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
Good morning I have been trying to get pregnant for over a year now,I have had unprotected sex with my husband at all times never used contraceptive since I have been married. I have not been successful however. My period was a regular 28 day cycle until,a few months ago I experienced bleeding between my period for 3 months and in April slight period.I did an ultrasound,they stated there is no prob went to a gyno for the first time,no problem either,the doctors said it could be stress. The gyno stated she will put me on 2 mnth birth control pills to stop the bleeding after I have ended the pill would it be easier to get pregnant?
Hello Nikki, it is hard to say. However, follow and trust the guidance of your doctor.
i have irregular periods that make it hard for me to concieve,my doctor gave me clomiphene and i started taking it from 11th to 15th and i started making love from the 16th till today, is there a possibility that i may be pregnant by now?
Hello Susan, hopefully you have conceived.
Hi so my period came early last week and lasted 5-6 days. I do grind with my boyfriend but with clothes on. Yesterday I was sore in my lower abdomen, and today is my first day of ovulation and every time I wipe I have this light pink bleeding. I have never had sex but I think my hymen is torn or broken. Is it possible to be pregnant? I’ve never experienced this before.
Hello Marie, it is very likely that this bleeding is related to you currently ovulating.
Hello I had sex on the 6th of May unprotected but I used two spermicides so I know I’m not pregnant but I’ve been googling and I’m scared .. my period has somewhat been irregular but I was taking Azithromycin 500 mg for chlamydia for a week ,
I took a pregnancy test and it tested negative. But I’ve been bleeding light and then brown but after I had sex it was a deep red like my period with clots but then it was light again… could it be the anitbiotics ?????
Hello Tay, yes, this could be as a result of you having taken the antibiotics.
Blessing
My first TTC. I saw my period 24th April I have a cycle of 30-35 days. had sex every other day. Started having lower abdomen cramp on the 19th of May, saw drop of blood on the 22nd and today it blood flow increase and I’m still feeling pains. Could it implantation bleeding or menstruation. I usually don’t have painful period. Please help. I’m 30yrs.Thanks
Hello Blessing, this could be a sign of implantation bleeding. Wishing you the best on your journey.
i saw my period on the 6th to 9th…then started having cramps again,then my period started again on the 16th to 19th but this time light,then at night little spotting of thick brown blood …today i started having cramps around my lower back and abdomen…whats wrong with me ?
Hi Joycee, could have been ovulation cramping and this could be PMS. Is there a possibility that you are pregnant? If not than it could be normal.
I just had a cycle on the 13th an only lasted for 5 days and now I was spotting, but lasted only for a few hours…did be on Fri and sat…whats going on???
Hi Tammy, it could have been ovulation bleeding as that would been around the time that you could have been ovulating if you did even a bit early. That sounds like what it would be.
It’s a week before ovulation and I’m having real light pink discharge more like a light period but only visible when i wipe. This is my first time TTC , Is this normal?? Helppp!
Hello Sally, this might or might not be implantation bleeding. You will know soon, wait to see if your period comes, if not then test for pregnancy.
Hi I need help.. I am bleeding roughly during my ovulation window.. From February consistently except for last month and resumed again this month.. I am TTC but the bleeding is more similar to menstrual bleeding.. Please help..
Hello Sarah, this is not ovulation bleeding since it is that heavy. If this persists even for another month then see your doctor.
Hi
Please I had my menses on the 25th-29thof April and my next period is to come on the 25th-29thMay.I had protective sex with my boyfriend on 1st May. On the 16th of May which is yesterday I experience a little blood discharge but with reference to my calendar I should be in my ovulation. Today too there is a little blood discharge which looks brownish black in my underwear. I don’t understand what is happening. What might be the problem?
Hello Priz, you might be having slight ovulation bleeding at current.
Hi! Plz need your help. I have been looking for a baby for the last two months. Last month I slept with my husband on 10 April the day my period was to end till date 25 april. Then thinking I am pregnant today I started bleeding confuse whether am i pregnant or is it still my period.
Hi Vickie, it could be your period considering this is the timeframe for you to have it. Is it a normal period for you? If it is then I would say you aren’t pregnant, but if it’s lighter, spotting, only when you wipe, then you could be experiencing ovulation bleeding.
Hello Daniela,
I have irregular period just recently because TTC, hence as per adviced by OB, i take clomid on CD2-6, Here are the details afterward:
1) cd 17 peak fertility ( non flashing-smiling face)
2) cd 19 spotting till today cd 23 (5 days)
3) 1st time take clomid
I’m worried if this continue. may I know if this good sign?
Hi Yenn, it can be normal. The bleeding could be ovulation spotting which is quite possible, sometimes that happens. Especially since this is your first month on Clomid your body is trying to get used to it. Hopefully you end up on a positive note and a positive test at the end of this. I will keep my fingers crossed for you. Good luck!
Hi, I’m 16 and I’ve had periods since I was about 10. My period isn’t due for another 1/2 weeks, but I’m getting spotting of blood. This has never happened before so I’m kinda worried, my periods are usually regular with no bleeding in between.
Hi Elisabeth, if your period is due within 1/2 a week (or do you mean 1-2 weeks), then it could be ovulation bleeding or it could be your period. Sometimes, changes happen. Have you had additional stress, weight loss or gain, medicinal changes? Etc. Any of these could cause changes to your cycle.
Hi, I am 19 years old and my period is due round about the 3rd of every month. In Feb the 26 I grinded with my boyfriend with my clothes on, but apparently pregnancy is possible though, but I had my period on the 3rd of March and it lasted about 4 days or so. On the 26th of april I had some bleeding but it looked like my normal period with the clots and all it wasn’t little just moderate but only lasted 2 days what is wrong with me?
Hi, It could just have been your period. Even though you get it around the third it’s more reliable for some to go by cycle days, for example 28 days, 26 days, 30 days, etc. If you grinded with your significant other with clothes on and no sperm actually made it to and inside your vagina you should be good. Nothing is wrong with you, sometimes periods can be different each month to an extent.
Hey, i’ve been spotting for quite some time now, about a week. There was one time I had light, sort of menstrual bleeding, which lasted for a day. Also, I had blood tinged discharge once, which was slimy like menstrual blood. They didn’t smell. The spotting i’ve had apart from those times are just like brown stains on my undies, with the colour of dead blood cells. Also, my vaginal discharge looks like it has uterine wall tissue, although in tiny bits. I am not sexually active. I’m so lost
Hi TamTam, is this during your period? Or during your ovulation period? Either could be possible. Some women spot during their ovulation period and then get their actual period about two weeks later. I would mark it down and keep track, because if it’s something normal for you thenI wouldn’t be worried at all.
hi, I just ended my period April 20th and I’ve been noticing pink/red whenever I wipe.. today is the 4th day in a row and I’m kind of worried. I am sexually active and the last time was April 15th, but we made sure to be protected. On my Flo calendar it says I’m in my ovulation period, so could this pink/red discharge be because of that? Thank you for your help
Hi Emma, yes; some women do bleed/spot during ovulation so yes that could definitely be normal for you. Especially since your app (and assuming that you have a generally regular cycle), states you are during your ovulation period.