15 DPO: What to expect, and how to tell if you’re pregnant

An image of a menstrual cycle wheel showing 15 days past ovulation (DPO).
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Created with Natasha Lowe Osho, MD, Obstetrician-Gynecologist, USA

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In a nutshell

At 15 DPO (15 days past ovulation):

  • You’re past the typical luteal phase length. Your period is likely overdue if you have a regular 28-day cycle.
  • If pregnant, hCG levels should be detectable by most pregnancy tests.
  • Early pregnancy symptoms may be more pronounced.
  • 15 DPO symptoms can be strong indicators of early pregnancy or an oncoming period.

Welcome to 15 DPO! You’ve journeyed through the two-week wait and are now at a pivotal moment. Whether you’re eagerly anticipating a positive pregnancy test or wondering about your late period, know that you’re not alone in this experience. Let’s explore what’s happening in your body and what signs you might be noticing at this significant time.

➡️ Read other Femia guides in this series:

What does 15 DPO mean?

15 DPO stands for “15 days past ovulation.” At this point, you’re beyond the average luteal phase length, which typically lasts 12-14 days. For many women with a 28-day cycle, their period would have been expected a day or so ago. 

This can be an emotionally charged time, filled with hope, anxiety, or a mix of both.

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What's happening in your body at 15 DPO?

At 15 DPO, your body is likely in one of two states:

If pregnant:

  • Hormone levels: hCG is rising rapidly, supporting early pregnancy development.
  • Uterine changes: The uterine lining is maintained and continuing to develop to support the growing embryo.
  • Early embryo development: The embryo is growing and developing quickly.

If not pregnant:

  • Hormone levels: Estrogen and progesterone levels have dropped significantly.
  • Uterine changes: The uterine lining is beginning to shed, leading to the start of your period.

15 DPO symptoms: What might you be experiencing?

An image showing symptoms of 15 days past ovulation (DPO).

At 15 DPO, symptoms can be quite noticeable. Here’s what you might be feeling:

  • Breast changes: Increased tenderness, swelling, or darkening of the areolas.
  • Fatigue: You might feel more tired than usual, especially if pregnant.
  • Nausea: Morning sickness may be starting for some women.
  • Cramping: You might experience mild cramping, whether pregnant or about to start your period.
  • Mood swings: Hormonal changes can lead to emotional fluctuations.
  • Bloating: You might feel puffy or bloated in your abdomen.
  • Frequent urination: This can be an early sign of pregnancy.
  • Food aversions or cravings: These can start to appear in early pregnancy.

Remember, everyone’s body is different. You might experience all, some, or none of these symptoms. Trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider if you have concerns.

15 DPO: Discharge if pregnant

At 15 DPO, pregnancy-related discharge often has these characteristics:

  • Volume: Usually increased
  • Consistency: Creamy or milky
  • Color: Typically clear or white
  • Odor: Mild or odorless

However, discharge can vary greatly among women and isn’t a definitive sign of pregnancy on its own.

👉Find out more: Evaporation line vs. faint positive: How to tell the difference on your pregnancy test

15 DPO: Cervical mucus

Cervical mucus at 15 DPO can provide clues about your body’s state:

  • If pregnant: Often creamy, abundant, and white or yellow in color
  • If not pregnant: May become thicker or decrease as your period begins

While these changes can be interesting to note, they’re not a reliable method to confirm or rule out pregnancy.

15 DPO: No sign of period

If you’re 15 DPO with no sign of your period, it could mean:

  1. Pregnancy: This is a common reason for a missed period at 15 DPO.
  2. Delayed ovulation: Your ovulation might have occurred later than usual this cycle.
  3. Hormonal imbalance: Stress, lifestyle changes, or medical conditions can affect your cycle.

If you’re trying to conceive, this can be an exciting yet anxious time. Consider taking a pregnancy test for more clarity.

How many weeks pregnant is 15 DPO?

If you’re pregnant at 15 DPO, you’re considered to be about 4 weeks and 1 day pregnant. This might seem confusing, but pregnancy is typically counted from the first day of your last menstrual period, not from conception.

Implantation bleeding 15 DPO

While 15 DPO is generally considered late for implantation bleeding, some women might experience light spotting at this time. This could be:

  • Late implantation bleeding (though uncommon);
  • Early pregnancy spotting;
  • The start of your period.

15 DPO: Spotting

Spotting at 15 DPO could indicate:

  • Early pregnancy: Light spotting can occur in early pregnancy.
  • Start of menstruation: Your period might be beginning.
  • Hormonal changes: Spotting can occur due to hormonal fluctuations.

If spotting is heavy or accompanied by pain, consult your healthcare provider.

👉Find out more: Ultimate pre-pregnancy checklist: Essential steps to take before having a baby

15 DPO: BFN success stories

While most pregnant women will get a positive test by 15 DPO, there are cases where women get a Big Fat Negative (BFN) at 15 DPO but later confirm pregnancy. This can happen due to:

  • Late implantation;
  • Low hCG levels;
  • Less sensitive tests.

If you’ve gotten a negative test at 15 DPO but still feel you might be pregnant, try not to lose hope. Your journey is your own, and it’s not over yet. Consider waiting a few more days and testing again, preferably with your first morning urine. 

Remember, while these “late positive” stories aren’t the most common, they do happen.

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Questions from the Femia community

  • I'm 15 DPO with no period, but my pregnancy test is negative. What's going on?

    This can be a confusing situation. It's possible that you ovulated later than you thought, extending your cycle. It's also possible that you're pregnant but your hCG levels aren't high enough to detect yet. Wait a few days and test again. If your period doesn't arrive and you continue to get negative tests, consult with your healthcare provider.

  • Can stress delay my period even if I'm 15 DPO?

    Yes, stress can indeed affect your menstrual cycle. It can delay ovulation, which in turn delays your period. If you've been under a lot of stress lately, this could explain a late period even at 15 DPO. However, if your period is more than a week late, it's a good idea to take a pregnancy test or consult with your doctor.

  • I'm experiencing some unusual cramping at 15 DPO. Should I be worried?

    Cramping at 15 DPO can be normal, whether you're pregnant or about to start your period. If you're pregnant, it could be due to your uterus beginning to stretch. If you're not, it could be the start of menstrual cramps. However, if the cramping is severe or accompanied by heavy bleeding, it's best to consult with your healthcare provider.

The bottom line

At 15 DPO, you’re at a significant point where pregnancy can usually be confirmed or ruled out. If you’re trying to conceive, this can be an emotional time. Remember to be kind to yourself, whatever the outcome.

If you get a positive pregnancy test, congratulations! Consider scheduling an appointment with your healthcare provider to confirm the pregnancy and begin prenatal care. If your test is negative and your period arrives, it’s okay to feel disappointed. Each cycle is a new opportunity, and your body is doing its best.

Remember, every woman’s journey is unique. Whether you’re hoping for pregnancy or not, your feelings are valid. Don’t hesitate to seek support from loved ones or healthcare professionals if you need it. You’re doing great navigating this journey, and there’s a whole community here to support you. Keep taking care of yourself—you’ve got this!

➡️ Read other Femia guides in this series:

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