What Causes Prolonged Brown Spotting After Intercourse While On NuvaRing?

Posted on Tue, 15 Dec 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 15 Dec 2015 Answered on

Thu, 7 Jan 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been taking the nuvaring since the beginning of this year. Last month-november, Instead of removing the ring for a week I immediately inserted a new one after 3 weeks. Two weeks ago, I had sexual intercourse, and when he removed the condom, there was like old blood on it. Two weeks later, I started having brown old blood coming out of there and cramping, and this has been going on since last friday- Dec 11. I am supposed to remove the nuvaring this saturday for my usual 7 days, but do not wish to deal with this for another 7 days. what could be the cause of this?

Answered by Dr. Richa Agarwal (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It could be due to continuous use.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,
Thanks for trusting hcm about your health care.
I have gone through your history and understand your concerns.
It could be due to continuous use of nuvaring which cause thinning of the lining of uterus and cause brown spotting.
So it is better to use as directed means 3 weeks use and one week off.
Hope found useful, feel free to discuss more information.
Good luck.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Richa Agarwal (1 hour later)

so is there no way that I can do the continuous method? What can I do for the bleeding to stop?

Answered by Dr. Richa Agarwal (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You can use oral contraceptive pills.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Sorry for the long delay in my response.
You can use oral contraceptive pills after doctor consultation that give contraception and stop bleeding also.
Hope found useful.
Good luck.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Richa Agarwal (14 hours later)

if I take the oral pills? should I remove the ring? and if so, for how long should I remove it?

I have already consulted a dr about the issue, but she still wants me to continue using the ring. I really want to resolve this issue as soon as possible. If i take the ring out today, should I begin taking oral contraceptives for 7 days and then insert a new ring after that point? Or should I remove the ring and take no contraceptive for 7 more days, even though I have been bleeding since Saturday Dec 12? or do I just need to leave it out for 3 more days and then replace it?

Answered by Dr. Richa Agarwal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Replace it today.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,
In your case brown color discharge can be due to continuous use of ring,due to hormonal changes and it could be due to infection.
As you are not having any symptoms of infection it is most likely due to hormonal changes caused by continuous use.
As it is very first time there is no need to take so much of stress,just take out this ring today and insert a new one after 7 days.There is no need of oral contraceptive pills,brown discharge will be settled in few days.
Hope found useful.
Good luck.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar