Expert: Norman Solberg - 2/3/2010

Question
I got a Mirena IUD inserted 1 year and 2 months ago. I had a period for the first 3 months, then only had a period about every other month. Now my periods have stopped completely, which I am told is normal (especially since mine were light to begin with). I have not really experienced any other side-effects except for painful cysts on an occasion. Suddenly, I started having a brownish discharge and some pinkish blood, along with a sore lower back. I have also gained 4lbs despite having been trying to lose some weight, and have felt slightly queasy. Of course I am paranoid about possibly being pregnant, but what are some reasons why all this could be happening all of a  sudden? Do you think I could very well be pregnant? I would like to assume it is from side-effects of the Mirena, but I have not experienced these in the past 14mo I have had it in. Thank you in advance!

Answer
Hi Holly,
Some women have no periods for a while with the Mirena and then start bleeding or spotting.  Sometimes it's from stress, and sometimes we find no reason for it.  Pregnancy is unlikely, but a pregnancy test will tell you for sure.  If an STD is a possibility, get checked for that, as they can cause spotting or brown discharge.  If everything checks out normally, it will probably go away in time.