Are You Bleeding After Sex? 14 Reasons This Could Be Happening

Vaginal bleeding after sex can happen when you're not menstruating or don't expect to be on your monthly period. It may be called vaginal bleeding, but it also refers to bleeding from other parts of the genital and urinary systems.

This type of bleeding happens most often in women between the ages of 20 and 40. Here's a look at 14 reasons you may be bleeding after sex:

1) Cervical Cancer

Vaginal bleeding after sex could indicate cervical cancer. However, if you've had normal results on routine Pap tests, it's more likely that the bleeding is from another benign condition.

2) Cervical Dysplasia

Cervical dysplasia occurs when the epithelial cells in the cervical lining experience precancerous changes. About.com said that the risk for cervical dysplasia “increases with multiple sexual partners, sex before age 18, childbirth before age 16, or a past history of STDs.”

3) Cervical Ectropion

Cervical ectropion happens when “the inner lining of the cervix protrudes through the cervical opening and grows on the vaginal portion of the cervix,” an article on Mayo Clinic said.

4) Cervical polyps

Columbia University’s Go Ask Alice said that if vaginal bleeding is bright red in color, cervical polyps may be the cause.

5) Vaginitis or Cervicitis

These conditions can result when the vagina or cervix is inflamed, swollen or infected.

6) Vaginal Yeast Infection

A vaginal yeast infection is an overgrowth of the normal fungi that resides in the vaginal area.

7) Pelvic inflammatory Disease

PID may also lead to vaginal bleeding during or after intercourse, wrote EmpowHER.com.

8) Uterine Polyps

Uterine polyps occur when the uterine lining becomes overgrown and protrudes into the uterus.

9) Sexually Transmitted Infections

STIs that can cause bleeding after sex include chlamydia, genital sores, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis.

10) Inadequate Lubrication or Foreplay

Inadequate lubrication or foreplay before penetration can cause bleeding after sex.

11) Friction during Sexual Intercourse

Friction can come from a penis or an object rubbing on the cervix.

12) Irritated and/or Inflamed Vaginal Tissue

Sometimes irritated and/or inflamed vaginal tissue that has experienced excessive or vigorous penetration or vaginal trauma can lead to bleeding after sex.

13) Injury to the Uterine Lining during Intercourse

Injury to the uterine lining during intercourse may leading to this type of bleeding. It is more common with women taking oral contraceptives.

14) Vaginal Atrophy

Vaginal atrophy happens when the vaginal walls become drier, thinner and inflamed due to a decrease in estrogen after menopause.

Diagnosing vaginal bleeding after sex is usually a matter of exclusion. Any time you experience vaginal bleeding after sex, it’s a good idea to see your health care professional to determine the true cause.

Sources:

Cornforth, Tracee. "Top 8 Causes of Vaginal Bleeding After Sex." WomensHealth.About.com. Web. 2 Sept. 2015.
http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/menstruation/a/bleedaftersex.htm

"Reasons for Vaginal Bleeding After Sex." EmpowHER. Web. 2 Sept. 2015.
https://www.empowher.com/sexual-health/content/reasons-vaginal-bleeding-after-sex

"Vaginal Bleeding after Intercourse." Vaginal Bleeding after Intercourse. Web. 2 Sept. 2015.
http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/vaginal-bleeding-after-intercourse

"Vaginal Bleeding after Sex." - Mayo Clinic. Web. 2 Sept. 2015.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/bleeding-after-vaginal-sex/basics/definition/sym-20050716

Reviewed September 8, 2015
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith

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