pregnant. I’m a little worried :/ I’ve had 2 children aged 7 and 3 and I’m 23 if that helps. Thanks
Hello there Chelsea, if this continues please see your doctor as this could happen as a result of stress, change in birth control, hormone fluctuation, etc.
Hi,
I use an Evra patch, for the last few years and my cycle always been like clock work. Today I’m supposed to change my second path to my third patch, and my period is supposed to start on Thursday, 1 June. However, today I had this feeling in my stomach as if my period is about to start, and then there was some bleeding. Would you say my best bet is to go see my doctor as soon as possible?
Hello there TK, yes, given that this is abnormal it must be alarming for you. See your doctor. Best results!
Hi, I have regular 28days circle…my last period was on the 1st of May and I was expecting my ovulation on the 14th of May but instead I got bleeding that lasted for 4days. I’ve never experienced this before.please is this normal?
Hi there Chi, you did not say if this bleeding was heavy or light, some women do spot during ovulation which is quite normal.
It was like my normal period..not light not heavy. Will I still menstrate in the same month?
Hi there Chi, you will have to wait and see.
Hi, my husband and I have been having protected intercourse for a couple of days since the beginning of May (I am not on birth control, we use condoms). We had intercourse on the 13th too, and on the 14th I experienced cramping in my sides and started to bleed (I’ve never had ovulation bleeding or any kind of spotting between my cycles). This was strange because it was two weeks before my period is due (I am under some mild stress the days but my period has always been delayed due to stress, it is never early). The bleeding was light and brown on the first day, but on the second day it was very much and watery and bright red with some tiny clots! On the third day it was again light and brown in color. Today, on the 4th day, it has stopped completely (my periods usually last 5 days). What could this be? Is this ovulation bleeding or implantation bleeding or some kind of health problem? Please do advise!
Hi there Awa, this could be as a result of hormonal changes, stress, etc. If you think you might be pregnant then take a pregnancy test to rule this out. All the best.
Hi I menstruated on the 22nd till 28th of April now am confused I started bleeding again on the 10th of May which is not my date and my blood is very dark it started as a spotting for 2 day and continued to be heavy what can be the cause?
Hi there Lindi, the unexplained bleeding can be caused by quite a number of things. Please see your doctor is this persists.
My period for Mar was 25 days while May was 27 days, normally it is 25 days but this month it changed to 27 days, hope there is no problem.
Hello Toyin, this happens quite a lot with some people, nothing for deep concern.
This is so Helpful
I’ve had a period this month it started April 22 ended like April 28. Which I’ve got a period tracker to know all of my information, my period this month didn’t seem liken before. However I’ve noticed a few days ago till now that I’m spotting sometimes brownish color on my panties, other times light pink color when wiping after using the bathroom. I do have some cramps/discomfort but not like a period pain. I’ve never had this go on during the time length of my fertile band ovulation dates before. Could it be pregnancy??? I want to take a test but I don’t want to be disappointed.
Hi there Holly, yes spotting between periods sometimes indicates pregnancy. Take a pregnancy test as soon as you can to confirm this. All the best.
Thanks so much I’ve taken 2 test both were negitive, however I’ve started bleeding more than spotting. Asumming my cycle is off or hormones 🙁
Hi I’m trying to get pregnant always hitting the right times and when its time for my next period it’s for 7-10 days late then come after with heavy bleeding for 7-8 days any ideas you can give me and suggestions?
Hi there Kenisha, please see your doctor if you have difficulty getting pregnant and heavy prolonged periods.
My friend had an abortion on the 5th of April 2017 she is yet to see her period… Hope there is no problem about it.
Hello there Mariam, this is quite fine as a period normally returns 3 to 6 weeks after an abortion.
Thanks a million dear Alison for your comprehensive reply.
My colleagues also have this problem duo to stresses. I should have done ovarian sonograghy to be assured.
Hi, good evening, my menses has delayed for seven days now. Am not pregnant what can be the cause. My last menses was on 13th of March and lasted on 17. Thanks
Hello Tiwaa, menses can be delayed for a wide number of reasons, including stress and pregnancy. See your doctor or take another pregnancy if it does not return in 7 days.
Hi. I have a regular menstrual cycle, as I’ve started stressful night shifts my menstrual cycles are disturbed. And each month I have at least 10 days delay. By the way I use vit E supplement 400 daily due to my skin problems. I wonder which, the night shifts or supplements is disturbing my menses? What should I do? By the way I am a general physician.
Hi there Bita, there are many things that could be causing a disruption in your cycle. Not sure that the use of the Vitamin E supplement could cause this, however stress definitely will. I see where you said you are a GP, I suggest you discuss this with a colleague who is also a General Practitioner that might be able to help you. All the best.