Overview
It can be very worrying to experience bleeding after sex when there is no obvious reason for it - for example, you are not on your monthly period. You may bleed after a penis, sex toy or finger is put into your vagina.
Known as postcoital bleeding (PCB), this can happen to anyone with a vagina, and can be worrying. The bleeding can range from very light spotting after sex to heavy bleeding, and also vary in colour, from red to pink or a brown discharge.
If you’re having bleeding after sex, especially if it’s accompanied with pain, it's a good idea to see a doctor, so they can explore what might be causing it. If a cause is found, it isn’t likely to be serious, and can usually be easily treated if needed.
It’s rare, but PCB can be a sign of cervical cancer, so it’s important to get checked out if you’re bleeding after sex.
Why am I bleeding after sex?
If you're bleeding after intercourse, or during, you may bleed from your vagina or from the entrance to your womb at the top of your vagina (cervix).
Vaginal bleeding can be linked to injury to the wall of your vagina – this is usually due to vaginal dryness or rough sex. You may also bleed because you have a skin problem on your outer genitals (vulva).
There are a number of causes of bleeding after sex that are linked to your cervix.
It won’t always be clear what’s causing PCB, but let’s look at some of the most common causes.
Cervical ectropion
Cervical ectropion is the most common cause of bleeding after sex in younger people, especially if you’re using the
(the pill) or are pregnant – though it can also happen without any cause. It’s a natural response to any changes in your levels of the hormone oestrogen.It happens when cells that are usually found inside your cervix grow outside of it and are exposed to your vagina. These cells bleed very easily, even if lightly touched. So when anything is put into your vagina during sex, this sensitive area may become irritated and bleed.
Cervical polyps
These are small growths that can develop inside your womb or on the surface of your cervix. As they get bigger, they can stick out of your cervix and, because they have a rich blood supply, they bleed easily if touched or irritated during sex.
Cervical polyps aren’t cancerous and they won’t change into cancer.
Vaginitis and cervicitis
is soreness and swelling (inflammation) of your vagina.It’s often due to
or another type of infection. Thrush is a common yeast infection that can cause symptoms such as and bleeding, as well as itching and discomfort.Other types of infections that can cause you to bleed after sex include
such as , or . These can cause inflammation in your cervix (cervicitis) and also . If you think you're at risk of an STI, see a doctor or visit a sexual health clinic.Vaginal dryness
A number of things can cause a
, including taking the pill, breastfeeding, some or having your womb removed ().Vaginal dryness is also more common after the
, as your levels of the hormone oestrogen are lower, which causes your vaginal fluid (secretions) to decrease.If your vagina is dry and isn’t lubricated during intercourse, the friction caused by penetration can irritate and tear its fragile lining, leading to bleeding after sex.
Rough sex
Rough sex can cause bleeding from the walls of your vagina – especially without enough lubrication. This can happen if sex toys are used too forcefully or if your partner has metal genital piercings, for example.
Bleeding after sex - less common causes
- – a painful condition where the tissue that lines your womb grows outside your womb, which can cause PCB
- – a rare but serious cause of PCB. Regular will reduce your risk
- – in rare cases, abnormal vaginal bleeding can be a sign of cancer of the womb (also called endometrial cancer)
When to see a doctor
If you have very heavy vaginal bleeding, you should call an ambulance or get emergency medical help, especially if:
- it won’t stop
- you’re feeling faint or you do faint
- you have a very fast heart rate
- you have cold, clammy skin
- you have severe tummy pain
- you’re pregnant
You should also see a doctor within a few days if you have any unusual vaginal bleeding, including:
- after sex
- between periods
You should mention any other symptoms, such as pain or vaginal discharge, too.
The doctor will ask about your medical history, if there’s been any recent change in your sexual partners, and what contraception you’re using. They may also check when you last had a cervical screening test and examine you for signs of infection.
If you think the type of hormonal contraceptive you’re using may be causing your bleeding, discuss this with your doctor.
What’s the treatment for bleeding after sex?
The treatment of PCB varies, depending on what’s causing it.
Cervical ectropion
If cervical ectropion needs treating, the usual treatment is cauterisation. This painlessly removes the cells on the outside of your cervix, using either heat, freezing treatment or silver nitrate. After treatment, you should avoid sex for up to 4 weeks.
However, cervical ectropion doesn’t always need treatment, as it often doesn’t cause any problems or symptoms. It isn’t linked to cervical cancer, and often goes away on its own.
Cervical polyps
Small polyps can be removed very simply by twisting them off the cervix, and you won’t need a local anaesthetic. For larger ones, you’ll have a local anaesthetic to numb your cervix, before they’re removed using a heated wire loop.
If polyps aren’t causing symptoms, however, they don’t need any treatment.
Vaginitis
Treatment involves treating the infection that’s causing vaginitis, such as thrush, a bacterial infection or an STI. You may be given
, or antiviral medication.If you have an STI, your partner will also need treating. Having safe sex and using barrier contraception, such as condoms, can help
.Vaginal dryness
Oestrogen is the most effective treatment for vaginal dryness (atrophic vaginitis). It restores your vagina’s natural acid balance (pH) and improves lubrication.
Using vaginal lubricants and moisturisers can also help.
Rough sex
When you have sex, using plenty of lubrication, such as a water or silicone-based vaginal
, will help prevent damage to your vagina. You may also want to avoid penetration that is too forceful or rough.What’s the outlook if you bleed after intercourse?
In many cases of PCB, the bleeding settles down over time and no obvious cause is found. And the majority of cases that do have a cause can be easily and successfully treated.
If cervical cancer is the cause of bleeding after sex, the earlier it’s diagnosed, the better the long-term outcome. Keeping up to date with your
can help prevent cervical cancer.Your health questions answered
I’ve noticed light spotting after sex. Could I be pregnant?
Answered by:Dr Roger HendersonSpotting can be a sign that a fertilised egg has implanted in the lining of your womb. Also called implantation bleeding, it can happen in the first few weeks of pregnancy, and looks like small drops of blood or a brownish discharge from the vagina. A pregnancy test will tell you if you are pregnant – you can use most tests after the first day of a missed period.
I had sex after my period and started bleeding again – is something wrong?
Answered by:Dr Roger HendersonHaving sex just after a period can sometimes cause any remaining blood left in your womb to flow out. Your vagina and cervix can also be a bit dry when you’re very early in your cycle. At this time, your hormone levels may noy be high enough to create enough lubrication, which can cause bleeding. If it happens more than once, get checked by a doctor.
Does deep sex cause bleeding?
Answered by:Dr Roger HendersonIf sex is forceful, or in a position that leads to very deep penetration, it may cause some bleeding, especially if you don’t have enough lubrication. However, you should still discuss any bleeding with a doctor. Remember that deep or rough sex should always be agreed to. If you’re uncomfortable or bleed because of deep sex, try a different position or more gentle sex.
Key takeaways
- bleeding after sex is bleeding from your vagina after something is put into it – it isn’t linked to your periods
- it can be caused by a number of things, most of which aren’t serious and can be easily treated
- in many cases, no obvious cause is found
- you should always speak to a doctor about bleeding after sex
- in rare cases, bleeding after sex is a sign of cervical cancer. Regular cervical screening will help prevent this