Between 9-14% of women experience bleeding during ovulation – one of several types of bleeding between periods.
Ovulatory bleeding is light vaginal bleeding that occurs before, during or just after ovulation, around day 10-14 of your cycle.
In most cases, no other symptoms appear. However, sometimes, it is accompanied by ovulation painsimilar to mild cramping that can last up to a few days.
What does ovulation bleeding look like?
Ovulation bleeding is often light, with only a few drops you may notice in your underwear. It can be very pale pink, red or brown.
During ovulation, you may experience increased cervical mucus discharge and sometimes, blood may mix with cervical fluid.
What causes ovulation bleeding?
Ovulatory bleeding is caused by hormonal changes that occur around the ovulation stage of your cycle. Around the days 10-14 of your cycleyour ovaries release an egg that is about to be fertilized.
“When ovulation occurs, there is a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) that signals the follicle to release an egg. This increase is preceded by an increase in estrogen levels and followed by an increase in progesterone,” explains the certified sex therapist. Aliyah Moore, Ph.D.
The lining of the uterus is very sensitive to hormonal changes and because of this, it can start to shed slightly when there is a change in hormones during ovulation.
Ovulatory bleeding versus implantation bleeding
One of the first signs of pregnancy is implantation bleeding. It occurs when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall about 10-14 days after conception. It’s also very mild, lasts up to a few days, and can be accompanied by mild cramp-like pain. Often, people get confused between ovulation and implantation bleeding.
The best way to tell them apart is by timing. If you track your cycle, you will know an approximate date of when you ovulate. If you bleed when you’re supposed to ovulate, then it’s probably ovulation bleeding.
Implantation bleeding often happens after ovulation, which means it can happen right when your period is due to start.
Of course, if you’re not sure if it’s ovulation bleeding or if you might be pregnant, it’s best to take a pregnancy test or talk to your OBGYN.
Ovulatory bleeding versus menstruation
If you’re not sure if you’re experiencing ovulation bleeding or if it’s your period, here’s how to tell:
- What is the time in your circle? If it’s the middle of your cycle, then it’s ovulation bleeding, as your period occurs every 21 to 35 days of your cycle.
- How long is the bleeding? The period often lasts from two to seven days, while ovulation bleeding lasts up to 48 hours.
- How heavy is the bleeding? Ovulatory bleeding is often only a few drops of blood, while menstrual flow can be as much as three tablespoons.
- What are the other symptoms? Periods often come with a whole host of other symptoms, including bloating, headaches, lower back pain, severe cramps, fatigue, and more. Ovulatory bleeding may have light cramping and increased discharge, but not much more.
Ovulatory Bleeding vs Ectopic Pregnancy
A ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. It happens 1 in 50 pregnancies in the United States, and is a potentially life-threatening experience. One of the first symptoms of ectopic pregnancy is light vaginal bleeding and mild pelvic pain, which are sometimes mistaken for ovulation bleeding.
To make sure the ovulation bleeding you’re experiencing isn’t an ectopic pregnancy, pay attention other symptoms that may accompany an ectopic pregnancysuch as nausea, breast tenderness and tiredness.
If you suspect you may have an ectopic pregnancy, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Can you get pregnant during ovulation bleeding?
Yes, you can still get pregnant even if you experience ovulation bleeding.
In fact, ovulation bleeding, followed by other ovulation symptoms such as cervical mucus, breast pain and sex drive mean you are in the most fertile window of your cycle – when the egg is released from the ovaries and ready to be fertilized from the sperm.
If you don’t want to get pregnant, abstain from sex or reduce your chances of pregnancy by using birth control methods during ovulation.
When is ovulation bleeding a sign of concern?
Bleeding during ovulation is usually normal, so if you notice a few drops of blood during your ovulation, don’t panic.
However, if you experience heavy bleeding or severe pain, it may be a sign of an emergency and you should consult your doctor. The same is true if you notice unusual bleeding patterns during your cycle – it could be a sign of a potential problem, so it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor about it.
