Bleeding after sex is somewhat common, affecting up to 9% of women. But while this phenomenon might be nothing to be concerned about, other times it can indicate an underlying medical problem requiring diagnostic testing and/or treatment.
See our board-certified OB/GYN Daniel Esteves, MD, and our staff at his private practice in Lawrenceville and Loganville, Georgia, if you’re concerned about postcoital bleeding.
The following are reasons some women experience bleeding after sex:
It’s common to bleed during your first sexual encounter, especially if your hymen (small flap of vaginal skin) is still intact. But if it’s not your first time and you notice new or large amounts of blood, check in with Dr. Esteves.
Having a dry vagina during sex can lead to friction and bleeding. Vaginal dryness can be caused by hormone fluctuations linked to menopause, some medications, douching, or a hysterectomy. Use lubrication to solve this problem or see Dr. Esteves to see if you’re a candidate for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to reduce vaginal dryness.
If you’re menstruating (or close to your cycle), bleeding may appear during or after sex. If you notice the bleeding right before, during, or after your cycle, it could be linked to menstruation itself and not a cause for concern.
Cervicitis is cervical inflammation caused by irritation or an infection. Possible reasons for cervicitis include having a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like gonorrhea, chlamydia, or trichomoniasis; other types of infections; an imbalance of vaginal bacteria (vaginosis); or chemical irritation caused by latex condoms, douching, or spermicides.
Approximately 11% of women with cervical cancer experience bleeding after sex. This type of cancer can be detected in its early phase by undergoing routine Pap smears and human papillomavirus (HPV) screening. Early detection and treatment prevents this type of cancer from spreading.
Cells that line the inside of the cervical canal in women sometimes expand into the outer part of the cervix, causing a condition called cervical ectropion.
While typically not a cause for concern, it can be treated using cold or heat therapy if you experience excessive bleeding, large amounts of vaginal discharge, or pain during sex that interferes with your quality of life (including your sex life).
Uterine prolapse is a condition in which the uterus moves outside of its normal alignment. Severe cases can lead to bleeding after sex. Dr. Esteves may recommend treating uterine prolapse to reduce bleeding or other symptoms and avoid complications.
Cervical polyps and fibroids are tiny growths that sometimes develop in the lining of the uterus or cervix. These growths might appear because of hormonal changes or chronic inflammation. Most are benign, causing minor or no symptoms and don’t require treatment.
Removing the polyps allows Dr. Esteves to test for cancerous tissues and it may eliminate any bleeding, spotting, or cramping.
See Dr. Esteves for an evaluation anytime you have abnormal bleeding after sex, whether it’s a few drops of blood or a larger amount, especially if you have pain during or after sex.
Other reasons to see him include symptoms like vaginal burning or itching, abnormal discharge, abdominal pain, genital bumps or sores, and bladder or bowel problems in addition to post-sex bleeding.
While not always a cause for concern, some reasons for postcoital bleeding require treatment to avoid complications. Dr. Esteves may complete an ultrasound, blood tests, a biopsy or swab, or additional diagnostic tests to screen for the underlying cause of any postcoital bleeding.
Visit with Dr. Daniel Esteves if you experience new, unusual, or concerning bleeding after sex. Contact us today by phone or schedule an appointment online.
