spotting after sex

[mkh9]

I am peri-menopausal and have periods that are all over the place. But usually on time but can be heavy, or spotting or miss a month or two, and had one week early.  Lately I have been itchy after sex and had some discharge with no smell after sex and a little spotting. It is gone the next day. The itching remains for a few days and then is gone. I can use estrogen or birth control anymore due to blood clots.  Has anyone had any spotting after sex?
I don't have Bacterial vaginosis or STD's. I do have fibroids and do get regular PAP's and pelvic exams. I did have a polyp a few years ago that was benign. But never any spotting. Last time I had sex it hurt to begin with and I have had vaginal dryness. I know the dryness is usual for menopausal issues. My husband has to wear a condom because I'm still not menopausal yet so I could be allergic to the latex for the itching problem but not the spotting.
thanks,
mkh9

[mkh9]

Thanks for your help. You have made me feel more comfortable making my decisions. I appreciate it!
mkh9

[old_before_my_time]

The pharmaceutical company is just "covering its bases" with that warning since it is an estrogen product even though it is low dose.

[mkh9]

Yes it probably will help. It does say in the package insert that there is a higher risk of blood clots, uterine cancer, endometreal cancer and cardiac risks sort of like birth control. But, looking at the clinical trial data it is low. Like I say about 3% over 10 years. But, since I had blood clots it scares me. I don't want to get that again. But I did bring it up with the doctor and he said no its okay. So you think I shouldn't worry about it? The risks are pretty low.
mkh9

[old_before_my_time]

I am glad you got answers. Vaginal estrogen products are not supposed to be strong enough to get into systemic circulation but I can certainly understand your clotting concern. I hope using the cream resolves the issue.

[mkh9]

Well, I went to my doctor and he said I have vaginitis due to vaginal atrophy, and low estrogen. He is letting me use a small amount of the estrace cream. I am worried that it will cause a blood clot but he said no worries even though I had them before due to an injury. I am not going to take the full dose. Also the package insert says it is a 3% chance of a clot over about 10 years.  So, I think that is pretty low. But the package insert says not to use it if you had blood clots before. So I may ask the doctor again just to make sure before I use it.
Thanks again for your help,
mkh9

[mkh9]

Thanks a lot. I can't use estrogen. But maybe vaginal estrogen is okay. Is Replens a vaginal suppository? Are there any side effects? I can ask my doctor as I am going on Thursday.  Are the vitamin E or coconut oil specially made to be inserted vaginally or do you just insert the regular ones? Do you know if there is any problem with those oils changing the normal vaginal bacteria? It shouldn't but douches do. Are they neural pH or don't disrupt the pH?
Thanks alot. I was worried that it could be something more serious. It could be a polyp since I had one before. But this makes sense.
Again, thanks a bunch!
mkh9

[old_before_my_time]

Hormonal changes during the menopause transition and after can cause spotting. But tearing of delicate, atrophied vaginal tissues can also cause spotting. The urethra can even become irritated from the lack of estrogen to the urogenital tissues. Your symptoms of vaginal dryness and sex hurting initially may point to vaginal atrophy as the cause. There is a long-lasting (I believe 3 days) vaginal moisturizer called Replens that may help but I have heard it is expensive. Some other options that women have found helpful if they cannot use vaginal estrogen are vitamin E capsules or coconut oil (inserted vaginally). I hope you find something to address this!

[mkh9]

So, have you had the pain with starting sex then it goes away? And spotting after sex? I also have early periods. He wears a condom so it is not just friction it is some other discomfort I never had before. Well, any input is helpful. This all new and a bit scary. My mother never went through real menopause as she got cervical cancer before menopause and had radiation therapy. So she had a quick onset of menopause. She never discussed it with me. She has passed away a long time ago. I have one friend who had menopause in her 30's (in is in her family). She tells me about her hot flashes but never had spotting and never had a problem like these.
mkh9

[mkh9]

Thanks for resonding. Yes I'm going in to see the doctor in a month. I hope I don't need another pelvic ultrasound. I hate those. Hard to hold all that water in. LOL. I do use a lot of lube and I still get itching after. I never had that before. It only lasts a couple of days. Also, the bleeding so far has been once. No hubby hasn't looked into the male surgery. Did it hurt yoru husband or cause changes in libido or anything?  He has a large cyst on one testi he should go in for but the GP says it is nothing but a spermatocele. But he could get it checked and ask about the other thing.  I had the polyp when I was taking birth control. But now I can't take it due to past blood clot. So I don't know if the polyp would be as frequent. We'll see. I do have a lot of belly fat. But I'm working out now at the gym so I hope to lower that something soon.  That is interesting. I'm appreciate your help and talking about this. My mother never talked to about it because she got cervical cancer (never got paps) before menopause and had radiation treatments so she never went through regular menopause. I have one friend I can ask some questions about it. But she went through menopause at 38. She is still having hot flashes. So this site is great to have.
mkh9