Vaginal Bleeding After Sexual Intercourse
Bleeding after sexual intercourse is not common. The blood may originate from the vagina, cervix or uterus. There are many possible causes of vaginal bleeding after sex. However, some of them are more common than others.
Common Causes of Vaginal Bleeding
- Trauma to the vagina is the most common cause of vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse. Bleeding can be caused due to losing of the virginity, breaking of the hymen, vaginal tears, etc. Any sexually active woman may bleed after rough sex. If trauma is the cause of vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse, there is always the possibility of having vaginal bleeding again during the healing process. Any slightest trauma after the first one will damage the granulation tissue, causing it to bleed again. This will normally delay the healing process.
- Vaginitis (infection of the vagina) is the second most common cause of bleeding after sexual intercourse. Vaginitis can be caused by many sexually transmitted infections or not. Chlamydia, Candida or Trichomonas are the most common microorganisms that cause vaginal infections. These microorganisms affect the superficial tissue layer of the vagina, which becomes fragile and even a small friction may cause vaginal bleeding.
- Cervicitis (infection of the cervix) together with vaginitis, are the second most common cause of bleeding after sexual intercourse. Cervicitis and vaginitis are mostly present together and they can be caused from sexually transmitted infections or not. Depending from its cause, treatment with antibiotics or antifungals is necessary.
- Cervical ectropion – a condition when the inner lining of the cervix protrudes into the vagina through the cervical opening.
- Cervical polyps – noncancerous, benign growths on the cervix
- Cervical cancer – bleeding in middle aged women requires an immediate checkup and assessment. This is necessary in order to rule out cervical cancer as vaginal bleeding is the first most common sign of this disease. The risk of getting cervical cancer increases after the age of 35. If detected in early stages this type of cancer is curable, This is the reason that every uncommon vaginal bleeding, and especially vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse in middle aged women should be taken serious and should be evaluated. Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are the main treatment modalities.
- Vascular abnormalities – are a rare cause of vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse. However, the bleeding may be severe in these cases.
- Hematological causes – like hemophilia lead to clotting problems. Poor clotting causes excessive bleeding.
- Incidental causes – there is always a possibility of having menstrual bleeding instead of a pathological bleeding after sexual intercourse. In these cases it is very easy to identify the menstrual bleeding by its consistency and texture.
- Inadequate lubrication or foreplay, etc.
Other Symptoms While Bleeding After Sex
In cases when you have vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse, it is recommended to consult your gynecologist and make a total check- up in order to determine its cause. Please contact your doctor immediately in cases when except vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse you are also having:
- Severe abdominal or pelvic pain
- Excessive bleeding
- Vaginal discharge that is smelly and not in its normal color
- Vaginal bleeding if you are middle – aged
Vaginal Bleeding While Pregnant
While being pregnant, every vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse should be considered seriously and an immediate checkup is necessary. Having a placenta previa or a low – lying placenta may lead to vaginal bleeding during sexual intercourse.