There can be several reasons that might cause you to bleed after sex, even if your periods are normal. Usually it's nothing to worry about, but if you are worried or the problem persists you should see a GP. I'll explore some of the reasons why vaginal bleed can occur after sex below.
Causes of bleeding after sex
- Bleeding after sex can be symptoms of an STI. You should definitely get tested if you think you may be at risk, bare in mind infections like Chlamydia can be passed orally, too
- Bleeding can also occur due to damage to the vagina caused by rough sex, dryness of the vagina, childbirth, or just general friction. This will usually heal itself if you take care to address the issue
- Bleeding after intercourse can also be a sign of pregnancy
- Inflammation of the cervix, benign tumours in the womb or on the cervix can also cause bleeding
- In rare cases vaginal bleeding can signify cancer of the cervix
Some contraception or hormonal imbalances can cause some bleeding, or spotting as it is often called, between periods, it could be that the bleeding is not a result of having sex. For about 10% of women, spotting is a regular part of their menstrual cycle, often occurring around the time of ovulation. Either way, keep your eye on the issue, and seek further advice if it continues.
