If you have noticed a small amount of blood after sex and you’re sure that time of the month hasn’t arrived early, it’s only natural to feel slightly concerned. However, it’s important to know that bleeding after sex isn’t always a reason to worry. In fact, it’s quite a common occurrence with one study published in the Obstetrics and Gynecology International noting that up to nine percent of sexually active women will experience bleeding after sex at some point in their lives.
And while it may not always be a reason to worry, it can be a sign of an infection or condition, which is why if you are experiencing bleeding after sex, it’s important to check-in and find out more.
In most circumstances, blood after sex might just be a result of vaginal dryness, but it can also be a sign of one of the following:
- Infection
- Cervical or endometrial polyps
- Cervical ectopy
What are the causes of blood after sex?
When you notice postcoital bleeding, there’s usually a simple explanation - such as a small tear in the vaginal walls due to friction during intercourse or the use of a foreign object for penetration [2].
If you have an inkling that neither of the above is the case, here are some of the most common causes of blood after sex:
Infection
There are a handful of infections that can cause the tissues of the vagina to become inflamed which can sometimes result in abnormal bleeding [3].
These infections can include:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- STIs
- Cervicitis
- Vaginitis Vaginitis (this includes bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and yeast infection)
Vaginal dryness
Vaginal dryness is a common issue that many women experience and can sometimes cause postcoital bleeding [4],[5].
Vaginal dryness is common amongst those who are:
- Taking the contraceptive pill
- Experiencing menopause
- Breastfeeding
- Undergoing cancer treatment
Cervical or endometrial polyps
Cervical or endometrial polyps are small non-cancerous growths found on the inside of the uterus or womb [6]. You can have one or many polyps and women of any age can contract them.
Common symptoms include:
- Irregular menstrual bleeding
- Bleeding between menstrual periods
- Excessively heavy menstrual periods
- Vaginal bleeding after menopause
- Infertility
Cervical ectopy
It’s common for women who take oral contraceptives to experience cervical ectopy - a red and often raw looking area located on the surface of the cervix. This is usually a result of having high levels of estrogen in the body [7].
Common symptoms include:
- Unexpected vaginal bleeding during or after sex
- Blood streaked discharge during or after sex
- Spotting during or after sex
Should I get tested?
If you’re experiencing regular postcoital bleeding, it’s important to see your doctor to get a better understanding of what the underlying cause is.
Is bleeding after sex a sign of an STI?
There are a number of reasons you may be bleeding after sex and STIs are a common cause, though they’re not the only cause.
If you’re worried that you may be experiencing postcoital bleeding as a result of contracting an STI, don’t be. Once they’re detected early and identified, the majority of STIs can be treated. Put your mind at ease by taking a test - you can do this by visiting your local doctor or taking a test from home.
You should consider taking an STI test if:
- You’ve become sexually active
- You have had unprotected sex
- You are experiencing symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection
- You are entering into a new sexual relationship
- You have received a notification from a previous partner that they are infected
References
- Cleveland Clinic. Do you bleed after sex? When to see a doctor. Online: Health.clevelandclinic.org, 2017
- Mayo Clinic Staff. Vaginal bleeding after sex. Online: Mayoclinic.org, 2018
- NHS. What causes a woman to bleed after sex? Online: Nhs.uk, 2018
- NHS. Vaginal dryness. Online: Nhs.uk, 2018
- NHS. What causes a woman to bleed after sex? Online: Nhs.uk, 2018
- NHS. What causes a woman to bleed after sex? Online: Nhs.uk, 2018
- NHS. Cervical Ectopy. Online: Mft.nhs.uk, 2018
