Bleeding after sex - why is it happening and what can I do?

Worried about light spotting or heavy bleeding after you have sex? Vaginal dryness or polyps are possible causes so find out more about what can help you.


Overview {#overview}

Why am I bleeding after sex? {#causes}

When to see a doctor {#when-to-see-a-doctor}

What’s the treatment for bleeding after sex? {#treatment}

What’s the outlook if you bleed after intercourse? {#outlook}

Key takeaways {#takeaways}

## Overview {#overview}
It can be a bit worrying to notice bleeding after sex when there's no obvious reason for it, including if you're not on your monthly period. 

But there's lots of reasons why this might happen - you may bleed after a penis, a sex toy or finger is put into your vagina. This is known as postcoital bleeding (PCB) and it can happen to anyone with a vagina.

The bleeding can range from very light spotting after sex to heavy bleeding, and it may also vary in colour, from red to pink or a brown discharge. 

If you’ve noticed bleeding after sex, book an appointment with a doctor when you can, especially if you've also got pain.

Try not to worry about it though, if a cause is found, it isn’t likely to be serious, and often, it can be easily treated, if needed.


## Why am I bleeding after sex? {#causes}
If you're bleeding after intercourse, the blood is going to come from your vagina or from the entrance to your womb at the top of your vagina (your cervix). 

The bleeding could be because of:

- an injury to the wall of your vagina – this is usually due to [vaginal dryness](/health-library/symptoms/dry-vagina) or rough sex
- a skin problem on your outer genitals (vulva)

When it comes to your cervix, there are a number of causes of bleeding after sex. Below we look at the most common of them.

### Cervical ectropion

Cervical ectropion is one of the most likely causes of bleeding after sex in younger people, especially if you’re using the [combined oral contraceptive pill](https://www.livehealthily.com/contraception/combined-pill) (the pill) or if you're pregnant – though it can also happen without any cause. It's your body's natural response to any changes in levels of the hormone estrogen.

Cervical ectropion 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, bleed easily if touched or irritated during sex. 

Don't panic though, cervical polyps aren’t cancerous and they won’t develop into cancer either.

### Vaginitis and cervicitis

[Vaginitis](https://www.livehealthily.com/womens-sexual-problems/vaginitis) is soreness and swelling (inflammation) of your vagina. 

It’s often due to [thrush (candidiasis)](https://www.livehealthily.com/thrush) or another type of infection. Thrush is a common yeast infection that can cause symptoms such as:

- [vaginal discharge](https://www.livehealthily.com/womens-sexual-health/abnormal-vaginal-discharge)
- bleeding
- itching and discomfort

Other types of infections that can cause you to bleed after sex include [sexually transmitted infections (STIs)](https://www.livehealthily.com/sexually-transmitted-infections/summary) such as [chlamydia](https://www.livehealthily.com/chlamydia), [gonorrhoea](https://www.livehealthily.com/sexually-transmitted-infections/gonorrhoea) or [trichomoniasis](https://www.livehealthily.com/womens-sexual-problems/trichomonas-vaginalis). These can cause inflammation in your cervix (cervicitis) and in some cases may lead to [pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)](https://www.livehealthily.com/sexually-transmitted-infections/pelvic-inflammatory-disease). 

If you think you might be at risk of an STI, book an appointment with a doctor or visit a sexual health clinic to get the help you need.

### Vaginal dryness

A number of things can cause a [dry vagina](https://www.livehealthily.com/womens-sexual-problems/dry-vagina), including taking the pill, breastfeeding, some [cancer treatments](https://www.livehealthily.com/cancer-treatment/summary) or having your womb removed ([hysterectomy](https://www.livehealthily.com/surgical-procedures/hysterectomy)). 

Vaginal dryness is also more common after the [menopause](https://www.livehealthily.com/menopause/summary), as your levels of the hormone estrogen are lower, which means you have less vaginal fluid to keep it moist.

If your vagina is dry and isn’t lubricated during intercourse, the friction caused by penetration can irritate and tear its fragile lining, which may lead to bleeding after sex. 

