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Hi, My Girlfriend Is 13 Days From Her Expected Period.

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Posted on Mon, 23 Dec 2019
Question: Hi, my girlfriend is 13 days from her expected period. However she noticed spotting in her underwear. She took a home pregnancy test and came out negative. What could be happening to her?
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Answered by Dr. Aaron Branch (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Most likely ovulation bleeding

Detailed Answer:
Hello, I'm Dr. Branch, thanks for using Ask a Doctor. 13 days before her period would usually be about mid-cycle, and if the spotting was light and only lasted a day or two, this would be most consistent with ovulation bleeding, which is caused because of the sudden drop in hormones with ovulation (which is when the egg is released). It is nothing to be concerned about and is just part of the normal reproductive cycle.

However, if the bleeding becomes more heavy, there may be another issue, such as uterine fibroids or infection. In that cause, I would recommend seeing her doctor for an examination and possibly an ultrasound.

The timing of this makes pregnancy unlikely, so I wouldn't be concerned about that.

I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any questions about any of that, and I would be glad to discuss it with you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Dr. Aaron Branch

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 1202 Questions

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Hi, My Girlfriend Is 13 Days From Her Expected Period.

Brief Answer: Most likely ovulation bleeding Detailed Answer: Hello, I'm Dr. Branch, thanks for using Ask a Doctor. 13 days before her period would usually be about mid-cycle, and if the spotting was light and only lasted a day or two, this would be most consistent with ovulation bleeding, which is caused because of the sudden drop in hormones with ovulation (which is when the egg is released). It is nothing to be concerned about and is just part of the normal reproductive cycle. However, if the bleeding becomes more heavy, there may be another issue, such as uterine fibroids or infection. In that cause, I would recommend seeing her doctor for an examination and possibly an ultrasound. The timing of this makes pregnancy unlikely, so I wouldn't be concerned about that. I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any questions about any of that, and I would be glad to discuss it with you further.