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Reasons for Vaginal Bleeding After Sex

By HERWriter
 
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It can be alarming to finish having sex and find you are bleeding. Seeing blood after intercourse refers to having vaginal bleeding during or just after sexual intercourse when you're not menstruating. This type of bleeding happens most often in women between the ages of 20 and 40. Vaginal bleeding after sex is not something to take lightly. There is a laundry list of possible causes. Here’s a rundown of some of the reasons for vaginal bleeding after sex.

A woman’s cervix, the narrow, lower end of the uterus, is usually the source of bleeding brought on by vaginal sex. This can be particularly true before menopause. If the cells of your cervix become inflamed or otherwise abnormal, sexual intercourse can cause enough friction to cause bleeding.

A woman may have suffered injuries to the vaginal wall or opening to the vagina during intercourse. Sometimes oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy can lead to bleeding after sex. Lowered estrogen levels in perimenopausal or postmenopausal women may cause the lining of the vagina to become thinned and easily inflamed or infected. These changes can be tied in with vaginal bleeding after intercourse.

Bleeding after vaginal sex may be an initial indication of endometrial or cervical cancer. However, more than likely, the cause is due to another condition. Sometimes the cause cannot be determined, but it's very important to be diagnosed by a physician to rule out cancer or any other diseases. Bleeding after vaginal sex is not normal, but in most cases, it's the result of harmless, treatable cervical changes, not cancer.

Sexually transmitted diseases or infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia can be a cause of vaginal bleeding after intercourse. Inflammation or swelling and infection of the vagina or cervix such as vaginitis or cervicitis can also bring about after-sex bleeding.

Another possible cause for bleeding after vaginal sex may be pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Uterine fibroid tumors or polyps on the cervix or vaginal wall may also lead to vaginal bleeding during or after intercourse. Women with uterine polyps are known to experience vaginal bleeding after sex. Keep in mind these tumors are usually benign and rarely malignant.

Anytime you experience bleeding during or after vaginal sex when you are not menstruating, it's important to visit your doctor or health care provider to determine the cause. Getting an accurate diagnosis is critical. Even if the bleeding is due to something minor, it’s most likely treatable and better for your peace of mind.

Sources:
About.com Health’s Disease and Condition
MayoClinic.com
WebMD.com
MedicineNet.com

Add a Comment34 Comments

EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

hi,
i had sex with my bf 2 years back. after that i didn't had sex. is there any chances to bleed again..

February 12, 2017 - 11:25am
Guide (reply to Anonymous)

Hello Anonymous,

Cannot predict. What caused you to bleed after sex before? Avoid repeating that, and you should be okay.

Regards,
Maryann

February 13, 2017 - 10:00am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Hlo mam i m 21years old i have sex with my bf 10or15times but this time i had bleeding very much during sex my period dates not comes so why bleeding.

January 30, 2017 - 12:45am
Guide (reply to Anonymous)

Hello Anonymous,

Did you read this article? Do any of the mentioned possible causes apply to you?

Regards,
Maryann

January 30, 2017 - 10:03am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Hi I recently got in a new relationship and we had sex the first time I bled a little after sex but my period had ended. Then we decided to wait another week and had sex but I still bled its now every time we have sex, I have already been tested for STD's and everything was negative. I am just concerned because this has never happened to me before.

Please help give some direction and if I should get a GYN appointment

August 26, 2016 - 6:16pm
Guide (reply to Anonymous)

Hello Anonymous,

Since you are bleeding after each time you have sex, it would be a good idea to see a gynecologist. Inadequate lubrication, heavy thrusting and a resulting irritation may be the cause of the bleeding.

Regards,
Maryann

August 29, 2016 - 8:51am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Im a ea year old, in a same sex relationship. Ive started to bleed during sex lately. Ive been on Petogen or Depo Proveria injection for the last 7 years, so it cant be a normal period. 32 y

July 18, 2016 - 3:36am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I have also faceing the same problem ... What should I do now... The bleeding level is high... I have changed 20 PEDs .. What should I do now..

July 16, 2016 - 2:45am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Um...me and my husband had sex a day ago and after sex, I spotted a little on the times of going to the bathroom. Now I been checked for cancer and all other things "down there" and I came up healthy and clean...so why did I bleed this time??

July 13, 2016 - 9:00pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I have recently had sex with my bf and we have been doing it a lot this past weeks and today for the first time i started bleeding is it a bad sign? Im realy scared.. When i bleed it's not alot but im just spotting

March 27, 2016 - 8:19pm
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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

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