I got the Mirena IUS inserted on the 8th of Jan. Things have been good aside from some random strong cramps and spotting. I’m 21 and have never had a baby. I was on a mini pill before, as well as a combo pill, before I found out that I shouldn’t be using it because of my migraines.

My periods were never regular before I started on any BC, but my gynae was never concerned about this. I also started constantly spotting when I got placed on the minipill (also apparently a common side effect) at the end of October last year.

I know that my uterus is just getting used to the foreign body that it’s housing, and that spotting is one of the most common side-effects, but gosh darn it WHEN WILL IT STOP? It’s really making me feel insecure having to constantly wear a panty-liner. I’m also sure that it can’t be for my vagina’s breathability and I’m scared of getting thrush.

What is the main cause of the spotting? The progesterone? The shape of the iud? The strings hanging out the cervix and possibly irritating?

Just kind of at a loss. I’m not in a relationship but it kind of makes me wary of getting into one where we have a physical connection and I then have to explain that I’m just kind of constantly bleeding.

How have your spotting experiences been?