What Causes Spotting After Having The Mirena Coil Fitted?

Posted on Fri, 23 Jan 2015

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

Fri, 23 Jan 2015 Answered on

Fri, 20 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I had a mirena coil fitted 22 dec 2014, i have been spotting ever since. I know this can be a side effect of having it fitted but I am going away mid next week and really wanted the spotting to stop even if just for a couple of days. I was prescribed norethisterone by my doctor but I have read it is not effective if bleeding has already started. Not sure if it different because I am spotting as opposed to a normal monthly cycle. Could you let me know if I should be taking these and also if there is anything I can do to stop the spotting by next week. Thanks

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (-3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Spotting is not unusual after Mirena insertion

Detailed Answer:
Good day,

Noted your concern. Mirena is a kind of progeterone and it is usual to see spotting for few days to weeks after inserting it till your body's hormonal system is adjusted to it. Your doctor prescribed you another kind of progesterone again may not fully prevent the spotting.

The only thing is that you may need to consult your doc to check if the coil is not misplaced or a rare possibility of infection. If these are not okay, please relax.

If you are too concerned, you may need to discuss with doctor about further options like removing the coil and put you on high dose progesterone till you complete your journey.

Regards
Binu

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

Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (13 minutes later)

When I was prescribed the norethisterone my mirena was also checked and I was told it is placed perfectly. I did have a swab and received a call to say I have thrush, could this be causing the spotting as Well? Do you have any suggestions to help the bleeding stop by next week and do you think the norethisterone can work if I started taking it whilst spotting?

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Thrush need treatment

Detailed Answer:
You may be having a breakthrough bleeding ( spotting). Norethiterone may not fully prevent it. But worth trying it. Thrush can surely cause spotting. Usally it cause a white discharge, but sometimes it can be foul smelling and colour may get altered. It is surely worth taking medicines for thrush.

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