### Rough sex

Rough sex can cause bleeding from the walls of your vagina too – 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](//images.ctfassets.net/iqo3fk8od6t9/48xmbqjJSvwbnQfDcP1PAD/5e519c9a0c0064a061b5118927871c37/Sex__1_.jpg)

### Bleeding after sex - less common causes 
Other conditions can also be the cause of bleeding after sex, such as:

- [endometriosis](https://www.livehealthily.com/womens-sexual-problems/endometriosis) – a painful condition where the tissue that lines your womb grows outside your womb, which can cause PCB. Find out more about the [symptoms](/health-library/conditions/endometriosis/#what-are-the-signs-and-symptoms-of-endometriosis) of this condition and [where to go for support](/health-library/conditions/endometriosis/#self-care-and-natural-treatments-for-endometriosis)
- [cervical cancer](https://www.livehealthily.com/cervical-cancer) – a rare but serious cause of PCB. Regular [pap smears](https://www.livehealthily.com/cervical-cancer/cervical-screening-test) will help reduce your risk of this, but if you're worried, see a doctor as soon as you can. Find out [how to get support if you're diagnosed with cervical cancer](/sexual-health/is-bleeding-during-sex-normal/#when-to-see-a-doctor)
- [womb cancer](https://www.livehealthily.com/cancer-of-uterus) – in rare cases, abnormal vaginal bleeding can be a sign of cancer of the womb (also called endometrial cancer)



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## When to see a doctor {#when-to-see-a-doctor}
Most causes of bleeding after sex are nothing to worry about, but you should see a doctor within a few days just to be safe, especially if you have bleeding:

- after sex
- between periods
- [during pregnancy](https://www.livehealthily.com/pregnancy-problems/vaginal-bleeding-while-pregnant)
- [after the menopause](https://www.livehealthily.com/menopause/postmenopausal-bleeding-or-spotting)

Don't forget to mention any other symptoms you're having at your appointment, such as pain or vaginal discharge, too.

Your doctor will ask about your medical history, if there’s been any recent change in your sexual partners, and what contraception you’re using - if you think the bleeding is being caused by this, make sure to bring it up with them. Your doctor may also check when you last had a pap smear, and they may examine you for signs of infection.

Get emergency medical help if you have heavy vaginal bleeding, 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


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## What’s the treatment for bleeding after sex? {#treatment}
The treatment for PCB can be different and will depend on what’s causing it.

### Cervical ectropion

Cervical ectropion doesn’t always need treatment - it most often doesn’t cause any problems or symptoms, it isn’t linked to cervical cancer, and sometimes it goes away on its own.

If it does need treating, a specialist will likely use cauterization. This painlessly removes the cells on the outside of your cervix, using either heat, freezing treatment or silver nitrate. After this, avoid sex for up to 4 weeks. 

### Cervical polyps

If your polyps aren't causing any symptoms, they don't need to be removed.

But if you're getting bleeding after sex and some pain, treatment will be suggested. Small polyps can be removed very simply by twisting them gently off the cervix. Because they're small, it's painless and you won’t need a local anaesthetic. For larger ones, a local anaesthetic will be used to numb your cervix so you won't feel anything, before they’re removed with a heated wire loop. 

### Vaginitis

Treatment for this will look to get rid of the infection that’s causing your vaginitis, such as thrush, a bacterial infection or an STI. You may be given [antibiotic](https://www.livehealthily.com/bacterial-infections/antibiotics-penicillins), [antifungal](https://www.livehealthily.com/antifungal-medication) or antiviral medication, and it's important to finish the whole course, even if you start to feel better in a few days.

Bear in mind that if you have an STI, your partner will also need treating to make sure you're both clear. 

After this, having safe sex and using barrier contraception, such as condoms, can help [prevent STIs](https://www.livehealthily.com/sexually-transmitted-infections/safer-sex-how-to-prevent-stds).

### Vaginal dryness

Estrogen is the most effective treatment for vaginal dryness (atrophic vaginitis). It works by raising your vagina’s natural acid balance (pH) and improving lubrication. Your doctor will discuss the best options with you.

Using vaginal lubricants and moisturizers can also help your symptoms.

### Rough sex

When you have sex, use plenty of lubrication, such as a water or silicone-based vaginal [lubricant](https://www.livehealthily.com/healthy-sex-life/6-of-the-best-lubricants-for-sex). This will help prevent damage to your vagina and avoid any bleeding after sex.

You may also want to ask your partner to stop any penetration that's too forceful or rough. Make sure you let them know what feels comfortable for you, and what doesn't.


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## What’s the outlook if you bleed after intercourse? {#outlook}
In many cases of PCB, the bleeding settles down over time and no obvious cause is found. And when there is a culprit, it's 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. Be sure to keep up to date with your [pap smears](https://www.livehealthily.com/cervical-cancer/cervical-screening-test), which can help prevent cervical cancer, and if you need further support, try visiting [charity websites and other organizations](/sexual-health/is-bleeding-during-sex-normal/#when-to-see-a-doctor) to help you cope.


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## Key takeaways {#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



Former contributor

Dr Roger Henderson

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References

Carla Hüsselmann

Dr Adiele Hoffman

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Worried about light spotting or heavy bleeding after you have sex? Vaginal dryness or polyps are possible causes so find out more about what can help you.

There are lots of reasons for bleeding after sex and you may need to get checked out