Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
General health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

Bleeding after sex - marina cook talk me down please

85 replies

LEMtheoriginal · 19/09/2017 19:49

I'm in a state. I get severe anxiety so PLEASE positive stories only and don't flame me.

It's been going on a while - spotting that occurred a day or two after intercourse.

I have a marina coil so don't (or didnt) have periods. Even before that my periods were erratic.

This has been going on for a while and now I'm scared I've left it too long.

It took a while to put two and two together. The spotting has been going on at least two years and I seem to recall this happening previous to my previous smear which was clear. That was in 2015.

Went to Dr today and he has referred me for ultrasound and vaginal swabs.

I was starting to believe this was periods as it started to happen with monthly intervals. I have also been getting symptoms of periods so sore breasts (really sore!) And feeling horny in the week before the spotting takes place. Lately this has been followed by a week "period" although bleeding not heavy it was just when I wiped. I would say that this didn't occur until two days after intercourse (often the case) so was it connected. Stopped bleeding yesterday I think. Had sex this morning and then there was fresh blood later when I wiped.

I've stuck my head in the sand for so long through fear and now I'm terrified that anything I have won't be treatable.

Dr wasn't my gp but was so lovely and patient as I could barely speak. He said that he suspects it's the marena coil but wants me to have the tests anyway - I think he was being kind. I asked if I was in trouble and he said no but well he probably wanted the blubbering wreck out of his office.

Not sure how I'm going to get through the waiting. I assume the u/s will be within 2 week rule but didn't ask.

Fuck

OP posts:
Original poster
LEMtheoriginal · 20/09/2017 20:14

I.m sorry I don't mean to be snarky. I'm just scared.

OP posts:
PollyPerky · 20/09/2017 20:24

You have a choice.
Worry yourself sick.
Don't worry.
Is worrying going to make it better ? You know the answer.

Sorry not being horrible but you need to stop imagining the worst.

tinypony · 20/09/2017 22:26

If you google "problems with mirena coil" i bet you'll find loads of similar stories. Some people just aren't suited to it.

Original poster
LEMtheoriginal · 20/09/2017 22:38

This is my second coil although at 47 I could well be premenopausal. That's a whole other can of worms right there! The thing is - I know there is likely to be spotting and I'm pretty sure I had it with the first one. It is the frequency and the fact that thus has gone on for a week that is freaking me out. It's the not knowing but knowing that my head can't stay in the sand that is causing me stress.

I can't allow myself to Google.

OP posts:
tinypony · 20/09/2017 23:07

I think it might give you the reassurance you need, some people get horrendous symptoms with the mirena, including spotting and unusual bleeding, plus many other odd symptoms.

Original poster
LEMtheoriginal · 21/09/2017 05:23

Perky thank you for the talking to I appreciate it.

Tinypony I broke my own rule and I did google - many mumsnet threads about it with people getting bleeding/periods after 3-4 years. Along with other interesting side effects. That has made me feel so much better. The anxiety probably won't leave me until I have the scanbut then I think I need to have a conversation with my Dr about whether this thing stats or goes.

OP posts:
Original poster
LEMtheoriginal · 21/09/2017 13:51

Freaking out big-time got appointment for ultrasound NEXT WEEK - they clearly think it's bad news Sad

OP posts:
blueberrypie0112 · 21/09/2017 13:55

Getting an ultrasound is common with people with coil/IUD when the person with it have concerns. They probably found nothing wrong as far as the lab so the next step is to see if IUD is sitting properly in your uterus. If it all good, then you are totally fine but you still have a choice to remove it if the bleeding still continue

Original poster
LEMtheoriginal · 21/09/2017 13:58

Not had the swab yet :( they didn't want to do a smear

OP posts:
blueberrypie0112 · 21/09/2017 13:59

Btw, I had an ultrasound for my copper IUD. It would help if the doctor explained to you why he having it done

Original poster
LEMtheoriginal · 21/09/2017 13:59

I just know you are seen within two weeks if they suspect cancer - so terrified

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 21/09/2017 14:03

I've had a couple of ultrasounds with my coil too. It helps them to see if its in the correct position. I'm getting mine out tomorrow under general anaesthetic as the strings have gone awol Shock. Worry about me rather than you for a wee while because I'm feeling nervous about it.

