Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat It Looks LikeWhy It OccursOther Reasons for SpottingOvulation vs. PeriodWhen to See a Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What It Looks Like
Why It Occurs
Other Reasons for Spotting
Ovulation vs. Period
When to See a Provider
Ovulation bleeding is light vaginal bleeding that happens when you ovulate. Ovulation occurs when you release an egg from your ovary in the middle of your menstrual cycle.Bleeding with ovulation, when it occurs, will typically last just a day or two.
Spotting duringovulationtypically isn’t cause for concern but unexpected bleeding at any time can be worrisome. Knowing how to identify ovulation bleeding can help you to decide if you want to call a healthcare provider about the vaginal bleeding symptoms that you experience.
How to Identify Ovulation Bleeding
Ovulation bleeding tends to look like a few drops of blood on toilet paper or your underwear. In some people, there might only be reddish or pinkish drops caused when blood mixes with cervical fluids (which increases and thickens during ovulation).Ovulation bleeding:
Other symptoms that can occur during ovulation include:
Hormonal Causes
Ovulation bleeding occurs during sudden fluctuations inestrogenandprogesteronehormone levels during ovulation. This occurs because:
Research suggests that those with excessively high progesterone and excessively low estrogen levels after ovulation are more likely to experience spotting.
How Much Bleeding Is Normal During Ovulation?Ovulation bleeding tends to be light. It may only involve a few drops of blood on your underwear. Even so, some people may be concerned if they experience bleeding of any sort between periods, particularly if it’s the first time it’s happened. Fortunately, spotting due to ovulation looks different from period bleeding or another cause.
How Much Bleeding Is Normal During Ovulation?
Ovulation bleeding tends to be light. It may only involve a few drops of blood on your underwear. Even so, some people may be concerned if they experience bleeding of any sort between periods, particularly if it’s the first time it’s happened. Fortunately, spotting due to ovulation looks different from period bleeding or another cause.
There are other possible causes for atypical bleeding and mid-cycle spotting, some of which are not serious and others that are potentially life-threatening.
These include conditions like:
Ovulation Spotting vs. Period
There are four ways to tell the difference between a period and ovulation bleeding. These differences can help you to evaluate the timing and amount of blood flow, and other factors such as associated symptoms.
Ovulation BleedingOvulation bleeding can occur between days 13 to 20 in your cycleBleeding lasts one to two days at mostOnly mild spotting occurs, typically in just a few light pink or reddish spotsOther symptoms are uncommonMenstrual PeriodPeriod bleeding occurs every 21 to 35 days in your cycleBleeding might last two to seven daysMore blood flow requires use of menstrual products to absorbOther symptoms occur, such as abdominal cramping, fatigue,constipation, joint and muscle pain, and trouble sleeping
Ovulation BleedingOvulation bleeding can occur between days 13 to 20 in your cycleBleeding lasts one to two days at mostOnly mild spotting occurs, typically in just a few light pink or reddish spotsOther symptoms are uncommon
Ovulation bleeding can occur between days 13 to 20 in your cycle
Bleeding lasts one to two days at most
Only mild spotting occurs, typically in just a few light pink or reddish spots
Other symptoms are uncommon
Menstrual PeriodPeriod bleeding occurs every 21 to 35 days in your cycleBleeding might last two to seven daysMore blood flow requires use of menstrual products to absorbOther symptoms occur, such as abdominal cramping, fatigue,constipation, joint and muscle pain, and trouble sleeping
Period bleeding occurs every 21 to 35 days in your cycle
Bleeding might last two to seven days
More blood flow requires use of menstrual products to absorb
Other symptoms occur, such as abdominal cramping, fatigue,constipation, joint and muscle pain, and trouble sleeping
When to See Your Healthcare Provider
If you are unsure if you’re experiencing ovulation bleeding or something more serious, call your healthcare provider and describe the nature of the bleeding and any other symptoms you may have.
Generally, you should see your provider if you experience:
In the meantime, keep track of your symptoms with a calendar or ovulation app. The more information your obstetrician has, the sooner they can diagnose your condition and offer a treatment plan.
Call your healthcare provider if your bleeding requires you to change your tampon or pad after less than two hours or if you pass clots the size of a quarter or larger. This is especially true if you feel faint or lightheaded, which could be a sign ofanemia.
Summary
Spotting during ovulation is not common, but it also isn’t cause for concern. Ovulation bleeding happens when you ovulate—usually around the 14th day of your cycle. It tends to last for one to two days and shouldn’t be heavy. The blood is often light pink or red in color.
Spotting during ovulation is not a sign of pregnancy, but there are other reasons why you may be spotting between periods. Some can be serious. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any other unusual symptoms in addition to spotting, such as pain or dizziness.
