HomeAnswersObstetrics and Gynecologyvaginal ringWhy is birth control vaginal ring spotting post-intercourse?

Is it normal to get spotting after intercourse while using a birth control vaginal ring?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Uzma Arqam

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At November 26, 2022
Reviewed AtOctober 16, 2023

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

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.

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

Dr. Uzma Arqam
Dr. Uzma Arqam

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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