Implantation bleeding usually happens about 1–2 weeks after conception, which for most people works out to roughly 6–14 days after sex, depending on when ovulation and fertilization actually occurred. It is too soon for implantation bleeding just a day or two after sex because the egg first has to be fertilized and then travel to and attach in the uterus, which takes several days.
Typical timing window
- If sex happens close to ovulation, implantation (and any related spotting) most often occurs around 6–10 days after ovulation, which is usually about 7–12 days after sex in that scenario.
- Some sources describe a broader possible range of about 6–17 days after sex, based on how long sperm can survive and when ovulation actually happens.
How it compares to your period
- Implantation bleeding, when it happens at all, is usually light spotting that appears a few days before the expected period, often around 7–10 days after conception.
- Many pregnant people never notice implantation bleeding, and light bleeding around that time can also be from an early period, hormonal changes, or other causes.
When to test or see a doctor
- A home pregnancy test is more reliable from the day of a missed period, because it takes several days after implantation for hormone levels to rise enough to detect.
- If bleeding is heavy, has clots, or is accompanied by significant pain, dizziness, or feeling unwell, medical advice is recommended to rule out other causes.
