Ovulation Bleeding vs. Irregular Periods: Pregnancy Concerns

It is unclear whether it is ovulation bleeding or irregular menstruation?

I had my menstrual period starting on September 3 and it ended around September 10.
I had sexual intercourse around September 23.
I experienced bleeding on September 28, which was bright red and gradually decreased, stopping on October 5.
On October 7, I noticed a very slight trace of blood.
I had sexual intercourse again on October 13.
Is there a possibility of pregnancy? Could this be ovulation bleeding? I regularly take Celebrex (for ankylosing spondylitis) and Stanozolol.
Will these medications affect my chances of getting pregnant? When is the earliest I can take a pregnancy test? Thank you.

Haohao, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/10/23

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
Engaged in sexual intercourse once on 10/13, with a possibility of pregnancy.

2.
Based on the dates, the bleeding does not appear to be ovulation-related.

3.
Taking Celebrex (for ankylosing spondylitis) and Stivarga should not affect the chances of pregnancy.

4.
The earliest to take a pregnancy test would be at the end of October.

Respectfully, Dr.
Lu Li-Cheng, Taoyuan Hospital.

Reply Date: 2015/10/23

More Info

Understanding ovulation bleeding and irregular periods is crucial when considering pregnancy concerns. Based on your timeline, it appears that you had your menstrual period from September 3 to September 10, and then you had sexual intercourse around September 23. The bleeding you experienced starting on September 28 could potentially be attributed to several factors, including ovulation bleeding, implantation bleeding, or even irregular menstrual bleeding.

Ovulation Bleeding vs. Implantation Bleeding
1. Ovulation Bleeding: This type of bleeding can occur around the middle of your menstrual cycle, typically about 10 to 14 days after your last period, which aligns with your timeline. Ovulation bleeding is usually light, pink, or brown in color and lasts for a short duration, often just a day or two. Given that your bleeding started on September 28, it could be ovulation bleeding if it occurred around the time of ovulation.

2. Implantation Bleeding: If you conceived during your sexual encounter on September 23, implantation bleeding could occur around 6 to 12 days after conception, which would be around October 1 to October 5. This bleeding is typically very light and may be pink or brown. If your bleeding was bright red and lasted longer, it might not be implantation bleeding.

Pregnancy Possibility
Given your timeline, there is a possibility of pregnancy if you had unprotected intercourse during your fertile window. The fertile window typically includes the days leading up to and including ovulation. If you ovulated around September 28, conception could have occurred from intercourse on September 23.

Medications and Their Impact
You mentioned taking Celebrex (an anti-inflammatory medication) and possibly other medications. While Celebrex is generally not recommended during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester, its impact on early pregnancy is less clear. It is essential to consult your healthcare provider regarding the medications you are taking and their potential effects on pregnancy.

When to Take a Pregnancy Test
You can take a home pregnancy test as early as the first day of your missed period. Since your menstrual cycle appears to be irregular, it may be best to wait at least two weeks after your potential ovulation date (around October 5) for the most accurate result. If you experience any symptoms of pregnancy, such as nausea, breast tenderness, or fatigue, you may consider testing earlier.

Conclusion
In summary, the bleeding you experienced could be related to ovulation or other factors, and there is a possibility of pregnancy based on your sexual activity during your fertile window. It is advisable to monitor your symptoms and consider taking a pregnancy test around the time of your expected period. Additionally, consult with your healthcare provider regarding your medications and any concerns you may have about your menstrual cycle and potential pregnancy. They can provide personalized advice and support based on your medical history and current situation.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Irregular Menstrual Cycles and Ovulation Bleeding

Recently, my menstrual cycle has been irregular: February 22, April 2 (I saw a doctor in between, who indicated that occasional irregularities are not a concern, so no medication was prescribed), May 6 (only lasted four days), and on May 20, I had intercourse with my husband. On ...

Dr. Wu Xianghui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. For pregnancy concerns, please take a home pregnancy test or consult a gynecologist for evaluation four weeks after sexual intercourse. 2. For abnormal bleeding and irregular menstrual cycles (including early pregnancy bleeding and spontaneous abortion), there are many poten...

Ovulation Bleeding or Implantation Bleeding: What's the Difference?

I would like to ask, my period started on October 10 and ended on October 14. After it ended, I have been doing homework almost every day. Yesterday, October 24, I noticed a little light pink blood on the toilet paper after using the restroom. Is this ovulation bleeding or implan...

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Your menstrual cycle is quite irregular, often exceeding 35 days, which may indicate suboptimal ovulatory function, making it more difficult to conceive. It is challenging to determine the cause of the bleeding solely based on dates, so it is advisable to seek medical evaluation....

Understanding Ovulation Spotting: Causes and Concerns for Women

Hello doctor, my menstrual cycle is 32 days and lasts for 6 days. I took emergency contraception on February 9th, and my period came normally on February 21st (the duration and flow were completely normal and bright red). Today, March 4th, I am feeling a bit unwell, with clear di...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, it could be ovulatory bleeding; just observe it. If you're concerned, you can take a pregnancy test. Wishing you good health.

Understanding Irregular Bleeding: Causes and Concerns for Women

Hello Dr. Lu, My menstrual cycle is not very regular, but it has always fallen between 31 to 40 days (each menstrual period lasts for 7 days without exception). I have been trying to conceive for the past few months. At the end of August, I calculated my ovulation period based o...

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Before the expected date of menstruation, if there is vaginal bleeding that lasts longer than usual but with a lighter flow, several possibilities may exist. It could be irregular menstruation caused by factors such as insufficient sleep, stress, or changes in routine, all of whi...