Bleeding after vaginal sex

You can experience bleeding after vaginal sex, with light or heavy blood loss. This is different from blood loss during menstruation. It can be caused by an infection, vaginal dryness, tearing (from vigorous sexual activity) or an underlying disease.

You can avoid getting this condition by practicing safe sex and using lubricants. Vaginal bleeding without an identifiable cause can indicate a serious underlying condition, and you should see your health care provider as soon as possible.

Some of the causes of bleeding from the vagina after sex include:

• Infections that are transmitted through sex, like chlamydia or pelvic inflammatory disease, can cause bleeding. A lot of pain and discomfort can accompany an infection. You may also have fever and stomach disturbances. If left untreated, infections can cause complications such as infertility.
• Your vagina usually is a wet environment, and it becomes dry if you are breastfeeding or stop menstruating (menopause). When you have sex, it will be painful and can lead to vaginal bleeding.
• If you do not lubricate sufficiently during sex or have experienced a rough or traumatic sex episode, you can have painful skin tears in your vagina. You should get professional care immediately when this happens, especially if it is from trauma, like a rape incident. Getting access to preventive services (like emergency contraception and counselling) and evidence collection is critical in the first few hours after rape.
• If you experience frequent bleeding with a heavy flow when you have sex, this can point to an underlying disease. This can be an early sign of cancer.

You should seek medical attention from your healthcare provider if you experience these symptoms;

• Bleeding every time you have sex.
• Regular painful sexual intercourse.
• Recurring lower stomach pains.
• Frequent spots of blood outside of your menstruation days and without having sexual intercourse.
• Heavy blood flows during and after sex.

For menstruating women who begin to have sexual intercourse, light bleeding is common after the first few times.

To prevent bleeding after sex, you should:

• Practice safe sex and use condoms correctly.
• Use water-based lubricants.
• Take more time for foreplay before penetrative sex.
• Choose safe oral sex or mutual masturbation over penetrative sex.
• Wait for a few days after your period before you begin having sex again.
• Have a conversation with your partner about the pace or force of your sexual intercourse. Reducing this may help both of you maintain a mutually satisfactory sex life.

Self-care:

Bleeding after vaginal sex can be treated. Your healthcare provider may ask that you get examined or get some tests. Some things you can do at home include:

• Practice safe sex.
• Practice kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic area. Start by trying to pee. When the urine starts to flow, squeeze the muscles to hold it in. You should feel the muscles lift. Now, relax the muscle and do it again. Repeat this a few times in the morning and evening every day. Don’t do this every time you pee in the day, only do it once in the morning and at night.
• Avoid using hormone-containing medicines or products that your healthcare provider does not prescribe.
• If you experience insufficient lubrication (vaginal dryness), use a lubricant. You should use water-based lubricants if you are using condoms.
• Eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of clean water.
• Keep physically active by exercising.

Medical treatment:

• Depending on the cause of your condition, your healthcare provider will recommend some medicines or procedures for you. They may ask that you continue to monitor and come back at a later date.
• With long-term conditions like cancer, your healthcare provider may refer you for special care.
• In older women, your healthcare provider may recommend hormone-containing medicines and lubricants to improve your comfort during sex.

Vaginal bleeding after sex often resolves within a few days, but if it persists, be sure to see your healthcare provider. Providing detailed health and sexual activity history can help your healthcare provider reach a diagnosis quickly. Remember that your healthcare provider is not there to judge you but to help improve your health. If you begin to experience new symptoms after starting your treatment, be sure to inform your healthcare provider.