Bleeding After Sex: What Does It Mean?

If you’re not menstruating when you have sex, seeing blood afterward can be concerning. In most cases, says Blair Gumnic, D.O., an obstetrician and gynecologist at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, a few spots of blood after sex are not something to worry about. More than just spotting, though, may warrant seeing your doctor.

Why am I Bleeding After Sex? 

There are many reasons why you may experience bleeding after sex. “People think bleeding after sex is dangerous,” Dr. Gumnic says. “It may need to be evaluated, but it could be something that’s easily fixed.”

The most common reasons for bleeding after sex include:

• Infection or inflammation of the cervix: Sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea and chlamydia may cause bleeding. Other non-sexually-transmitted infections such as yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis may lead to inflammation that results in bleeding, Dr. Gumnic says. Inflammation may also be caused by a reaction to latex condoms or irritation from spermicides or douches.
  
  
• Cervical polyps: These small growths are usually noncancerous but can cause intermittent bleeding, says Dr. Gumnic. If cervical polyps cause regular bleeding or discharge, or result in infections, they may be removed—often in your doctor’s office.
  
  
• Vaginal dryness: The friction during vaginal intercourse can cause bleeding if the vagina is dry. Vaginal dryness happens most often for those past menopause, when estrogen drops can cause the vagina to become thinner and drier. Vaginal dryness can happen at any age, however—for example, when there’s not enough arousal to adequately lubricate the vagina before penetration.
  
  
• Pregnancy: “We always warn pregnant patients that bleeding can happen with intercourse,” she says. “While it’s common, anytime a pregnant woman has bleeding, we recommend calling their doctor.”
  
  
• Gynecological cancer: The most common early sign of cervical, uterine, vaginal and ovarian cancers is abnormal bleeding. That includes bleeding after sex, between periods or after menopause, or any kind of vaginal bleeding that is not normal for you, says Dr. Gumnic.
  
  
• Ovarian cyst rupture: It’s not uncommon for ovarian cysts to burst. Vigorous sex is one activity that can cause them to rupture. Rupturing isn’t necessarily an indication something is wrong. However, serious ruptures can cause abdominal pain, heavy bleeding and infection, and need medical attention.
  
  
• Surgery: If you’ve had a hysterectomy or vaginoplasty (a procedure to reconstruct or repair the vagina), it’s recommended you don’t have intercourse for several weeks after surgery. If you have sex before the healing process is finished, you may experience bleeding or more serious complications. For example, after hysterectomy, the vaginal cuff created during surgery can re-open under the pressure of penetration, and that’s a dangerous situation requiring medical attention, Dr. Gumnic says.

Dr. Gumnic notes that non-vaginal sex—such as oral sex and anal sex—may also result in bleeding for a variety of reasons, from friction to vigorousness to infection. As with vaginal sex, if you experience bleeding after oral or anal sex, and it’s concerning to you, call your doctor.

Next Steps & Resources:

• Meet our source: Blair Gumnic, D.O.
• To make an appointment with an OB/GYN near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.