Ask an Expert: Abnormal Menstrual Bleeding

Gynecology

Abnormal Menstrual Bleeding
01/23/2008

Question:

I had the Essure Procedure done in Sept of 2006, since then I have had ocassional spotting between periods. I had a normal period in Dec. and about 18 days after my period I started spotting. I spotted for about 7 days. Not very heavy, but I was starting to get concerned, because it has never lasted that long. The spotting stopped and I have had sexual intercourse twice and both times I have had bleeding. I usually don`t bleed during intercourse. Is this cause for concern? Or should I wait to see if it happens again after my next period?

Answer:

You mention that your periods have been abnormal since you had the Essure procedure performed. I am wondering what your method of contraception was before that? Women who are on certain hormonal methods have very regular periods. Once they have a procedure like a tubal ligation done, they stop the pills. The cycles become irregular and they wonder if it is related to the procedure. It is really related to stopping the hormonal method. If this isn't your case, and your cycles were previously normal, then this is not normal. Since, other than the occasional midcycle bleeding, you have had regular cycles except for December, you should wait to see what happens. It isn't uncommon for a woman to have an abnormal period every now and again.

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Response by:

Thomas A deHoop, MD
Formerly Associate Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology
Director, Medical Student Education
No longer associated