Why did my spotting return after sex while on antibiotics?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been experiencing brown vaginal discharge and on-and-off spotting for the past couple of weeks. The spotting noticeably increases after intercourse.

I am currently on day four of antibiotics for suspected bacterial vaginosis. The spotting had stopped while on antibiotics, but returned after intercourse. I take Ventura as my birth control and am not currently in my placebo week. I also did not have any spotting or unusual symptoms during my last placebo week.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query, and I understand your concern about this vaginal discharge, which, based on its characteristics, appears to be a form of light bleeding (spotting).

Vestura (Drospirenone and Ethinyl estradiol) is a highly effective contraceptive for preventing pregnancy, but it is normal to experience irregular bleeding or bleeding outside the expected time while taking it (this is called intermenstrual bleeding or spotting). These are normal side effects, due to the very low dose of Ethinyl estradiol it contains (20 mcg), and they do not indicate any complication nor do they affect the contraceptive's effectiveness. It also does not mean that you are pregnant, if that is what you are worried about.

For now, you should simply wait a few more days for the discharge to disappear. Keep in mind, though, that this could happen again in the coming weeks; it is something to be expected. If it feels very uncomfortable for you, the best option would be to switch to another contraceptive, such as pills with at least 30 mcg of Ethinyl estradiol (these are the most common ones); this higher dose will help regulate the hormonal cycle so that bleeding only occurs during the placebo or rest days. But this is not a sign of anything serious, so do not worry about that.

I hope this answers your query.

Please let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.