5 Common Causes of Bleeding During or After Sex

It can be alarming when you notice a blood spot on your sheets in the throes of passion. If there are several weeks to your periods and you didn’t accidentally cut yourself, then what caused the bleeding? This is an unexpected issue, but there are several reasons why you bleed during or after sex. Most of the time, it is caused by minor problems, so try not to worry. But there are several dangerous things that can cause bleeding. For this reason, it is crucial to visit your gynecologist. 

Below are 5 underlying conditions that can possibly cause bleeding during or after sex.`

1. Sexually transmitted infections

One of the conditions that may cause bleeding during or after sex and between periods is sexually transmitted diseases. Most of these diseases don’t cause noticeable symptoms. But if they do, you may experience rash in the pelvic area, unusual discharges from the vagina, and itching. The most common types of sexually transmitted diseases include human papillomavirus, chlamydia, and herpes. 

If you suspect you have a sexually transmitted disease, it is a good idea to get it checked with your gynecologist. If left untreated, STDs can develop into pelvic inflammatory disease over time. Don’t put off an appointment with your doctor, otherwise, you can put your health at risk of serious problems.

2.  Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a widespread condition in which endometrial tissue that is normally located in your uterus starts growing outside of it. When this tissue attaches to other organs, it may cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms like heavy periods, bleeding during periods, painful intercourse, and infertility. Because endometrial tissue is very sensitive, friction during sex can damage it, causing pain and bleeding. 

The treatment of endometriosis usually includes hormone replacement therapy to reduce the levels of estrogen. Taking over-the-counter pain medications helps cope with pain and heavy periods.

3. Atrophic vaginitis

Atrophic vaginitis is a condition associated with vaginal dryness and itching. This problem usually affects women after menopause or during perimenopause because of lower estrogen levels. Estrogen helps keep your vaginal moisturized and lubricated. Because of vaginal dryness, women with atrophic vaginitis are prone to bleeding during or after sex. Frictions during sex irritate the dry and sensitive tissues of your vaginal and cause microtears that bleed. 

Hormonal replacement therapy usually helps relieve the discomfort and keeps the vagina moisturized. Vginal lubricants also help relieve friction and prevent bleeding during or after sex. 

4. Polyps

Polyps are benign growth that may develop in the cervix or uterus. They often affect women between the ages of 40-50 who have had multiple pregnancies. Polyps are very sensitive and have a lot of capillaries. For this reason, mechanical damage, like sexual intercourse may cause them to bleed. Polyps may also cause bleeding between periods and after menopause. Most of the polyps are non-cancerous but some of them may turn cancerous over time. 

If there is a risk that your polyps may turn cancerous, the doctor may suggest surgical removal. This helps decrease the risk of gynecological cancer and ensure overall well-being.

5. Gynecological cancer

Bleeding during sex is a common sign of gynecological cancer. This includes cervical, vaginal, and uterine cancer. The tumors can vary depending on the type of cancer, but they are always filled with capillaritis and blood vessels that are prone to bursting. Friction during sex can sometimes damage the tumor and cause it to bleed. Other symptoms may include bleeding between periods, heavier periods, and abnormal vaginal discharges.

It is crucial to visit your gynecologist immediately if you suspect you have gynecological cancer. There are several tests that can rule out the underlying cause of your symptoms. The earlier cancer is diagnosed, the higher your chances to get it treated successfully.