What Causes Bleeding After Sex?

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT on November 15, 2017 — Written by Susan York Morris
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Overview
Many women experience vaginal bleeding after sex at one time or another. In fact, up to 63 percent of postmenopausal women experience vaginal dryness and vaginal bleeding or spotting during sex. Additionally, up to 9 percent of menstruating women experience postcoital bleeding.

Occasional light bleeding is usually not a cause for concern. If you have certain risk factors or have gone through menopause, bleeding after intercourse warrants a visit to the doctor.


Causes of bleeding after sex
Bleeding after sex is medically known as postcoital bleeding. It occurs in women of all ages. In younger women who haven’t reached menopause, the source of the bleeding is usually the cervix. In women who have gone through menopause, the source of the bleeding is more varied. It can be from the:

cervix
uterus
labia
urethra
In terms of causes, cervical cancer is the greatest concern. This is especially true for postmenopausal women. However, postcoital bleeding is more likely to be caused by a common condition.

Infections
Some infections can cause inflammation of the tissues in the vagina, which may lead to bleeding. These include:

pelvic inflammatory disease
sexually transmitted disease (STD)
cervicitis
vaginitis
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)
GSM was formerly known as vaginal atrophy. The condition is common in women in perimenopause and menopause, and those who’ve had their ovaries removed. As you get older, especially when your menstrual periods stop, your body produces less estrogen. Estrogen is the female hormone responsible for regulating your reproductive system.

When your estrogen levels are lower, several things happen to your vagina. Your body produces less vaginal lubrication, so your vagina can become dry and inflamed. Lower estrogen levels also reduce the elasticity of your vagina. Vaginal tissues become thinner and shrink. This can lead to discomfort, pain, and bleeding during sex.

Vaginal dryness
Vaginal dryness can lead to bleeding. In addition to GSM, vaginal dryness can be caused by many other factors, such as:

breastfeeding
childbirth
having your ovaries removed
certain medications, including cold medicine, asthma medications, some antidepressants, and anti-estrogen drugs
chemotherapy and radiation therapy
having intercourse before you are fully aroused
douching
chemicals in feminine hygiene products, laundry detergents, and pools
Sjögren’s syndrome, an inflammatory disease of the immune system that reduces moisture generated by glands in the body
Learn more: Postpartum vaginal dryness »

Polyps
Polyps are noncancerous growths. They’re sometimes found on the cervix or in the endometrial lining of the uterus. A polyp dangles like a round pendant on a chain. Polyp movement can irritate the surrounding tissue and cause bleeding from small blood vessels.

Vaginal tearing
Sex, especially vigorous sex, can cause small cuts or scrapes to the vagina. This is more likely to happen if you have vaginal dryness due to menopause, breastfeeding, or other factors.

Cancer
Irregular vaginal bleeding, including bleeding after sex, is a common symptom of cervical or vaginal cancer. In fact, it was the symptom for which 11 percent of women diagnosed with cervical cancer first sought treatment. Postmenopausal bleeding can also be a symptom of uterine cancer.

Are you at greater risk of bleeding after sex?
You may be at greater risk of postcoital bleeding if you:

have cervical or uterine cancer
are in perimenopause, menopause, or are postmenopausal
recently had a baby or are breastfeeding
have sex with multiple partners without using condoms
aren’t fully aroused before intercourse
douche frequently

Toh. That guy who made a post about his "prayer warrior" gf bleeding after sex, let him come and read this.

I saw a thread earlier on of a man complaining about his girlfriend having postcoital bleeding. The response from readers were terrifying. Most persons alluded the strange occurrence to spiritual issues but I have met someone who has issues like this and it is not spiritual.
I decided to paste this here to help us get a clear orientation about this issues and point our minds in the proper direction.
For more information on this, you can google postcoital bleeding.

Moderators, lalasticlala.dominique, myndd44. Pls kindly push to front Page

kennygee:
Toh. That guy who made a post about his "prayer warrior" gf bleeding after sex, let him come and read this.

I don't think he ever mentioned he saw the droplets of blood on the bed, unless they bleep on the floor..

He should still come read shaa