Is it Normal for a Women to Bleed After Sex

In general, it is unusual for a healthy woman to bleed after intercourse. In many women, some blood may be observed after the first sexual intercourse. This is caused by a rupture of the hymen, a mucous membrane covering the vaginal opening. However, not all women bleed the ‘first time’ since the hymen can also be broken by many natural factors. These include everyday activities including running, cycling, an accident or injury, sports, or even regular gynecological examinations. In most other cases, any bleeding after sex is a symptom of some deeper medical condition.

One of the common reasons is vaginitis, an infection of the vagina. The infection can be caused by bacteria (bacterial vaginosis) or yeast-like fungi (candidiasis). In either case, you would have experienced secondary symptoms including some itching, a whitish discharge and strong, fishy smell (vaginosis) or sweetish smell (candidiasis). The bleeding can also be a sign of several sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including chlamydia and gonorrhea. In all of these cases, it is important to get an early diagnosis so that proper treatment can begin. If left untreated, vaginitis and STDs can increase the risk of more serious conditions, including cancer. If you are experiencing some pain or serious discomfort in addition to the bleeding, you should visit your gynecologist immediately.

Symptoms of Vaginal Bleeding After Intercourse

You symptom of bleeding could also be caused by conditions such as cervical dyspalasia, cervical polyps, and fibroid tumors. The last consists of tumors that are normally harmless. However, taking any estrogen (for example, in your birth control pills) can cause these fibroid tumors to grow. Another reason for bleeding after sex in some women can be irregularities in their menstrual cycle. In some women, these can result in unexpected bleeding. In others, the bleeding period may change from one month to the next. Sometimes, the bleeding can occur due to tiny abrasions or cuts in the cervix. If your Pap smear tests have been clear in the last 6 months and if you bleed only after sex, this may be a likely cause. If you are over 45, your condition could also be a side-effect of menopause. At this life stage, the female hormones decrease and your body undergoes many changes. Your vagina can shrink and lubrication may diminish, which may cause some bleeding. At the end of the day, it is recommended that you get a professional diagnosis from an OBGY to make sure that you are not at risk of any serious condition.