Bleeding followed by PROM

Posted by nb2 on May 20, 1999 at 09:45:43
Hi,
In week 13 had slight brown spotting. Next day afternoon had an orgasm and that night had heavy red bleeding. Went to ER where dr did an u/s and found that baby was doing OK. He could see a pocket of blood. In 2 days the bleeding stopped. It was gone for a week. Then brown spotting started again. After 4 days had a rupture of membrane and lost my baby. Dr did a D&C.
I am blaming myself for the miscarriage and would like answers to my Qs please.
1. Did orgasm cause bleeding
2. Was bleeding and PROM related
3. Should I see a preinatologist and when
nb2

Posted by hfhs.md.rcs on May 20, 1999 at 10:59:10
Dear nb2:
The bleeding represents separation of the afterbirth from the wall of the uterus (placental abruption). Some placental separation can be healed and the pregnancy continues. In other patients, the separation compromises the support of the pregnancy (fetus and membranes) and they do not thrive. The rupture of the membranes is linked to this compromise.
Orgasm as a cause of miscarriage is controversial. The studies of Masters and Johnson years ago did record uterine contractions in association with orgasm. This has led some authors to recommend "pelvic rest" (no intercourse; no sexual excitement) in patients who have experienced miscarriage or are having symptoms of bleeding/cramping that "threaten miscarriage". Given that most women continue to have pleasureable sexual relations during early pregnancy and few women tell the story you relate (my miscarriage began after intercourse and organism), the association betwen these two events is weak.
Most miscarriage and placental separation are unexplained. Issues to discuss with your healthcare provider are hypertension (high blood pressure) and medications (eg: decongestants) that may have cause this. Cocaine is associated with placental separation. Abnormal clotting factors (lupus anticoagulant/anticardiolipin) and infection (TORCH) are other possibilities.
Miscarriage; sexual orgasm.
This information is provided for education purposes and is not a medical consultation. If you have specific questions, please speak with your healthcare provider.