Bleeding during Ovulation
In every healthy woman at childbearing age, vaginal bleeding occurs regularly. It marks the beginning of a new menstrual cycle, which produces one of hundreds of thousands egg cells that will have a chance of fertilization. The entire complex of changes that occur in a woman’s body during each cycle is very complex and diverse. But all the events are determined by ovulation: it is the apogee and the main target of numerous metamorphoses.
Besides the actual menstrual bleeding, secretion of blood from the vagina can also be observed between the two successive menstrual periods. Such bleeding may be a norm and pathology – depending on the reasons that cause it. How can blood during ovulation be regarded?
Blood during ovulation: norm or pathology?
Blood on the underwear during ovulation is regularly noticed by approximately one-third of all women, and each of us experiences it at least once in a lifetime. It is not bleeding, as during menstruation, but only minor spots of blood in vaginal mucus. They look like streaks or microclots and are an absolute physiological norm.
Blood is a sign of ovulation
Blood during ovulation is even ranked among the signs according to which a woman can determine at home when “time X” comes. During ovulation, a woman can feel nagging pain in the ovary that is active in this cycle. On the eve of ovulation, vaginal secretion changes its consistency: it becomes transparent and viscous rather than thick and sticky; it is very similar in appearance to a raw egg white. After the release of the mature egg cell from the follicle, bloody fragments may be added to this secretion. A woman may also feel slight discomfort during the period. Gynecologists call the combination of all signs the ovulatory syndrome.
Reasons for the lack of ovulation
Such blood during ovulation is quite normal if it occurs no more than 2-3 days after the ovulation took place. But if the vagina starts to really bleed (and there is copious red secretion, as in case of menstruation) or you see spotting brown secretion, accompanied by other adverse symptoms (low back pain, fever, itching and swelling of the genitals, unpleasant odor) you may suspect having some sexual infection or a gynecological disease. You cannot ignore the strong uterine bleeding in the middle of the cycle, even if no other suspicious signs are observed. In all these cases, it is necessary to consult a doctor without delay.
What causes blood during ovulation?
The appearance of blood spots during ovulation in most cases is caused by ruptured blood vessels that line the surface of the maturing follicles. The blood, flowing at the same time from the damaged capillaries, is secreted from the vagina together with the cervical mucus. It is not necessary that blood fragments should be observed during ovulation in each woman’s cycle. From time to time, you can notice the red streaks in the mucus.
In addition, a slight secretion of blood occurs due to hormonal changes. In the first phase of the cycle, estrogen is the dominant hormone: it creates and maintains the most favorable conditions for the maturation and release of the egg. Peak levels of estrogen coincide with the time of ovulation, and its increased level may also cause a slight secretion of blood.
Hormonal birth control pills
If you are taking medications that contain estrogen, or vice versa – if you stop taking any hormonal agents, the probability of blood in the vaginal mucus also exists. If a good amount of blood is formed during ovulation each month, perhaps a gynecologist will prescribe hormone therapy. In any case, all sorts of dubious phenomena and signs should be discussed with your doctor. The appearance of blood in the vaginal secretions may be influenced by stress, a nervous strain, physical exhaustion, having an intrauterine spiral, carelessness during a vigorous sexual intercourse or other innocuous reasons. Only a specialist can help you precisely assess your condition and the need to take any action.
