From brown discharge & spotting to heavier bleeding after sex, we talk through some of the common causes of bleeding after sex, whether it’s normal & what you can do about it
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If you’re not on your period and notice spotting on your sheets, or vaginal bleeding of any kind after sex, you might be wondering if bleeding after sex is normal. Bleeding after intercourse, also known as postcoital bleeding, is common and can happen for a number of different reasons.
While it’s not usually something to worry about, you should always speak to your doctor or sexual health clinic if you’re bleeding or spotting after you’ve had sex.
Causes of bleeding after sex
Bleeding after sex can happen for a variety of reasons, including:
1. Changes to the surface of the cervix (cervical ectropion)
A cervical ectropion is when the cells that line the cervical canal spread to the surface of the cervix. This can happen due to a number of factors, including pregnancy or using oestrogen-containing contraceptives.
It can cause bleeding during or after sex due to the fragile cells on the cervix. If you have persistent abnormal bleeding or think you may have cervical ectropion, make sure to speak to your GP.
2. Vaginal dryness
When it comes to sex, vaginal dryness can cause a little discomfort, soreness and sometimes bleeding. There are a number of reasons why vaginal dryness may happen, including the menopause, if you’re taking contraceptive pills or if you’re breastfeeding. But it’s important to see your GP to understand what’s causing your vaginal dryness and if you experience any unusual bleeding.
3. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Some STIs, such as chlamydia, can cause symptoms such as bleeding in between periods and after sex. If you experience this, alongside unusual discharge, pain when peeing or any other STI symptoms, visit your GP or local sexual health clinic to be tested.
4. Vaginal tearing
If you have rough or vigorous sex, you may notice a little bit of spotting which may be caused by cuts, abrasions or bruising to the delicate lining of the vagina. But if you do notice regular bleeding after sex, speak to your GP for advice.
5. Polyps
These are small, non-cancerous growths of tissue on the cervix which can sometimes cause spotting in between periods and after sex. If you do notice persistent bleeding or spotting, speak to your GP for advice.
6. Cervical cancer (although this is rare)
Although bleeding during and after sex can be an important symptom of cervical cancer, this doesn’t necessarily mean it is that. The bleeding can also be caused by other conditions, but it’s very important to speak to your GP if you’re concerned about any symptoms or experience any abnormal bleeding.
Things like endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) shouldn’t usually cause bleeding during or after sex, so speak to your GP if you have any of these conditions and are experiencing unusual bleeding.
When to get support for bleeding after sex
If you have any unusual bleeding, such as bleeding between periods or after sex, you should always speak to your GP or sexual health clinic. While the cause isn’t usually anything to worry about, it can sometimes be a sign of cancer.
If you’ve recently missed a period and have unusual vaginal bleeding alongside pain anywhere in your tummy, you should call 111 for advice, as this could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy, (pregnancy that occurred outside of the womb, which is a serious condition that needs urgent medical attention).
Try not to feel uncomfortable about speaking to your GP – although it may feel a little awkward at first, rest assured they’ll have seen and heard it all before.
It’s also important for all women and people with a cervix to keep up to date with regular cervical screenings (formerly known as smear tests) if they’re between the ages of 25 and 64, as well as any other relevant gynaecological check-ups.
If you’re feeling anxious about your cervical screening (we get it), take a look at this reassuring guide to what will happen at your appointment and tips for feeling more comfortable during your cervical screening.
How to stop bleeding after sex
Depending on the cause of your post-coital vaginal bleeding, there may be some things you can do about it. Your GP or sexual health clinic can help to identify the cause of the bleeding and advise you on the best course of action.
If your bleeding is related to vaginal dryness, then lubricants and vaginal moisturisers may help make things more comfortable and reduce friction during sex.
Oil-based lubricants can cause damage to condoms, so use water-based lubricants if you’re using condoms as a method of contraception or safe sex.
If you’re going through or have been through the menopause and experiencing vaginal dryness, you may wish to access the Boots Online Doctor Vaginal Dryness Treatment service.*
If you think your bleeding could be linked to an STI, you should speak to your GP or visit your local sexual health clinic. Alternatively, Boots Online Doctor Sexual Health services* offer access to discreet self-testing kits and prescription treatments for specific STIs.
If rough or vigorous sex is causing you to bleed during or after intercourse, it might be time to slow things down. Discuss with your partner what you do and don’t like and remember to stop if you’re in pain or uncomfortable – after all, sex should be an enjoyable experience for you both.
Take a look at our guide to tailoring sex to what works for you, which covers everything from communicating with your partner to working out what feels good and staying safe during sex.
FAQs
What do you do if you bleed after sex?
Bleeding after sex is common and can have many different causes, but you should always speak to your GP or sexual health clinic about any unusual bleeding you’re experiencing.
Why am I bleeding after sex if it’s not my first time?
It can be normal to bleed a little after you’ve had sex for the first time. However, this shouldn’t happen every time you have sex after that, so take a look at the other causes of bleeding after sex listed above and always speak to your GP or sexual health clinic if you’re bleeding at a time that’s not normal for you.
When to worry about vaginal bleeding?
Vaginal bleeding after sex is common and can be caused by a number of things. While it’s not usually anything to worry about, you should always speak to your GP or sexual health clinic for advice if you’re bleeding in between periods or after sex, as it can sometimes be a symptom of something more serious.
Can deep sex cause bleeding?
Deeper or rougher sex may cause tiny tears in the lining of your vagina, which can lead to some bleeding or spotting. Vaginal dryness can also lead to bleeding after intercourse, so have a look into vaginal moisturisers and lubricants which may help.
If sex becomes uncomfortable or unenjoyable, slow it down, and never feel like you need to carry on with something you don’t feel comfortable with. Talk with your partner about what you do and don’t find enjoyable and work together to find a way to make sex a satisfying experience for you both.
Bleeding during or after sex can naturally make you feel worried, but it’s not normally a cause for concern and can usually be managed once you know what’s causing it. Speak to your GP or sexual health clinic about any bleeding that’s not normal for you.