Original poster
LEMtheoriginal · 21/09/2017 14:18

I'd be climbing the walls but really you'll be fine. I had this last bastard thing put in under sedation and it was fine. I may have embarrassed myself under the Influence of the sedation Blush with innapropriate comments but it really was fine.

OP posts:
PollyPerky · 21/09/2017 14:19

Freaking out big-time got appointment for ultrasound NEXT WEEK - they clearly think it's bad

look, get a grip! You are being a right old drama lama :)

The 2-week rule is for anyone with unexplained vaginal bleeding.
They know nothing about YOU - it's routine. Your GP will have completed a form which says 'unexplained vaginal bleeding'.
The rule is to be seen within 2 weeks.

As everyone else has said it's probably
-position of the coil
-hormones - perimenopause (the bleeding could be irregular periods which the coil is not controlling fully)
-a cervical erosion.

Find something to distract yourself and stop thinking the worst.

Original poster
LEMtheoriginal · 21/09/2017 14:20

Why is my appointment so quick?

OP posts:
Original poster
LEMtheoriginal · 21/09/2017 14:22

I know perky. This has sent my anxiety spiralling. I have requested a call from my gp but I don't know what to think.

OP posts:
ItsAllGoingToBeFine · 21/09/2017 14:28

If your Morena has been in so long, the amount of hormones will have dropped - they don't release a constant dose over their lifetime. So it could be your period coming back, or it could be spotting around ovulation which is also incredibly common. You had a smear test two years ago, so in the unlikely event that it is the beginning of something sinister it will be in the very early stages, so treatable.

Original poster
LEMtheoriginal · 21/09/2017 14:36

I can't understand why they haven't sent me for a smear??

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 21/09/2017 14:56

Probably because your next smear isn't due.

Jigglyball · 21/09/2017 14:58

It could be cervical ectropian. This has caused me to bleed after sex in the past.

I've also had bleeding in between periods and it's been found to be 'hormonal'. Nothing sinister, these things can and do happen without being the worst case scenario.

rosie39forever · 21/09/2017 15:28

I am the same age as you and have a Mirena, I have been having random bleeding for a couple of years due to a few fibroids and also being peri menopausal. Had ultrasound to check position also had a uterine biopsy which were both clear, being 47 you are more than likely peri and surprise bleeds are very much par for the course.
Look at getting the quick scan appointment as a positive thing it means you GP is on the ball and understands your concerns.

Original poster
LEMtheoriginal · 21/09/2017 15:45

The fact that this is cyclic is encouraging? I get all the symptoms about a week before any bleeding occurs and then I can go a month or two then nothing. This past couple of months have been closer together though. Thank you everyone for your storied. They are helping

OP posts:
PollyPerky · 21/09/2017 15:55

LEM Are you reading the replies? You don't seem to be listening to anyone.

It's not SO quick. The rule is a 2-week maximum wait. You would expect an appt for a scan within anything from 2- 14 days. Yours looks as if it's about 7-10 days from seeing your GP.

Have you talked to your dr about help for your anxiety issue?
This seems more of a concern that the bleeding. You could try some online CBT or mindfulness perhaps. But you do need to address this because your anxiety over this is out of proportion.

Original poster
LEMtheoriginal · 21/09/2017 16:12

Polly I am reading them I promise and I'm trying to take it all on board. My anxiety won't let me but yes. Thankyou I feel less freaked out about the two week thing. I need to speak to my gp but stupidly didn't make an appointment because I felt ok this morning. She "gets" me and should be able to allay my fears but of course now I can't get an appointment:(

OP posts:
TinselAngel · 21/09/2017 16:46

I have a Mirena coil (they're so brilliant) and don't have periods but have some bleeding fairly randomly. It's increased a bit recently and I've assumed that's the hormones in the coil starting to run out as I've had it in for 5 years.

I don't think you need to worry.