Spotting can occur during ovulation, about two weeks before the expected period, and is a good sign of fertility. It is usually pink or brown and lasts for a day or two. Other signs of ovulation include a rise in basal body temperature, egg white cervical mucus, and cramping. Intercourse during ovulation spotting is recommended for those trying to conceive.
Many women associate light vaginal bleeding, or spotting, with just their periods. The truth is, spotting can also occur at other times in the menstrual cycle. A small percentage of women experience ovulation spotting and it typically occurs about two weeks before their expected period. It’s rare to have this ovulation symptom, but it’s considered a good sign of fertility for those who do.
Some women may confuse ovulation spotting with spotting they get before their period starts, but this light bleeding should be observed about two weeks before the next period starts. It is usually pink or brown and lasts for a day or two. Since ovulation spotting typically occurs a day or two before ovulation, it’s a good idea to have intercourse on the day it’s spotted in order to conceive. This is especially true if it is accompanied by cervical mucus that resembles egg whites, as this is the most fertile mucus.
There are a few possible reasons for ovulation spotting. One theory is that the egg causes bleeding after it ruptures from the follicle when ovulation occurs. The other main theory is that the bleeding is caused by changes in hormones. More estrogen than usual is released just before ovulation, and this sudden change could lead to some mild spotting.
The bleeding is usually so light that it can be missed unless the woman keeps a close eye on it. It could be a few small brown or pink blood spots, or it could be a single streak that shows up during cleaning. It can also be mistaken for implantation bleeding, which usually occurs about a week after ovulation, when the fertilized egg implants itself in the uterine lining.
A good way to be sure that the spotting is actually due to ovulation rather than menstruation or implantation is to look for other signs. When ovulation occurs, the woman should notice that her basal body temperature rises within the next two days. She should also look for egg white cervical mucus and her cervix should feel higher and softer than usual. Many women experience cramping during ovulation, called mittelschmerz, which are also thought to be caused by the egg breaking through the follicle. When ovulation spotting is combined with any of these signs, it is probably the best time for intercourse if conception is the goal.
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