About Deborah Expertise I can answer SPECIFICALLY and ONLY how different methods of birth control work, whether some cause "chemical abortions" or are considered "abortifacients" or not.
Experience Biology Degree from University, 10 years of post graduate study in the area.
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Science Degree
Past/Present Clients I have answered thousands of questions on various forums over the past 3 years.
Question Hopefully you can answer my question because it has more to do with the
possible side effects of a birth control option rather than how it works. I
recently got an IUD (Mirena) placed in about June 26th or so of this year. And
since then I've had a constant very light bleeding/discharge almost everyday.
Some days its not there at all and then at least once a month it gets a little bit
heavier for maybe two days. I know that the first 3-6 months my period is
supposed to be messed up somewhat but I was just worried that maybe it
doesn't have to do with the IUD and maybe its an infection. I would really
appreciate it if you could answer my question, thank you very much.
Answer Dear Jordan,
Here are the most common side effects of IUD's:
* Heavier and longer menstrual bleeding is expected with copper IUDs-this usually becomes less over time
* Cramping may occur in the first several days
* Bleeding between menses may occur in the first few months of use.
It appears that you are experiencing the last one, bleeding between periods.
If you are worried about an infection, however, I would give a call to your doctor's office, where you had the IUD put in. An infection could be serious, especially in the cervix/uterine area.
Your doctor will most likely tell you that your bleeding is perfectly normal and to be expected in the first few months after an IUD insertion. However, since I am not a doctor I would feel better if you called and found out for sure that you have nothing to worry about.
