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
i saw my menses around 18th april, then after 2 weeks.. i saw it again by june 4th.. which is just 2wks interval and now…I am waiting for july menses, but it’s been delayed.. I’m still ovulating and nothing is coming.. I’ve done a preg test, but negative.. pls what could be the cause of the delay of the next menstruation
For some women, this is not unusual. I often experience the same and have no issues when I go to the doctor. It could be a hormonal imbalance that can be caused from stress or diet. Some of us are very sensitive to these things. I would recommend speaking to your doctor just to be on the safe side.
Hi!
I need some advice!
I started my cycle(normal) on the 29th of June, it lasted a few days. This past weekend I had intercourse with my husband (TTC) during the time I’m suppose to be ovulating. The next morning I had light brown bleeding which now turned into heavy bright red bleeding. Any ideas?
Hello Abby! I would recommend you speak with a doctor or a professional.
I got my period almost two weeks early, it’s been a week since it ended and I got my period again, it only lasted two days. The first day it was very dark brown but light pink when I wiped, the second day it was light pink and a really light flow. I’m usually always regular on my periods so I’m not sure what this means.
You seem to have an irregular menstrual cycle. This irregular bleeding may be caused by various factors including stress and fatigue. This informative post can help you to put things into perspective http://womanjunction.com/8-mess-period/
My husband and I are trying to conceive. I’ve been charting my cycles and ovulation. I just ended my period on 6/29. Last night I noticed the light pink/brownish mucus only when I wiped. So my husband and I did the deed last night because I’m in my fertile window but this morning I woke up and went pee and the light pink mucus has turned to bright red blood. I’ve never had this happen before and my period isn’t due for 2 1/2 more weeks.
Hi. I recently got married and we trying to conceive. My last period was June 21 and lasted 6 days like usual. My husband and I have had sex every other day since then. On July 5th I noticed I had a brownish red spot in my bathing suit (as we had been swimming all day) and I thought this was weird because I have never bled in between cycles before. The spotting (which was a light pink when I would I wipe) remained for about 18 hours and then stopped. I took a pregnancy test yesterday that was negative. My cycles were about every 24 days but around April they have seemed to be coming every 30 days with my last one lasting 31 days. I’m not sure if this is implantation bleeding, ovulation bleeding or nothing. Could I be pregnant? I also have a 10 years old son but I’ve never been pregnant again since I had him. Please, any advice? Thank you. 🙂
Based on information provided you were most fertile on July 5 to 10, the bleeding you saw was possibly due to ovulation. Your next menstrual period is expected to start on July 22. Since the first test was negative, wait until then to see if your period will come. If you still have a 31 days cycle, you will be most fertile again on August 06 to 10 and your menstrual period is expected to start on the 22nd.
Thank you. 🙂
You’re welcome!
I have another question for you. My period did come on June 19th. It last for 6 days and was normal. On August 2nd I began spotting again and it has been going on for 3 days now. It’s very light mostly noticeable when I use the bathroom. Could this be over ovulation bleeding again? I’ve also been getting some pains in back and cramps. Thank you for you help.
My menstrual period was June 20th. I bled and cramped one time for one day July 6th. I had unprotected sex that same night and the blood hasn’t been back since then. Yesterday (July 8th), I was having some menstrual-like cramps but no blood was present. Any suggestions? I don’t know what’s going on.
Hi there. I just want to know if this is normal. We are currently trying to conceive so I did an ovulation predictor test on the afternoon of the 7th July, it was very positive as in dark. We then had sex on the night of the 7th. My calendar showed ovulation date to be yesterday, the 8th July so I did another ovulation predictor test, but it wasn’t as dark as the 7th; we had sex again. Today I am one day past ovulation so I am not sure if we should have sex again because I have been having ovulation bleeding and I was told that you are most fertile at this stage. It’s just that the slight bleeding is accompanied by bloating, cramps in my lower abdomen and also back pain. The bleeding is like a light period.
I ended my period about a week ago then all of a sudden today a brownish discharge showed up. The second time I went to the bathroom light red blood showed up then the third time nothing then I went to the bathroom and again the light red blood showed up with a mucus-like texture. I’m cramping but just not as strong. Is this ovulation spotting?
No, it does not appear to be ovulation spotting. Ovulation typically begins 12 to 14 days before the start of a period. This type of bleeding between periods is not normal. These symptoms may be caused from hormone imbalances, stress, fibroids and other things. You should consult an OB-GYN.
I’m 13 and NEVER had sex, But I’m on birth control to regulate my periods so that they’re not as heavy. I started the medication about 5 days ago and about a week before my period was supposed to come. I’ve been having light pink discharge and I’ve never had I before and I’m like freaking out! it’s been happening since 7/03. Any idea what this is?
Most likely you are experiencing hormonal changes. Your natural hormones are being replaced by the synthetic hormones of the contraceptive. If this happens again before your next period, I would recommend speaking to an adult about a doctors visit.
October will be a year I have been off depo. I started my flow March 12th and didn’t stop until June 3rd. Here it is July 7th and still no flow could I be pregnant?
