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 · 21/09/2017 17:24

My lovely Gp called me. She agrees with those who think it's the hormone in the coilis reduced as it's been in 5 years in may and suggested I do a pregnancy test Shock

She also said that the ultrasound wasn't urgent just that they are on top of ultrasound as we have a us department locally in the minor injuries unit.

Have made an appointment with her in a couple of weeks about my anxiety as it is out of control (again).

OP posts:
Original poster
LEMtheoriginal · 22/09/2017 07:42

@dementedpixie good luck for the removal today. Will you be having another fitted? I think I want to have this removed (or I'll need it replaced) but I'm worried that removing it will allow the menopause to happen.

I'm an anxious and depressive person at the best of times but with PMT I (not joking) feel like a danger to myself and others.

Still scared but trying to rationalize. It is working. Mostly

OP posts:
PollyPerky · 22/09/2017 09:00

LEM The Mirena doesn't stop the menopause.

The Mirena contains progestogen. Menopause happens when you run out of eggs. Nothing can stop the menopause. For women who have heavy periods around the menopause, the Mirena can control those, but they often also use estrogen as well (pills, patches, gel) to help menopausal symptoms.

Mum2OneTeen · 22/09/2017 09:05

No advice, but Flowers

Try not to worry too much, hard I know but it sounds as though it could be something fairly straight forward. Fingers and toes crossed for you OP!

Original poster
LEMtheoriginal · 22/09/2017 10:00

Thanks Polly that is useful to know as I don't think I'm going to have another.

OP posts:
FleetwoodMacNCheese · 22/09/2017 13:06

LEM - could your GP prescribe you some diazepam to help you through this?

Twistmeandturnme · 22/09/2017 13:13

LEM, jumping in after only reading page 1 as I have to log off and get on ....but exactly the same thing happened to me and it was nothing. Please do not worry. I had my mirena replaced and it all settled down. I was in a panic about menopause and cervical erosion and all sorts of things: no, it was just hormone changes. I hope yours is the same thing.

Original poster
LEMtheoriginal · 22/09/2017 14:51

Thankyou twistmeandturnme - that is very reassuring

OP posts:
PressPaws · 22/09/2017 15:26

LEM I know you'll struggle with fixating on the worst case scenario because I get awful health anxiety and I do it too. It's incredibly difficult to control, and while positive stories help with the stomach clenching fear a bit, they can't take it away altogether.

It's good that your ultrasound is happening so soon, because that will give you some concrete results. The waiting is the worst part because that's when your fears escalate. Keep trying to focus on your GP's encouraging phone call. She doesn't think it's serious and you trust her. Every time you think "cancer!" try and counteract it with "phone call!" I know it's horribly difficult to do and it will be a shit week for you but you'll get through it Flowers

dementedpixie · 22/09/2017 16:00

Well I survived my general anaesthetic and my mirena coil is now out at last (no I'm not getting another!). Dh has had a vasectomy so once he gets his all clear i won't need any contraception. I am now the proud owner of some sexy compression stockings!!

Original poster
LEMtheoriginal · 22/09/2017 20:07

Excellent news pixie! I am now itching to get this one out.

OP posts:
Original poster
LEMtheoriginal · 24/09/2017 09:27

Anyone around to hold my hand? Am struggling with the anxiety.

Just trying to hold into all of your reassuring comments and thinking ok if it is something it can be treated but I don't think I can do this.

The not knowing is the thing.

OP posts:
bobofthelobs · 24/09/2017 19:52

I have health anxiety so I totally get where you are coming from and when it’s bad there is no talking sense into me. But please, please don’t worry. Be reassured by everyone else’s posts and take a deep breath. Sometimes if I get into a state, I try to think what my reaction would be if someone else had the same symptoms (I am totally reasonable and rational when it is happening to someone else!). Tell yourself it is the anxiety winning and not a health concern that is getting you into this state.

Original poster
LEMtheoriginal · 24/09/2017 20:34

Thankyou bob - I managed to distract myself today and telling myself it's probably just the coil. That anything else will be treatable. My last smear was clear. I've had a pelvic us to check the position before and that was ok.

