Ovulation bleeding occurs when you ovulate (when an egg is released from the ovary). Spotting during ovulation can be a normal part of ovulation. This is usually caused by hormonal fluctuations that occur during ovulation.
However, sometimes bleeding in the middle of your menstrual cycle is not normal. That's why it's important to contact your healthcare provider if you notice unusual bleeding during your menstrual cycle.
If your ovulatory cycle is 28 days long, ovulation usually occurs in the middle of your cycle, around day 14. It may occur earlier or later depending on the length of your cycle.
Ovulation is triggered by hormones, and hormones change significantly between ovulation and the day of ovulation. On the day of ovulation, estrogen and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) surge. A day or two before ovulation, luteinizing hormone (LH) surges. Estrogen, FSH, and LH work together to help the ovaries release eggs.
These hormones and the physical release of an egg from the ovary cause a number of different symptoms. Not everyone experiences all of these symptoms. Ovulatory bleeding may only occur in some people or only in certain menstrual cycles.
Ovulation symptoms you may experience include:
- Cervical fluid, which usually appears clear and feels slippery (like egg whites)
- After ovulation, your basal body temperature (BBT) rises slightly.
- Changes in the cervix (the opening into the uterus) – for example, the uterus may move higher into the vagina and become softer.
- cramps on one side of the pelvis
- light spotting or bleeding
- increased sexual desire
- breast pain
- Increased sensory experiences, such as increased smell or taste
Some people experience severe, one-sided pain during ovulation. This is often called “middle pain” or “Mittelschmerz,” meaning pain in the middle of the cycle. This may be normal for many people, but seek medical attention if:
- The pain is severe and affects your ability to function normally.
- Mid-cycle bleeding is more serious than light spotting or light bleeding.
Many people experience some bleeding when an egg implants into the uterine lining (if you become pregnant during that cycle). This is called implantation bleeding.
Ovulation bleeding and implantation bleeding are both types of mild bleeding that can occur when you do not have a period. Here are the main differences between the two:
- timing: Ovulatory bleeding tends to occur mid-cycle. Implantation bleeding occurs approximately 1 to 2 weeks after fertilization. It may be around or a few days before your period is due.
- Other symptoms: If you have ovulation bleeding, you are likely to experience other signs of ovulation, such as increased slippery cervical fluid and increased sex drive. Implantation bleeding is usually accompanied by symptoms similar to PMS or early pregnancy symptoms such as moodiness and fatigue.
Ovulation bleeding is different from having your period. Here are some key differences:
- timing: Ovulatory bleeding occurs mid-cycle. Menstrual bleeding occurs at the end of your cycle.
- Duration: The menstrual cycle can last from 21 to 45 days. Menstrual bleeding usually lasts 2 to 7 days. Ovulation bleeding may last only a day or two.
- heaviness: Menstrual bleeding may start out lightly, but usually progresses to more heavy, persistent bleeding over several days. Ovulation bleeding looks like spotting.
The most common cause of ovulation bleeding is hormonal fluctuations around the time of ovulation. Surges in hormones such as estrogen and luteinizing hormone can be sudden and sudden, causing light bleeding. This can happen to premenopausal people of any age.
Abnormal bleeding or spotting is more common in adolescents who have just started menstruating. However, this is often related to irregular cycles rather than ovulation. People nearing menopause may experience mid-cycle bleeding due to hormonal fluctuations, which may or may not be related to ovulation.
Other potential causes of spotting or bleeding between menstrual cycles include birth control, irregular periods, fibroids, and polyps.
hormonal contraception
Bleeding during your cycle is common in people using hormonal birth control, especially as your body adjusts to the medication.
People who take hormonal contraceptives typically do not ovulate because of the pills. However, you may experience “breakthrough bleeding” mid-cycle.
Anovulation or irregular cycles
Anovulation is a menstrual cycle without ovulation. This means that no eggs are released from the ovaries. People who do not ovulate tend to have irregular cycles, spotting between periods, and heavy periods.
Individuals with thyroid problems or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may have problems ovulating and may experience irregular periods or bleeding. PCOS is a hormonal condition that affects the female reproductive system.
fibroids or polyps
Uterine fibroids are benign tumors found inside the uterus. Polyps are benign tumors of the uterus or cervix. Both uterine fibroids and polyps can cause spotting and irregular bleeding between periods.
cancer
Although a rare cause of spotting, cancer of the uterus (uterine cancer) can cause irregular spotting. Cervical cancer (cervical cancer) can also cause spots.
If new or unusual bleeding occurs, contact your healthcare provider. If your bleeding is light, coincides with ovulation, and you have other signs of ovulation, it is likely a normal symptom of ovulation. Still, it's better to be safe.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), you should call your health care provider if you have any of the following signs of unusual bleeding:
- Spotting, light bleeding, or bleeding between periods
- Spotting or bleeding after sex
- unusually heavy bleeding during menstruation
At your appointment, your obstetrician-gynecologist (a health care provider who primarily treats health problems related to the female genitalia and hormones) will review your medical and family history, pregnancy history, and discuss any medications you are taking, including hormonal birth control. It will. They will ask you to describe your bleeding, including when it occurs, how severe it is, and any other symptoms you experience.
Your health care provider may:
- Perform a pelvic exam to determine the health of your vagina, cervix, and uterus.
- Blood tests are ordered to check for anemia (low iron) or infections, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Do a uterine ultrasound
- Get a biopsy of uterine tissue (uncommon)
Treatment depends on the cause. If the bleeding is minimal and related to hormonal fluctuations due to ovulation, treatment is unlikely to be necessary. If bleeding occurs due to an underlying disease, other treatment methods will be considered.
For example, people who have abnormal bleeding between menstruation are often prescribed hormonal birth control to maintain hormonal balance. Treating conditions such as thyroid imbalance or PCOS may reduce or alleviate symptoms.
Ovulation bleeding usually does not have a negative effect on your ability to get pregnant. In fact, this is often a sign that you are ovulating and that pregnancy is possible. This is especially true if you experience other signs of ovulation, such as increased slippery cervical mucus, increased sexual desire, and unilateral cramps.
Detecting luteinizing hormone using an ovulation kit is another way to determine whether ovulation is occurring and whether pregnancy is possible.
Ovulation bleeding can occur during ovulation and is usually caused by rapid changes in hormone levels. During this time, you're likely to experience other signs of ovulation, including a stronger sex drive, richer and slippery cervical fluid, increased energy, and unilateral cramps.
Although ovulation bleeding is normal and can be a positive sign of fertility, it is always a good idea to discuss any different or unusual bleeding patterns with your healthcare provider.