It is possible you may be. It is also possible the depo has caused your timing to fluctuate. That is normal. I would recommend taking a pregnancy test. If it is negative you may want to speak with a doctor or professional.
So i was on birth-control for about 5 years now, i had my period last started on june 23, (no pills that week) and then we decided to get off birth-control and try for a baby finally. So with the ovulation calculator I’m suppose to be ovulating now ..i had weird cramps on Friday only on one side. Then saturday night had a little discharge with pink line in it. Sunday after having sex, i started to cramp really bad and then looked like i started my period but i needed to change only one pad . This morning its spotting ..but now I’m not sure.. cause it is only 2 weeks since my last period and i been having normal 28 period cycles.. ?? So what could it be ? Usually my periods are pretty heavy and lasting 5 days and i have to change pads about 5-6 times a day .. could it really be ovulation?
Just and ipdate, the bleeding lasted for 2.5 days and now 3 days later i been feeling nausios and crampy
me and my boyfriend have been trying to have a little one for 8 months now Sunday June 28 we did it and I took my birth control I started feel sick to my stomach that whole week next week comes still feeling kind of sick so all of a sudden I started cramping. imagine I just got off my period on the 27 of June next thing you know july 11 I woke up and went to the bathroom I wipe myself an I had these brown spots I kept wiping every time I went at the end of the day the blood got light what could this be
Hello Aaliyah. I would have to recommend you speak with a doctor or a professional.
My period was due on the july 21 , and i did a pregnancy test that day which came back negative . Im still late for my period and now im not sure if the bleeding i had mid month was ovulation because i had all the signs and i should wait another week to test again? Or is it just normal since i went off birthcontrol
Two periods in one month but only 10 days apart!?!?!?
Hi, there is something really weird going on with my body and I don’t know what! Two periods in one month with only 10 days in between. My first period started on June 10-15 (5days) then on June 25 I started getting a few dull feeling cramps but not painful and I found a pink discharge on underwear so I thought it was just ovulation time a few hours past and now the discharge is brown and then nothing at all after until the next morning (26th) in which I was bleeding very heavily, no clots but the color kept changing from pink, brown, and red. By the (28th) there was clotting. Took 2 Hcg test (both negative). This period still hasn’t come to an end yet either and its lasted for going on 9 days! What am I to do?!?!!!
Hello Chloe. Prolonged menstrual bleeding may be caused by hormonal imbalances or other gynaecological issues. Too much bleeding is not good – it can weaken you, among other things. It is best to consult with an OB-GYN before your condition worsens.
Hello , I am wondering if I have gone through a ovulation spotting or bleeding for the first time or could it have been implantation cramping and spotting, yesterday July 3rd around 11 am when I got up and used the bathroom there was mucus like discharge with light pink blood inside of it , it wasn’t like normal spotting or enough to get on my under ware , so I’m unsure, all day I had cramping and it felt like I was coming on my period. But the thing is I had one shot of depo birth control in February and didn’t get my second which was supposed to been in may , I usually had brown/red spotting on it but since may i haven’t had anything. Then all of a sudden that happens ???
Hi SC. Missing a Depo shot means that you have to use backup birth control when having sex. You need to take a pregnancy test to confirm your status.
Hi im a little concerned. I had sex june 21st twice…once about 5am and the second time around 10am…the second time brought on my period which lasted 4-5 days. Yesterday july 2nd i started spotting a dark reddish color but not a whole lot jus a lil on a tissue. After that i spotted only a lil spot the rest of the day…now around 8pm today i spotted a light maroonish pink faded type red color, again just a little on the tissue. Im not sure what is goin on or what it could be. Most would say its definitely not implanation bleeding because it’s happening after my period. Oh me && my partner had our check ups recently and no stds for us. Do you have any idea what it could be?
Hello Britany. It is difficult to say at this point. When is your next period due? How regular is your cycle? Could it be that you’re experiencing pre-menstrual spotting?
My periods are regular. Im not due until the 22nd for my next period. I dont think pre menstrual bleeding would come that soon before my period.
On the month of may 15th I saw my period around 31st and 1st I saw a drop of blood but faint I became afraid then last month it did come out the day it was suppose to come and it now came out on 25th of June till today 2nd of July am still noticing spot but very offensive pls what do I do and am trying to conceive. Thanks.
I would recommend you speak with a doctor.
Hi. I’m just curious about what’s happening to me.. I had my last period on the 4th of June and then I noticed some dark brownish blood on my underwear on the 19th of June which lasted for 3 to 4 days. The blood was unlike my regular period and I haven’t experienced mentrual cramps on those days. Is that what they call the implantation bleeding? Could you please enlighten me about this matter? Thank you in advance.
Hi Kris. If you had sex on June 16 to 20 and you have a 28 days cycle then you could be pregnant. Yes, implantation of the egg can cause spotting. Your July period was due on the 2nd. Did it come? If it didn’t then you need then you need to take a pregnancy test to confirm.
Hi, Steffy. Thank you for the answer. My period which is due on the 2nd of July didn’t come even until today, but when I had my home pregnancy test yesterday, it was negative. Could it be a false negative result because I tested too early?
Hi Kris. You can test again in a few days just to be sure; try a different brand as well.