I went off of BC in Jan. During the month of Feb I ovulated on day 13 and had mild ovarian pain on the left side. During March I ovulated on Day 16 and now am spotting on day 18 and 19. Before I started spotting I had a prenatal consult and told him about the pain (didn't know yet about the spotting). He seemed to think I maybe starting to get some mild endometriosis or having cyst problems but since I am not going to go back on BC until after the next baby there isn't much we can do yet. We are going to start trying in a two months and he said that was the best "cure" for both since you don't bleed during the pregnancy. He offered to go in using a scope if the pain got really bad or if we do not have any luck conceiving after 6 months of trying. Has anyone else had mid cycle spotting? Was it from a problem? Google says it can be normal but any spotting tends to send up my red flag.
I just stopped taking my birth control about 3 to 4 months ago because we plan on trying for another baby in a few months also. I have been having some spotting and longer periods. I talked to the o.b. doctor about it and she said no to worry about it, it's just my body trying to get into it's normal cycle. I woundn't worry about it unless you are having trouble getting pregnant. Good luck with everything : ).
I am surprised that your OB/GYN told you that you could have endometriosis because of the spotting and mild pain! Both of these symptoms are very typical of ovulation! Some women don't know or have any signs of ovulation but some do and spotting and mild pain include them. I always had the mild pain during ovulation and will also switch sides from left to right, depending on which side the egg is being released from that month.
Also keep in mind that you came off your BC not too long ago so your body is still adjusting and you could spot at other times during the month too which is all normal.
At this point I don't think you should worry too much unless the pain is really bad e.g. I have PCOS and used to get cysts on my ovaries. At the time I did not know it but the pain was bad and with every step I took it would ache and it was on the side that the cyst was. If you do get pain that bad then you should definitely see your doctor.
I found the book "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" extremely helpful, it teaches us women things about our bodies which no one usually tells us and covers everything from preventing to getting pregnant, PCOS, endometriosis, menopause, etc. You can find a gently used copy at Half Price Books.
Good Luck!
spotting can be triggered by a lot of things. it can be part of ovulation, it can be from a sudden change in weight (up and down), it can be caused by an overzealous workout. the pain can be from the release of the egg. i always have some pain during ovulation on one side or the other and that is how i know i am releasing the egg. i have had that for over 5 years. did not have it while on the pill - but noticed it when i was off of it. i have mid cycle bleeding sometimes. it is nothing to be too concerned about unless it becomes heavy like a period. then it could be fibroids (i have them) or cycts. try not to worry...just see how it progresses.
BC usually makes periods easier, so now that you're off BC it sounds like you're going through "normal" periods. I have been off BC for 5 years now & just had random spotting last month. Some months I have lots of pain with ovulation, some none at all. I used to be totally regular- could predict my period to the minute, but as I've gotten older it's become more irregular & unpredictable. Continue to listen to your body & talk to your Dr., but don't worry too much. Occasional spotting & mild pain are 100% normal. Give your body time to adjust, too. You JUST gt off BC. Hang in there!
p.s. I agree-- keep a calendar & notes on your cycle/symptoms. It's a great reference for you & your Dr. It is a good habit for every woman to get into!
Hi,
It is my understanding that spotting can some cycle changes can occur up to 6 months after stopping birth control, especially if you've been on birth control for a while. On birth control, we basically "force" our bodies into a schedule of having regular periods. Once we stop BC, it takes a little while for our bodies to "figure out" what's going on and try to regulate itself again. I have had spotting/ irregular bleeding after stopping BC. I have also experienced some pain with ovulation, at times. This *may* just be your body trying to get itself back into rythym on it's own, but like you mentioned, I think it is important to follow up on this just to be sure. Maybe even keep a journal or mark symptoms on a calendar so you can show the doctor, or just to have for yourself. This tool is also great for discovering if there is a pettern to the symptoms, and seeing if they are getting better/ more regular with time, or if they are getting worse. This can help determine if it's just your body regulating itself or if this is something that needs more follow-up. I hope the info helps!
:)
