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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
Well my boyfriend and I just had sex (not the first time) and no different positions, basically nothing out of the ordinary. And as I was cleaning up there was about as much blood as a period. Now, my period always comes on the dates between the 4th-7th of every month. And the only way that has changed is if I went on a new form of birth control which I haven't lately. Is there any other symptoms that it could mean something else mentioned?
March 24, 2016 - 12:28pmThis Comment
Is it normal to bleed while having sex because unconsciously you did not know that you're bleeding. It's like my first time having sex and i just ended my period. It was more than just spotting and it was accompanied with abdomenal cramps. Is it normal? do i have something to worry about?
March 10, 2016 - 9:30pmThis Comment
Hello anonymouse. Is it normal for a under age of 18, to bleed after every intercourse?
March 9, 2016 - 7:59pmThis Comment
My self deep dated 18.2.2016 I have sex first time with my bf and after sex continue bleeding yet.
February 24, 2016 - 9:36ammy age 30 year old plz guide me
This Comment
Hello Anonymous,
Do any of the reasons mentioned in this article apply to you?
Was the bleeding light, more like spotting? If so, because this was the first time you had intercourse, your hymen was ruptured. The hymen is a thin, porous membrane that surrounds the opening of the vagina. This is normal and nothing to be alarmed about.
However, if you are having mild to heavier bleeding, please contact your gynecologist, who can do a physical exam and determine the cause.
Regards,
February 24, 2016 - 9:58amMaryann
This Comment
But after sex continue bleeding yet
February 25, 2016 - 5:32amThis Comment
Hello Anonymous,
Having sexual intercourse will not stop your menstrual flow.
However, if the bleeding is continuing beyond the number of days that your period normally lasts, then you need to contact your gynecologist.
Maryann
February 25, 2016 - 9:34amThis Comment
It's normal mem
February 24, 2016 - 10:26amThis Comment
Hi Anonymous,
Since it is your normal menstruation, you have nothing to worry about.
Maryann
February 24, 2016 - 10:34amThis Comment
Hi susan
After my period while having sex with my bf i was bleeding and it stopped am worried about that is that normal
I guess only u can help mi ...
Ovi
February 22, 2016 - 7:47amThis Comment