Vaginal Bleeding After Sex: 7 Reasons

Many women complain of vaginal bleeding after sex. Usually, this is considered normal if you are having sex for the first time. However, you might panic and worry if this happens again every time you have sex, right? So, what causes vaginal bleeding after sex? And is this condition dangerous? Read on. 

Vaginal bleeding after sex, is it normal?

Women bleed from the vagina during menstruation, which is considered healthy and normal. In addition, vaginal bleeding is also common when women have sex for the first time.

However, the question is, is vaginal bleeding after sex still considered normal even though you have had sex before? 

Bleeding that occurs only occasionally is actually nothing to worry about. However, if this condition occurs repeatedly, you must immediately determine the cause.

Causes of vaginal bleeding after sex

There are many things that make women experience vaginal bleeding after sex

Here are some of the most common causes. 

1. Vaginal injury

The first possibility that triggers bleeding from the vagina is an injury to it.

This injury can be caused by a variety of things, ranging from a lack of lubrication before sex or sex that is too rough.

In a hurry to start having sex, but not warming up enough (without foreplay), can also cause vaginal bleeding after sex. 

2. Vagina is too dry

Blood can also come out during or after sex because the vagina is too dry. This condition is known as vaginal atrophy. Vaginal atrophy is a common condition found in some women.

Usually, this condition is associated with menopause, breastfeeding, or recently having undergone hysterectomy or surgical removal of the uterus.

3. Use of contraceptives

There are several types of contraceptives – such as progestin-only pills or other progestin-based contraceptives-  that can cause the vagina to become dry more easily so that bleeding is prone to occur. One of the most common side effects of progestin-containing contraceptives is vaginal dryness.

4. Inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis)

Another trigger for sudden bleeding from the vagina during or after sex is inflammation of the cervix, aka cervicitis.

This condition can be caused by various things, ranging from sexually transmitted diseases, bacterial overgrowth, and even allergic reactions.

Cervicitis is also accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain when urinating, excessive vaginal discharge (leucorrhoea), and pain during sex.

5. Sexually transmitted diseases

In addition, vaginal bleeding after sex can also be caused by an infection or sexually transmitted disease in the female reproductive organs. Some sexually transmitted diseases cause inflammation and abnormal bleeding in the vagina.

Sexually transmitted diseases that are at risk of triggering vaginal bleeding after sex are chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis.

6. Cervical polyps or fibroids

The growth of polyps or fibroids in the cervix or uterus can trigger vaginal bleeding after sex. Usually, fibroids or benign tumors can arise from hormonal changes but can also occur without an obvious cause.

7. Cancer

Blood that comes out suddenly during sex may also be related to cancer. According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 11% of women with cervical cancer report bleeding after sex.

How to prevent bleeding after sex

After knowing what conditions can trigger vaginal bleeding after sex, you can now take steps to prevent it.

Here are various ways to prevent vaginal bleeding during and after sex:

1. Drink lots of water

Dehydration not only causes dry and pale lips, but also causes vaginal dryness 

When your body is dehydrated, the labia majora, labia minora, and the rest of the vagina will also become dry. This may lead to painful intercourse and bleeding. 

Therefore, always make sure your body is well hydrated by drinking more water at least 8 glasses per day.

2. Use lubricants during penetrative sex

Basically, the vagina can produce lubricating fluid naturally by itself. However, there are many conditions that prevent this fluid from being produced in sufficient quantities, such as menopause. 

If this is what you experience, you should use additional lubricant before sex.

But remember, do not carelessly use sex lubricants.

We recommend using a water-based or silicone-based lubricant to help prevent vaginal bleeding after sex.

3. Use a condom

Sometimes, the vagina is also prone to bleeding if you have sex without using a condom.

Friction between the penis and vagina may often cause sores and infections in the vagina, resulting in blood after sex.

Therefore, it never hurts to put on a condom first before having sex.

To make sex more pleasurable, don’t forget to apply lubricant along the surface of the condom. Again, pay attention to the type of sex lubricant you choose. Avoid using oil-based lubricants because they can damage latex condoms.

Choose a water or silicone-based lubricant with ingredients that are safer for your vagina.

4. Talk to your partner

Don’t be shy about talking about sex with your partner.

It’s possible that both of you weren’t warming up, sex was too fast, or you were in uncomfortable sex positions that caused your vagina to bleed.

Try to have a heart-to-heart talk with your partner.

Discuss how long you want to warm up or do foreplay, what sex positions you like and feel comfortable in, and which body parts you want and don’t want to be touched.

By understanding each other’s needs and desires, activities in bed can be more enjoyable and passionate.

The more you are made comfortable by your partner, the risk of vaginal bleeding after sex can be prevented as early as possible.

5. Consult a doctor

If vaginal bleeding after sex may be caused by certain diseases, you should immediately consult a doctor.

The doctor will first determine the probable cause, whether due to infection, polyps, fibroids, or endometriosis, which is common in women.

If an infection is found, the doctor will usually prescribe antibiotics.

However, if it is caused by polyps, fibroids, or endometriosis, the doctor will usually recommend a surgical procedure. This aims to remove excess tissue or abnormalities that cause vaginal bleeding after sex.

When should you see a doctor?

Basically, any bleeding that is out of the ordinary should immediately be checked by a doctor. This does not mean that there is a very serious problem with your body. However, it is better to have your doctor determine the cause and address the condition. 

As mentioned earlier, if you bleed after every sexual encounter and there is a possibility of it being caused by disease, do not delay seeing your doctor.

During the examination, the doctor may ask about your medical history as well other concerns:

• The occurrence of other unusual bleeding
• Menstruation with heavy bleeding
• Irregular menstrual cycle
• Unusual pain unrelated to bleeding
• Change of sexual partner
• Changes in vaginal discharge
• The last time you had a pap smear test

In addition, the doctor will perform a physical examination to check for signs of infection.

If the results of the examination do not indicate a problem but you still experience vaginal bleeding after sex, your doctor may recommend that you do a cervical or endometrial biopsy.

Cervical biopsy is intended so that doctors can find out if there are other conditions that are not detected by a regular physical examination and pap smear.

This article was first published on Hello Sehat.