Implantation Bleeding: What to Know - Causes & Symptoms

Could It Be Implantation Bleeding?

Light spotting 6–12 days after ovulation may be implantation bleeding—but several other causes exist.

Differential Diagnosis

Cause	Typical Features
Implantation	Pink/brown spotting, brief, no clots, ~6–12 dpo
Menstruation	On schedule, progressive flow, red, clots possible
Vaginal Infection	Yeast (cottage cheese discharge, itch), BV (fishy odor, gray discharge), trichomoniasis (frothy yellow-green)
Trauma	Post-coital, tampon/cup insertion, exam — bright red, brief
Cervical Ectropion / Polyp	Contact bleeding, bright red, painless
Ectopic Pregnancy	Abdominal pain + vaginal bleeding, +hCG — emergency
Early Miscarriage	Heavy bleeding, cramping, tissue passage
Hormonal Fluctuation	Breakthrough bleeding on OCPs, perimenopause, PCOS

Action Plan

1. Track dates, flow, color, associated symptoms.
2. If pregnant or possibly pregnant: test at missed period; if positive + bleeding → contact OB.
3. If heavy, painful, or uncertain → see clinician for exam, hCG, ultrasound.

Never assume bleeding in early pregnancy is “just implantation.” Rule out ectopic and other pathology.