Stacking Nuvaring for the First Time and Breakthrough Bleeding

**CAH0803** · 10-08-2011 02:59 PM

I've been on the Nuvaring for over two years now and haven't had any problems. This past cyle I decided to try and stack for the very first time. I kept my old ring in for four weeks (through the week you would normally remove it) and put a new one in at the normal time.

Toward the end of the fourth week with the previous ring, I started what I guess you could call a 'period'. It was mostly just a brown discharge, but heavy enough that I needed a tampon. There were a couple of days where this was combined about half and half with red blood, but for the most part it was mostly the heavy discharge. I assumed the brown discharge was 'old blood' (maybe because I had a fairly short period last month?), and I didn't have any of the normal period symptoms that I always experience. No headaches, no real cramping, though I did have a small breakout on my face that has since cleared up. The 'period' started early Monday morning (October 3rd) and for the last day hasn't really been prominent so I assumed it was over.

My problem is that after an orgasm (without penetration), I get what I would call a heavy break through bleed (not quite enough to warrant a tampon, but it's very noticeable) but it really seems to be about the only time that it's happening. So my question is, is this because I tried stacking for the first time? If so, will it stop on its own or am I doomed to have breakthrough bleeding like this after orgasms for the rest of the cycle? Is it better to leave the Nuvaring in and hope it goes away or take it out?

Thank you to anyone that can answer these questions for me!

**CAH0803** · 10-09-2011 11:59 AM

As an update, the breakthrough bleeding seems to be getting worse. It's still not enough to require a tampon and though I wear liners to be on the safe side, I don't seem to need them. It is happening now nearly every time I use the bathroom and varies from brown spotting to bright red spotting with some thick blood here and there.

I read an article that suggested taking it out for four days and then replacing it, but I am unsure - I don't want that to trigger more bleeding. I really would just like the breakthrough bleeding to stop, as it's putting a huge damper on my sex life. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

**Darling** · 10-09-2011 01:06 PM

Here's my experience with the ring..
No sex drive, yest infections, bladder infections, missed periods.
when i went off the ring.. sex drive no infections, still missed periods, and unpredictable periods for a year!