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Some women notice spotting in between their cycles and are usually worried about what it means. However, if you are trying to conceive, a mid-cycle bleeding may appear like implantation bleeding, which is usually one of the first indicators of pregnancy. But a mid-cycle bleeding or spotting may not necessarily be due to implantation, it may also be an indicator of ovulation.
What is Mid-Cycle Bleeding?
Mid-cycle bleeding is any spotting or bleeding that occurs outside of your periods. It may happen a week after you’ve just got done with your periods. Mid-cycle bleeding causes can vary based on your condition. It could happen due to ovulation, abnormalities in the cervix, endometriosis, etc.
Many women confuse mid-cycle bleeding as a sign of pregnancy. Is ovulation spotting a good sign of fertility? Yes, but it does not mean that you are pregnant.
What Does it Look like?
Ovulation bleeding lasts for only one or two days and is light pink or brownish red in colour. The amount of bleeding is very little and it may have cervical mucus. The bleeding may also be accompanied by mild abdominal cramps.
Possible Causes of Bleeding During Ovulation
While the exact cause of bleeding during ovulation isn’t known, there are some possible causes that can be listed as follows.
- As the level of estrogen lowers during ovulation, the thickness of the uterine lining decreases as it begins to shed the tissue. This can be the origin of the bleeding during ovulation.
- When an egg is released, the mature follicle bursts out of the ovary, which may rupture it and lead to bleeding.
How Ovulation Bleeding and Pregnancy Are Related to Each Other
If you notice ovulation bleeding, trying to conceive around this time can be ideal. As ovulation bleeding indicates your fertility, this is the optimal time for you and your partner to try for a baby. Once you’ve sought out medical assistance to confirm that your mid-cycle bleeding isn’t a serious complication and is a sign of ovulation, you can plan sexual intercourse around this time to boost chances of pregnancy.
FAQ’s
1. How Long Does Ovulation Bleeding Last?
Ovulation bleeding only lasts for one or two days. In some women, it may last for three days.
2. How Different is Mid-Cycle Spotting from Implantation Bleeding?
There are several key differences between ovulation and implantation bleeding.
- Mid-cycle or ovulation bleeding shows light spotting and may happen during ovulation, if the egg ruptures the ovary or due to a change in the level of estrogen causing the uterine lining to shed. Implantation bleeding occurs when a fertilized egg implants itself in the uterine lining.
- Ovulation bleeding is a sign of fertility. Implantation bleeding is an early sign of pregnancy.
- Ovulation bleeding can be noticed around 14 to 15 days before your menstrual date is due.
- Implantation bleeding is noticed one or two days prior to your menstrual date.
3. What if You Face Severe Bleeding while Ovulating?
If you face severe bleeding and pain it can be an indicator of serious complications. If you have more than one cycle of bleeding, it is possible that you aren’t ovulating at all. Conditions like polyps in the uterus, endometriosis and irritable cervix may be the reason behind the bleeding. You will need to reach out to a doctor immediately to perform an ultrasound and hysteroscopy and get the right diagnosis.
4. Is Mid-Cycle Bleeding a Pregnancy Symptom?
Mid-cycle bleeding is mainly caused by ovulation and it can mean that you are fertile. Trying to get pregnant when bleeding mid-cycle can increase your chances of pregnancy. However, it is not a symptom of pregnancy.
5. Can Brown Spotting During Ovulation Help You if You Are Trying to Conceive?
Brown spotting during ovulation can mean that it is an optimal time for you to try to conceive. However, if you notice that you have brown spotting with some vaginal irritation, it can point out to a pathological issue. You will need to seek medical advice for the same.
Ovulation bleeding is common in some women and there is no reason to be alarmed about it. It does not require treatment as well. However, if you have mid-cycle bleeding with heavy spotting and severe cramps and discomfort, it may be due to other complications. If you experience this, you should consult a doctor for an ultrasound to know the cause of the bleeding.
