Ovulation occurs around the middle of a menstrual cycle. Ovulation bleeding or spotting is vaginal bleeding immediately before, during or after ovulation. Ovulation bleeding itself is nothing to worry about when it happens sporadically as it may be due to changes in hormone levels. However, it can be unsettling to see bleeding between periods, because there can be other reasons for bleeding and spotting.
It helps to know what’s normal for you, and to understand when to go to your GP. If you’re trying to conceive, it is also advantageous to know when you’re ovulating as this is your most fertile time of the month.
What is ovulation bleeding and spotting?
Ovulation is when an egg is released from one of the ovaries during the menstrual cycle. The egg travels down the fallopian tube to be fertilised by a sperm, resulting in either a pregnancy or a period. Depending on the length of your cycle, ovulation happens around 10-20 days before the next period is due. The fertile window normally lasts about six days and includes the five days before ovulation, the day of ovulation, and the day after.
Before ovulation, oestrogen levels slowly rise. Then after the egg has been released, the oestrogen levels lower and progesterone levels start to go up. The balance between the amounts of estrogen and progesterone is delicate. Any change in this balance can cause ovulation bleeding and spotting (lighter than a normal period).
Usually, all you’ll notice is the ovulation bleeding, but sometimes there’ll be accompanying ovulation symptoms such as:
- Stomach cramps
- Breast tenderness
- A bloated feeling
- A heightened sense of taste, vision or smell
- Pain or aching on one side of the abdomen
Those who don’t ovulate regularly may experience a period every few months. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause irregular menstrual cycles and absent ovulation. Irregular periods can also be caused by having a high or low body weight, some medications, not eating enough, or even exercising too much. Hormone imbalances from medical conditions such as thyroid problems can also lead to irregular bleeding.
“Irregular periods can be a sign of either hormonal imbalances or issues with ovulation itself. Women with irregular periods may not even be ovulating (releasing an egg). This is called anovulation.
Having regular periods is a good indication that a woman is ovulating, which is essential for a couple to conceive. Alongside issues with ovulation, irregular periods could point to other conditions such as PCOS or other reproductive health issues that might impact fertility.”
Irregular bleeding can include:
- Bleeding or spotting between periods
- Bleeding after sexual intercourse
- Bleeding after you have reached menopause
- Heavy periods
- Periods that last for weeks
Is ovulation bleeding and spotting normal?
Sporadic ovulation bleeding can be normal.
However, if you notice this keeps happening or you also notice pain or vaginal discharge or burning when you wee, then do see your GP to ensure that you do not have an infection or hormonal issues.
It’s a good idea to start tracking the bleeding and symptoms in a diary, calendar or tracking app. If you visit the doctor, this will give them the information they need to better understand your cycle.
How can you identify ovulation bleeding and spotting?
There are a number of things you can look out for to identify ovulation bleeding:
- Ovulation bleeding and spotting usually lasts for only one or two days and often looks like just a few drops of blood.
- Ovulation bleeding can appear light red or light pink in colour because the blood is usually mixed with cervical fluid, which increases during ovulation.
- This bleeding will happen around 12-16 days before your period usually starts.
It’s a good idea to start tracking the bleeding and symptoms in a diary, calendar or tracking app. If you visit the doctor, this will give them the information they need to better understand your cycle.
Is ovulation bleeding and spotting a sign of pregnancy?
Ovulation bleeding can actually be implantation bleeding in the first few weeks after conceiving and should not be a concern. If the bleeding does not stop and/or you feel tummy pain, then visit your local Early Pregnancy Unit.
When should you speak to a doctor?
You must always visit your GP if you’ve suddenly started to bleed in between periods. It’s usually not something to worry about, but it’s always wise to double check.
It’s also really important to report any other changes in your period to your GP. This includes the amount of blood changing from your normal amount (becoming heavier or lighter), as well as painful periods, pelvic pain and excessive bleeding (clots bigger than a 50 pence piece, or soaking a pad or tampon every two hours). This list isn’t exhaustive and you may have other concerns or notice other symptoms, but whatever changes you notice, it’s always worth seeing your GP to check.
When you’re trying for a baby, it becomes especially important to report any new bleeding/spotting between periods, or any changes to your periods. If you’re experiencing an irregular menstrual cycle, this can be the result of a hormonal imbalance and it can sometimes affect the length of time it takes to conceive.