A Word From VerywellSeeing vaginal bleeding of any kind can be confusing, especially if the timing is outside of your normal menstrual cycle window. However, for some, ovulation bleeding can occur. Unlike a period bleed, ovulation bleeding tends to be a lighter flow, shorter duration (such as 1-2 days), and is not typically associated with cramping or pain. If you are seeing blood but do not think it’s your period, don’t assume it’s ovulation bleeding. It’s important to check with your healthcare provider to evaluate for other causes, such as pregnancy, STIs, or infection.—RENITA WHITE, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Seeing vaginal bleeding of any kind can be confusing, especially if the timing is outside of your normal menstrual cycle window. However, for some, ovulation bleeding can occur. Unlike a period bleed, ovulation bleeding tends to be a lighter flow, shorter duration (such as 1-2 days), and is not typically associated with cramping or pain. If you are seeing blood but do not think it’s your period, don’t assume it’s ovulation bleeding. It’s important to check with your healthcare provider to evaluate for other causes, such as pregnancy, STIs, or infection.—RENITA WHITE, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Seeing vaginal bleeding of any kind can be confusing, especially if the timing is outside of your normal menstrual cycle window. However, for some, ovulation bleeding can occur. Unlike a period bleed, ovulation bleeding tends to be a lighter flow, shorter duration (such as 1-2 days), and is not typically associated with cramping or pain. If you are seeing blood but do not think it’s your period, don’t assume it’s ovulation bleeding. It’s important to check with your healthcare provider to evaluate for other causes, such as pregnancy, STIs, or infection.
—RENITA WHITE, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Health Service.Ovulation pain.Office on Women’s Health.Trying to conceive.Jain V, Chondankar RR, Maybin JA, Critchley HOD.Uterine bleeding: how understanding endometrial physiology underpins menstrual health.Nat Rev Endocrinol.2022;18(5):290–308. doi:10.1038/s41574-021-00629-4National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.Menstruation and Menstrual Problems.Jacobson MH, Howards PP, Kesner JS, et al.Hormonal profiles of menstrual bleeding patterns during the luteal-follicular transition.J Clin Endocrinol Metab.2020 May;105(5):e2024–e2031. doi:10.1210/clinem/dgaa099Kagan R, Abreu P, Andrews E.Vaginal bleeding/spotting with conjugated estrogens/bazedoxifene, conjugated estrogens/medroxyprogesterone acetate, and placebo.Postgrad Med. 2018 Nov;130(8):687-693. doi:10.1080/00325481.2018.1520046Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Heavy menstrual bleeding.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Health Service.Ovulation pain.Office on Women’s Health.Trying to conceive.Jain V, Chondankar RR, Maybin JA, Critchley HOD.Uterine bleeding: how understanding endometrial physiology underpins menstrual health.Nat Rev Endocrinol.2022;18(5):290–308. doi:10.1038/s41574-021-00629-4National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.Menstruation and Menstrual Problems.Jacobson MH, Howards PP, Kesner JS, et al.Hormonal profiles of menstrual bleeding patterns during the luteal-follicular transition.J Clin Endocrinol Metab.2020 May;105(5):e2024–e2031. doi:10.1210/clinem/dgaa099Kagan R, Abreu P, Andrews E.Vaginal bleeding/spotting with conjugated estrogens/bazedoxifene, conjugated estrogens/medroxyprogesterone acetate, and placebo.Postgrad Med. 2018 Nov;130(8):687-693. doi:10.1080/00325481.2018.1520046Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Heavy menstrual bleeding.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Health Service.Ovulation pain.Office on Women’s Health.Trying to conceive.Jain V, Chondankar RR, Maybin JA, Critchley HOD.Uterine bleeding: how understanding endometrial physiology underpins menstrual health.Nat Rev Endocrinol.2022;18(5):290–308. doi:10.1038/s41574-021-00629-4National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.Menstruation and Menstrual Problems.Jacobson MH, Howards PP, Kesner JS, et al.Hormonal profiles of menstrual bleeding patterns during the luteal-follicular transition.J Clin Endocrinol Metab.2020 May;105(5):e2024–e2031. doi:10.1210/clinem/dgaa099Kagan R, Abreu P, Andrews E.Vaginal bleeding/spotting with conjugated estrogens/bazedoxifene, conjugated estrogens/medroxyprogesterone acetate, and placebo.Postgrad Med. 2018 Nov;130(8):687-693. doi:10.1080/00325481.2018.1520046Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Heavy menstrual bleeding.
National Health Service.Ovulation pain.
Office on Women’s Health.Trying to conceive.
Jain V, Chondankar RR, Maybin JA, Critchley HOD.Uterine bleeding: how understanding endometrial physiology underpins menstrual health.Nat Rev Endocrinol.2022;18(5):290–308. doi:10.1038/s41574-021-00629-4
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.Menstruation and Menstrual Problems.
Jacobson MH, Howards PP, Kesner JS, et al.Hormonal profiles of menstrual bleeding patterns during the luteal-follicular transition.J Clin Endocrinol Metab.2020 May;105(5):e2024–e2031. doi:10.1210/clinem/dgaa099
Kagan R, Abreu P, Andrews E.Vaginal bleeding/spotting with conjugated estrogens/bazedoxifene, conjugated estrogens/medroxyprogesterone acetate, and placebo.Postgrad Med. 2018 Nov;130(8):687-693. doi:10.1080/00325481.2018.1520046
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Heavy menstrual bleeding.
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