Spotting between period and ovulation. Google has failed me, any advice for the doc visit?

[HoneyPetal]

Hi,

I came off the pill three months ago after 16 years. My cycle has sprung back into action - 28 days, ovulation day 14, luteal phase of 12 days. Phew!

But I've been having some quite heavy spotting, starting a couple of days after my period, finishing just before ovulation. And it's getting worse, month by month (n = 3, admittedly).

All the info I can find out about this seems to relate to bleeding late in the cycle. I've booked an appointment with the doc, but is there anything I should push for, test wise? I'm also on mefanamic acid for painful periods.

Any advice/experiences would be gratefully received!

Hi HoneyPetal.....you should exactly like me, i'm nearly 32 and I came off the pill last May and have been TTC since august last year. My period are regular every 25-28 days, I ovulate on day 13/14 so my luteal phase is about 10/11 days which reading on this site I think is just bordering on the norm but I spot in between periods so much.

After I finish my period of about 4 days I have about a week of nothing then bleed when I have sex (which I think is ovulation bleeding) but then after ovulation I have another week and have another bleed mainly after sex then have nothing until I get my AF. Its really getting me down as its just not normal and makes it hard when having sex as trying to do the need as much as possible to get pregnant around ovulation time, I would of thought after a year of being off the pill it would be normal, I read so much on here about cervical erosion etc but had a smear before I starting trying and all was ok so not sure what to do now, I have had a day 21 blood test which was all fine and they are sending me back for a day 2-4 blood test to test my Testosterone/FSH/LH to see if they are normal. Maybe you just have a hormone imbalance which is what I thought mine was. I'll let you know how I get on with my day 2-4 test.

I would of thought yours maybe ovulation bleeding then if it only happens at this time - may people experience this and I think its pretty normal to have a slight bleed as they say you may get this as the eggs leaves the ovary...

Hurrah, a reply!!

Thank you for your post, I'm sorry to hear you are spotting as well. It isn't great, is it?

I looked up ovulation bleeding, but that seems to happen on or just after the day of ovulation itself (of course my information could be wrong!). My spotting starts on about Day 5 or 6, carries on until about Day 12, then stops, then I ovulate on Day 14. I don't have anything during the luteal phase, until day 29 which I start bleeding (my luteal phase is actually 14 days instead of 12, as in OP, whoops).

Could you have developed an erosion after you were assessed at your smear? If the smear was done before you were trying, were you still on the pill? I have heard that they can appear post-pill, as a consequence of the hormones being stopped. Maybe you should let them have another look up there, just to rule it out properly. Mine seems to be unrelated to sex, but isnt helping with the post-period friendlies

I'm at the doctors next week, and will ask for the blood tests you refer to. I'm slightly concerned in case there is something else going on, like a fibroid, but I guess I will have to be led by what the doc says.

I hope you get some answers soon. I think the approach is to keep going back to the doctors until you are either 'cured' or are satisfied that everything that they can do, has been done. Do let me know how you get on, and thanks again.

Thanks for your message yes you are right ovulation most probably is nearer actual ovulation its all so confusing!

I might take your advice and have another smear or at least ask the nurse what she thinks as I had been off the pill for a couple of months when I had the smear.

Yes good luck at the doctors they may say mid bleeding is nothing to be worried about but ask for the tests anyway as its only a simple blood test and will put your mind at ease that its nothing.

Will def let you know how I get on and keep me informed!

Ooh yes I?ve had this the last few months and was just working myself up to making a docs appt ? on day 21 and have been spotting since day 17

Just an update....

I have had my appointment. She made lots of notes, did an internal examination and has decided to refer me to the gynae unit at the hospital. She said she would like me to speak to the experts and have them check me out.

I have a feeling that the prompt action was (in addition to her being a good doctor, of course) due in part to my age and the probability of TTC in the near future, and also because the spotting is in the follicular rather than luteal phase.

Anyway, my advice to you both is to go to the doctors and see what they are able to do for you. At the very least they should have a look up there to check for erosions, infections and perhaps do an extra smear test to be sure.

Thanks again for your replies to my OP, and I hope you get some answers.