Have you ever gone to the bathroom after sex, or looked at your fresh white sheets and noticed some blood? Seeing blood after sex can be worrying, especially if you’re not on your period. Is it something to worry about?
Known as “transcavitary bleeding,” bleeding after sex can be caused by a multitude of reasons. And while most of the time it’s nothing to worry about, it’s something to watch out for.
Postpartum bleeding is not associated with your period and is usually not painful. If you have pain during or after sex, you may have another condition such as vaginosis or low estrogen levels.
We look at the causes of bleeding after sex and when you should seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Pelvic inflammatory disease or STD
Inflammation of the cervix, called cervicitis, can cause bleeding after sex. An inflammation of the cervix can be due to an infection or an STD such as chlamydia, gonorrhea or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
If you experience an odor, itching, pain, or burning sensation, contact your doctor immediately for an STD test.
Vaginal dryness and tearing
If you have just had rough, deep or prolonged sex, you may notice blood. This is because you have probably experienced a small tear in the walls of the vagina. This can be due to lack of lubrication, but it can also be due to long nails (so make sure your partner trims and protects you!).
If you have suffered a vaginal tear, the bleeding is usually short and the blood is bright red.
When a woman is in perimenopause, the years leading up to menopause, estrogen levels begin to drop rapidly. This causes atrophy and vaginal dryness, leading to a greater chance of bleeding after sex.
It is recommended that you always use lube – regardless of your age – during sex, as it reduces your chances of tearing and dryness and makes sex feel better in general. Use a water-based lube when using a silicone condom or sex toy, or a silicone-based lube if you’re looking for long-lasting lubrication.
For one postmenopausal womana doctor may prescribe an estrogen cream as the vaginal lining is thin and prone to inflammation, bleeding and severe pain during sex.
Other reasons for vaginal dryness include breastfeeding, allergies, antidepressants, perimenopause, cancer treatment, excessive bathing, and stress.
IUD
After with your IUD placement, you may notice light bleeding. Some people have even reported experiencing bleeding above the a a few months after admission as the body adapts. Sex can irritate or shake the IUD which can also lead to bleeding.
If you’ve noticed any changes with your IUD – pain or discomfort for your partner – see your doctor to make sure the IUD hasn’t been removed.
Benign Increases
Usually one to two centimeters in size, polyps of the cervix, are non-cancerous and benign growths on the cervix. During intercourse, polyps may bleed. A doctor can remove them during a polypectomy during your period annual Pap test.
Vigorous exercise or activity — such as sex — can cyst rupture, where you may need surgery, but often, the cyst goes away on its own.
Another development is uterine fibroids, which can grow as large as a melon, and put pressure on the uterus. You will usually feel pain during sex if you have a fibroid, and many women do bleeding after sex if they have fibroids.
Cervical erosion
Although scary sound, erosion of the neck, or cervical ectropion, is common and harmless. It is not associated with any type of cancer and occurs when cells from the inside of the cervical canal grow on the outside of the cervix.
Effects from anywhere 17% to 50% of peoplecervical erosion can be something you are born with or it can happen because your body has been exposed to estrogen.
Anywhere from 5% to 25% of women with cervical erosion experience bleeding after intercourse because the tiny blood vessels in the inner lining of the vagina tear too easily during sex.
People on birth control pills, pregnant women or teenagers have higher estrogen levels and usually experience this condition.
Cancer
Although rare, bleeding after sex can be a sign of cervical cancer kills about 4,000 women in the United States each year. If you have cervical cancerthe blood is usually foul-smelling and pink or brown.
Other symptoms of cervical cancer include bleeding between periods, longer periods than normal, watery discharge that has a strong odor, and pain during sex.
Make sure you see a health care provider for your annual Pap test to check for cervical cancer and Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
How to test and treat bleeding after sex
Usually, your doctor will run a few tests to rule out certain concerns. A pregnancy test is usually performed as well as a pelvic exam. Additionally, a doctor may insert a speculum to examine the cervix.
If the bleeding is due to vaginal dryness, a doctor will recommend a lubricant.
How to talk to your partner about bleeding after sex
Talking to your sexual partner is key to connecting and making sure you’re not alone in finding out what might be wrong. Here are some tips when discussing bleeding after sex.
- Talk to your partner about possible complications.
- Experiment with different sex positions and discuss what feels good with your partner.
- Encourage play before contact to warm up the body. Make sure you have enough lubrication and make sure your partner understands that inserting lube can create painless, bloodless sex.
,In addition to talking to your partner, see your doctor to rule out any serious health complications that could lead to bleeding after sex. Keep track of when you bleed, how much you bleed and how often, and let your doctor know when you go for your visit. They will help rule out any long-term problems and ensure you have a healthier sex life.
While we wouldn’t say it’s “normal,” bleeding after sex is usually not a life-threatening condition. At the end of the day, only a professional can help you take the steps to reduce the crimson tide after sex.