But the fucking anxiety just won't let me have peace. But then if it isn't this it's something else Sad definitely having this one removed and going to have to reconsider contraception

OP posts:
Original poster
LEMtheoriginal · 26/09/2017 07:05

Anyone around? I have the swab thing this morning and I'm so scared.

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 26/09/2017 07:48

What's the swab for? To check for infection? I have to look out for deep vein thrombosis now after my general anaesthetic! Having light bleeding but hope my mini pill will ward of the worst of it (have read horror stories of crazy bleeding after mirena removal). I just try not to think about it and do something else

Original poster
LEMtheoriginal · 26/09/2017 08:23

Yes to check for infection. I'm just scared my cervix will look dodgy Shock scan on Friday. I'm ok (ish) at work but when I'm home the waiting is killing me.

I didn't bleed very much that I can remember when they put thus 2nd one in but fuck this - im not having another one.

OP posts:
Original poster
LEMtheoriginal · 26/09/2017 08:24

I am being such a baby im embarrased. Its not the procedure its what they might find.

OP posts:
FleetwoodMacNCheese · 26/09/2017 14:27

LEM - I completely empathise with your health anxiety, it has robbed me of peace of mind for many years. But ...

Cervical cancer is very rare. Your last smear was clear. If there had been the slightest anomaly, they would have checked to see if you have the strains of HPV which cause almost all cervical cancers. However, they didn't request you have another smear before your next one is due so there was nothing suspicious on your sample.

Other gynae cancers are extremely rare in women under the age of 50.

These are two things very strongly in your favour.

Bleeding from Mirena coil is not uncommon so it is most likely to be that or cervical erosion. Easily sorted.

Don't fear the menopause, it's a natural part of life and, if you have any symptoms that adversely affect you, you can be treated.

Now, as a fellow anxiety sufferer, I'm aware that the above probably isn't going to be of any help to you because your mind won't let you take comfort. So ... surrender yourself to our brilliant NHS. Let them find out what's up and tell you how they're going to sort it out. You just have to feel the fear and cope with the waiting which everyone finds stressful - and you will cope, I promise.

Much love.

hellhasnofurylikeahungrywoman · 26/09/2017 14:36

I had the same recently, the bleeding after intercourse. Mine happened after about 3 years of no periods (post menopause, I am 54), I was seen quickly, I had no smear, but I did have scans and I needed a biopsy as they did find 'an area of concern' but it turned out to be something and nothing. It wasn't cancer. The speed at which everything is happening for you is completely normal but it is quite scary.

Original poster
LEMtheoriginal · 27/09/2017 18:46

Can anyone else reassure me? I had the swabs and the nurse said my cervix looked healthy and offered to "whip out" Hmm the coil. I explained that they couldn't get it out easily last time . She said that the position of the strings looks like would be ok. I am not sure if this is good news?

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 27/09/2017 19:24

It's supposed to be quite easy to remove it as long as the strings are visible and able to get hold of. I've heard it's much less painful and quicker to remove than get it put in (although not in my case as the strings weren't easy to get hold of hence the general anaesthetic to get mine removed)

FleetwoodMacNCheese · 27/09/2017 19:37

LEM - why not try engaging with the people who've already taken the trouble to try to reassure you?

gottachangethename1 · 27/09/2017 19:52

Anxiety is a dreadful thing fleetwood and I'm sure that the op is trying to get a hold on it, but unfortunately when you're that scared, 10,000 people can advise you that all will be ok and you'll still remain doubtful. Cut the poor love a bit of slack.

Op - it sounds like a positive visit for the swabs. Sure Friday will be the same.

Original poster
LEMtheoriginal · 27/09/2017 19:58

Fleetwood - I'm sorry. I know it seems ungrateful and I'm really not. I am struggling generally with my MH and this feels like the straw that broke the camel's back. I have read this thread over and over and it has helped. Then I totally freaked out and hid it.

I just allow the niggling voices in my head telling me I'm in trouble. I'm exhausted by it all.

OP posts: