You are not expecting your period but you are spotting, right? You might be experiencing ovulation bleeding. Ovulation is the period in a woman’s menstrual cycle when the egg is released and travels down to the uterus from the fallopian tube.
It will break down after 24 hours if it is not fertilized. Two weeks later it will be shared with the period. Light bleeding can occur around this time of ovulation in about 5% of women. Not every woman experiences this but some do experience spotting in the middle of their circle.
Spotting is referred to vaginal bleeding that happens outside your regular menstruation and it is very light compared to your real period.
This can happen a week after your period is over and the color can be light pink or dark-brownish red. If it mixes with cervical fluid which is produced more during ovulation, it becomes light pink.
Spotting can last for a day or two and it is accompanied by cervical mucus. Sometimes, you can feel mild menstrual-like pain.
Causes of Bleeding During Ovulation
Hormonal changes are responsible for this. In women experiencing this, there are higher levels of luteinizing hormones and progesterone during their ovulation.
Though the exact cause isn’t known, hormonal imbalance is a contributing factor.
Another cause is the thickening of the uterine lining caused by lower levels of estrogen during ovulation. The walls of the womb must get thick as it begins to shed the tissue.
This can cause light bleeding during periods.
Also, when your egg is released, the mature follicles burst. This can rupture and lead to bleeding ovulation.
Is Bleeding During Ovulation Dangerous?
This condition is not dangerous and it is common in some women. In fact, it indicates fertility, and trying to conceive around this time is ideal.
This is an optimal time for couples to try and have a baby. Having sexual intercourse around this time can boost your chances of getting pregnant.
However, you have to meet with a doctor first so that he can tell if it is not a serious complication and just a sign of ovulation.
When Bleeding During Ovulation Becomes Dangerous
If the bleeding is heavy and severe then you need to see a doctor ASAP. It is a sign of serious complications that need urgent medical attention.
This is no more a light spotting during your ovulation and you now have more than one cycle of bleeding. It is even possible that you didn’t have any ovulation.
Heavy bleeding when it’s not yet time for your period or during your ovulation can be caused by some medical conditions like:
- Polyps in the womb (uterus)
- Erosion or cervical polyps
- Irritable cervix
- Endometriosis (Fibroids)
You have to see a doctor immediately and have some tests carried out on you like an ultrasound. A hysteroscopy can also be carried out, all these are done to get the right diagnosis and start treatment immediately.
Is Bleeding During Ovulation Same As Mid Cycle Bleeding?
This depends on the health condition of the woman experiencing this. It can be normal spotting between periods and it can be caused by a medical condition.
And this is why it is very important to see a doctor when you experience spotting so that he/she can rule out medical complications or start treatment immediately.
If your doctor rules out complications, then it is normal and a good time to get pregnant especially if it occurs during your ovulation.
Some of the causes of mid-cycle bleeding are:
- Sexual intercourse
- Hormonal imbalance
- Ovarian cysts rupture
- Excessive exercise
- Poor nutrition
- Uterine fibroids
- Use of hormonal contraceptives
- Luteal phase defect
- Intrauterine device
- Abnormalities of the cervix like cervical fibroids or HPV
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Cancer of the vagina, uterus, or cervix
- Adenomyosis
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STD)
- Loss of pregnancy
- Low thyroid levels
- Miscarriage or abortion
- Infection of the vagina or cervix like bacterial infection or candida
- Vagina injury (tampon or other objects inserted)
- Impregnation
- Perimenopausal spotting
- Urethral prolapse
- First period
- Delayed ovulation
- Irregular intake of birth control pills
- Trying out a new contraceptive
- Vaginal dryness
This is why you have to see a doctor and not just assume that it is normal especially when it is a heavy flow and it is not your period.
What is Ovulation?
This is the time of fertility lol. During this time, an egg is released from your one of your ovary and travels down to your uterus through your fallopian tubes.
It occurs between 11 and 21 days after the first day of your last period. Your ovulation depends on the length of your cycle, so it can be sooner or later in some women.
Ovulation can also occur at various times during a woman’s menstrual cycle. This means it can take place on a different day of the month.
It is a good thing to track your ovulation so that you can increase your chances of getting pregnant. It is also a good way to prevent pregnancy naturally.
When Can I Expect Ovulation Spotting?
You can expect this before, after, or during your ovulation. Make sure you track your ovulation dates by calculating or you use predictor tests.
There are also apps that help you track your ovulation.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of ovulation?
Your body gives a lot of signs when you are going through ovulation and one of them is slight bleeding. However, here are some other ways to know if you are ovulating:
- A heightened sense of vision, taste, and smell
- Irritability
- Bloating
- Higher levels of luteinizing hormones
- Breast tenderness
- Increased libido
- Dull pain at one side of your abdomen
- Changes in the basal temperature of your body
- Changes in your cervix, especially in its firmness and position
- Increased production of cervical fluid and it is similar to egg white
If you notice these signs, know that you are ovulating and it is the right to conceive if you want to get pregnant or the best time to avoid sex if you are trying to prevent it.
Other Types of Bleeding That Might Be Confused With Ovulation Bleeding
Implantation bleeding
When fertilization takes place, the egg must be implanted in the lining of the uterus. This usually happens 10 days after ovulation.
Some women experience light spotting around this time. It is called implantation bleeding.
Pregnancy-related bleeding
Bleeding in the early months of pregnancy is common and no cause for alarm. However, you have to meet a doctor to rule out complications like ectopic pregnancy.
It can also be caused by a harmless condition called Subchorionic hemorrhage.
Anovulatory cycles
This is a condition in which a woman does not ovulate. A wide range of medical conditions can cause this and irregular bleeding is one of the symptoms.
Medical conditions
Some medical conditions can cause abnormal bleeding, this is why you should check with a doctor each time you notice this to rule out any underlying medical problem.
An example is a problem with the thyroid. This organ releases hormones to help regulate your menstrual cycle. An excess or too little of this can cause abnormal bleeding.
Liver or kidney disease can also cause blood clots and abnormal bleeding.
The disease of the pituitary gland can also cause abnormal bleeding as this gland regulates the hormones that affect your menstrual cycle.
Conditions affecting the pituitary gland can cause unusual bleeding.
Medications
Some drugs like antipsychotics and anticonvulsants can cause abnormal bleeding.
These bleedings mentioned above do not follow the pattern of ovulation bleeding. Only the right diagnosis can tell if your spotting is normal or due to complications.
When You Should See A Doctor?
See a doctor immediately you notice any of the following signs:
- Changes in the pattern and length of your spotting. If it becomes heavier than usual, see a doctor ASAP.
- Excessive bleeding that demands changing pads every 2 hours or soaking tampons or passing large clots of blood.
- Pelvic pains during and after sex
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Bleeding after menopause
Conclusion
Make sure you don’t confuse spotting with menstrual bleeding. Having light bleeding during ovulation is common in some women and it does not need treatment if your doctor says so.
You don’t have to be alarmed except it is a heavy flow and comes along with other discomforts like severe cramps. In this case, complications might be present.
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