Bleeding After Intercourse: From Causes To Diagnosis; All About The Distressing Condition

Sexual experiences can vary from person to person but a condition like bleeding after intercourse can be distressing. It's common for an individual to experience some kind of pain, especially during their first intercourse, however, if it isn't your first, the discomfort or condition like bleeding shouldn't be ignored. At HerZindagi, we have been bringing you expert inputs on various health issues women face in their daily lives, and this time, we thought of taking you through this common health condition a lot of women undergo but often end up ignoring. 

We spoke to Dr Monika Choudhary, Senior Consultant - Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Motherhood Hospital, Gurgaon, and asked her about the condition. She said, “Bleeding after sex, medically known as postcoital bleeding may not always indicate a serious problem. However, it's crucial to address this issue promptly and seek guidance from a healthcare professional, preferably a gynaecologist, to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.”

Further, we spoke of the potential causes of bleeding after sex to the health expert. 

Causes Of Bleeding After Sex

“Firstly, it's essential to recognise that bleeding after sex can have various causes, ranging from benign to more concerning issues,” the expert suggested.

Vaginal Dryness 

Insufficient lubrication during intercourse can lead to irritation and small tears in the vaginal walls, resulting in bleeding. Some infections, such as yeast infections or Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) like chlamydia or gonorrhea lead to inflammation and bleeding of the cervix or vaginal tissues. (signs, remedies for vaginal dryness)

Cervical Ectropion

It is a condition where the cells from the inside of the cervix reach the outer surface. Due to this condition, the cervix is more prone to bleeding, particularly during intercourse. While the condition is usually benign and may not require treatment, it is best to have it evaluated by a gynaecologist to rule out other underlying issues.

Cervical Polyps Or Cervical Cancer 

In some cases, bleeding after sex can be a symptom of a serious condition, such as cervical polyps or cervical cancer. While it is less common for the symptom to suggest a condition like cancer, prompt medical attention can help understand any underlying health concern that needs to be addressed.

Tests To Undertake If You Are Bleeding After Intercourse 

“As gynaecologists, we evaluate the patient experiencing bleeding after sex on several factors to understand the cause and appropriate course of action. Some considerations are checking their medical history, including sexual history and any associated symptoms. This helps understand any potential risk factors or underlying conditions.”

Pelvic Examination

A pelvic examination helps in assessing the cervix, vagina, and surrounding tissues for any abnormalities or signs of infection.

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Additional Tests 

Based on the findings in the medical history and pelvic exam, a pap smear is done to screen for cervical cancer. Imaging studies like ultrasound help evaluate the pelvic organs further. 

These tests help identify the underlying cause of the bleeding. Accordingly, a personalised treatment plan can be tailored to the individual's needs.

Treatment For Bleeding After Sex 

Treatment for bleeding after sex depends on the underlying cause. 

Vaginal Dryness 

If this is the reason behind bleeding after intercourse, the usage of lubricants during intercourse is recommended to alleviate discomfort and reduce the risk of further irritation and bleeding. 

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Infection

In cases of infection, antibiotics or antifungal medications are prescribed to treat the underlying infection and alleviate symptoms.

Cervical Polyps or Uterine Fibroids

In a more serious case like fibroids or cervical polyps, treatment options may include medication to manage symptoms or surgical intervention to remove the growths. “For individuals diagnosed with cervical or endometrial cancer, comprehensive treatment plans, including surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, may be recommended based on the stage and severity of the disease,” the expert concluded. (Difference between sex and intimacy)

Bleeding after sex can be alarming. Do seek guidance from a gynaecologist for proper evaluation and diagnosis. If you have any questions related to bleeding after intercourse, write to us on our social media handles and we will get your queries answered by our expert. For more such stories, stay tuned!