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Is spotting after sex normal with a birth control ring?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have been on birth control vaginal ring for the past five years. I had no problems with it until this morning. I was intimate with my partner (penetration with fingers) and had an orgasm. We then noticed that I had a bleed. It was light spotting and looked like a little period. It has stopped now, but I am experiencing cramps like regular period cramps. I have been using the ring correctly, in for three and out for one, so I am assuming I can rule out pregnancy. The STI test came out negative. Could this just be a little injury?

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Uzma Arqam

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Uzma Arqam is a dedicated Obstetrician and Gynecologist with expertise in prenatal care, high-risk pregnancy management, infertility treatment, menstrual disorders, and minimally invasive gynecological procedures. She provides comprehensive women’s healthcare with a focus on safety, compassion, and personalized treatment. Dr. Arqam is committed to supporting women’s health at every stage of life through evidence-based practices and patient-centered care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your complaint is about post-intercourse spotting with birth control vaginal ring and then period-like pain, so you are asking about the possibility of injury.

Birth control vaginal ring is a polymeric drug delivery device designed to produce two hormones, etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol, that provide contraception.

The ring could slip and cause local inflammation after being misplaced. Other side effects could be clot formation, stroke, high blood pressure, migraine, mood changes, vaginal discharge, breast pain or discomfort, etc.

You have not described your last menstrual period date, menstrual, medical, obstetrical, gynecological, drug, and surgical histories. So yes, there could be some local injury or trauma leading to spotting post-activity, as you experienced.

  1. As you missed your periods for 7 to 10 days, you can have a urine pregnancy test to confirm pregnancy.
  2. Start Folic acid 0.4 mg daily after consulting your doctor.
  3. Avoid alcohol, cocaine, ketamine, tobacco smoking, etc.
  4. Take a good healthy diet.
  5. Consult your physician if you have been treated for any chronic disease.
  6. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Uzma Arqam
Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At November 26, 2022
Reviewed At June 23, 2024

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Uzma Arqam is a dedicated Obstetrician and Gynecologist with expertise in prenatal care, high-risk pregnancy management, infertility treatment, menstrual disorders, and minimally invasive gynecological procedures. She provides comprehensive women’s healthcare with a focus on safety, compassion, and personalized treatment. Dr. Arqam is committed to supporting women’s health at every stage of life through evidence-based practices and patient-centered care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Uzma Arqam is a dedicated Obstetrician and Gynecologist with expertise in prenatal care, high-risk pregnancy management, infertility treatment, menstrual disorders, and minimally invasive gynecological procedures. She provides comprehensive women’s healthcare with a focus on safety, compassion, and personalized treatment. Dr. Arqam is committed to supporting women’s health at every stage of life through evidence-based practices and patient-centered care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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