Have you recently had bleeding after sex? You probably quickly count your fingers and realize that your period has not yet arrived, and you ask yourself, what is the cause of this bleeding? Although bleeding after sex is worrisome, it is a fairly common occurrence. In this article, we talk about the causes, methods of diagnosis and treatment, and how to prevent bleeding after sex. Stay with us.
Causes of bleeding after sex
1. Cervicitis or inflammation of the cervix
One of the most common causes of bleeding after sex is cervical inflammation. This complication may be continuous and harmless or caused by sexual infection and cause bleeding or changes in vaginal secretions. Possible causes of cervical inflammation include:
- Sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis;
- Bacterial vaginosis or imbalance of normal vaginal bacteria;
- Chemical irritation of the vagina caused by sensitivity to condoms or vaginal douche.
2. uterine polyp
The second cause of bleeding after sex uterine polyps. These polyps are usually small (about 1 to 2 cm), and almost all cervical polyps are benign. If the symptoms are minor, there is typically no need for treatment, and if the person has more severe symptoms, the doctor will treat the person by removing these polyps.
3. Vaginal atrophy or dryness
Atrophy, also known as vaginal dryness, is when the vaginal lining becomes drier and thinner due to estrogen deficiency. Although atrophy usually occurs after menopause, women of any age may develop this condition.
If the atrophy is severe, friction during intercourse may cause bleeding. Using a vaginal lubricant or gel during sex may help, but if estrogen deficiency is the problem, your doctor may prescribe hormone replacement therapy. Dryness caused by these things also leads to vaginal bleeding:
- giving birth ;
- breastfeeding;
- Menopause;
- Sjogren’s syndrome ;
- Cancer treatment and its effect on the ovaries;
- Taking some medicines for colds, allergies, and anti-estrogens.
4. uterine prolapse
The cervix and other tissues may be exposed if the uterus moves out of its normal position. The symptoms of this condition are hip pain, abdominal pain, back pain, and pain during sex. If the prolapsed uterus is severe, it may cause bleeding.
A doctor may prescribe weight loss or Kegel exercises for partial prolapse. In more severe cases, the doctor may insert a ring to support the tissue or perform surgery to repair it.
5. Cervical Cancer
About 11% of people with cervical cancer experience bleeding after sex. This is usually the first sign of cancer. Cervical cancer grows very slowly over many years and is preventable.
If a person is diagnosed with cervical cancer, their cells will be examined. If the cells are cancerous, the gynecological oncologist will probably give chemotherapy; radiation therapy will likely recommend
6. Cervical ectropion
Cervical ectropion means that the soft cells lining the inside of the cervical canal extend to the outside of the cervix as if turning themselves out.
7. First sex
If this is the first time you have sex, this bleeding is probably caused by a ruptured hymen (hymen). Do not worry; Bleeding after the first intercourse is expected.
Other factors
Other causes of vaginal bleeding after sex include:
- Friction during sex;
- Beginning or end of menstruation ;
- Infection of the uterus or vagina ;
- Genital sores are caused by herpes or other diseases.
While many of these causes do not require treatment and are harmless, sometimes vaginal bleeding after sex may be a sign of a more severe problem that requires treatment.
Diagnosing the cause of bleeding after sex
The doctor’s first action to diagnose the cause of bleeding will probably be to ask the person questions and check whether this complication has a specific reason, Such as sudden bleeding after starting to take birth control pills.
The doctor will also ask questions about pain during sex, which may be a sign of dryness or infection, depending on the time of the pain. He will then perform a pelvic exam and check for any sources of bleeding, such as vaginal tears, signs of pelvic organ prolapse, polyps, or cervical inflammation. It may also do the following for a more accurate diagnosis:
- Prescribing a pregnancy test;
- Examination of the cervix with a tool called a speculum;
- transvaginal ultrasound;
- Pap smear test ;
- Testing for sexually transmitted disease or infection;
- Detailed analysis of the uterus, vagina, and external parts of the reproductive system with colposcopy.
With the pap smear test, the doctor can identify any signs of abnormal precancerous growth or cervical cancer cells. This test also checks for sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.
If the Pap smear test shows a problem in the cervix, a colposcopy will probably be performed. This test is similar to a Pap smear but takes a little longer. In this method, the doctor uses a magnifying device called a colposcope to observe the cervix closely. If he sees something suspicious, he takes a small tissue sample and sends it to a lab for further testing.
If the bleeding after sex persists, the doctor recommends a colposcopy to see the cervix better, Even if the pap smear test result is expected. If the person is menopausal, the doctor will perform a transvaginal ultrasound to check the pelvic organs. He may also do an endometrial biopsy to check for abnormal cells in the endometrial tissue.
Treatment of bleeding after sex
Since bleeding after sex has no known cause, there is no known cure. Some treatment options for this condition include:
- polyp removal;
- estrogen therapy;
- Preparation of drugs for the treatment of sexually transmitted infections;
- Using vaginal lubricants and moisturizers;
- Cervical cancer treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy).
Prevention of bleeding after sex
To reduce the chance of bleeding after sex, you can make lifestyle changes, such as:
- Use a lubricant before and during sex;
- After the end of menstruation, wait a little for sex;
- Have more foreplay before entering;
- Avoid rough sex;
- Treat cervical infections by visiting a doctor.
Is bleeding after intercourse dangerous?
If you have slight bleeding every once in a while after intercourse, you’re probably fine. Also, if the bleeding happened right before the start of menstruation or a few days after it ended and did not happen again, it is still not alarming. If you have recently had a pelvic exam and pap smear, and your health status checked, your
Otherwise, it is better to see a doctor if you are worried about getting an infection or any other problem. The only way to ensure this is to see a doctor for a physical examination.
Does bleeding stop on its own after sex?
Maybe. In one study, more than half of women who experienced bleeding after intercourse reported that the condition resolved spontaneously within two years.
you say
Have you ever had bleeding after sex? What solution have you used to treat it? Please share your valuable comments and experiences with us and our dear users.
Warning! This article is only for educational purposes; to use it, it is necessary to consult a doctor or specialist.
