Ovulation Spotting After Tubal Ligation: Causes & Concerns

Question
I had a tubal ligation 7 years ago that failed. It resulted in an ectopic pregnancy 3 years later. The ectopic was removed along with the tube that had grown back. At the time of the surgery my doctor made an incision on the other side and checked to be sure that tube had not grown back. It was still blocked. Recently I have started spotting around my ovulation time. Is this a sign that my tubal ligation has failed again?

Answer
Dear Celeste,

Ovulation bleeding can occur regardless of whether the tubes are clear or not. Typically when women have some spotting in the middle of the cycle, it is related to ovulation rather than a pregnancy. During a woman's menstrual cycle, there are two estrogen drops - the first drop is right before the the egg is released from the ovary (ovulation) and the second drop happens if the egg is not fertilized, thus inducing a period.  Menstrual bleeding - a period - happens during the second drop in estrogen. In some women, though, the first estrogen drop appears to trigger bleeding, too. This mid-cycle, ovulation bleeding is usually light and brief and can be pink, red, or brown in color.

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda