There are types of vaginal bleeding that are normal and others that are not – bleeding after sex is of the latter variety and is not normal. While some causes of bleeding after sex may be easily treatable, others may be fairly serious, and some of these reasons may even be life threatening.

Firstly it has to be determined whether the bleeding is vaginal or from another source – bleeding from the rectum or bloody stools, or bleeding from the urinary tract should be ruled out since they could have different causes than vaginal bleeding after sex.

Bleeding After Sex

The underlying reasons for the bleeding during and after intercourse can be more fully understood by examining any other symptoms that the woman may be experiencing.

Sometimes the bleeding may be caused by dryness of the vagina and insufficient lubrication during sex.

This could be due to menopause or Perimenopause and may be resolved without difficulty.

However there are causes for bleeding after sex that could be more problematic such as –

Malignant or benign tumors, polyps etc.

Uterine polyps could cause bleeding after sex and at other times between periods as well and are rarely in danger of growing in any hazardous manner.

A D&C will usually resolve the issue. Cervical polyps may also be a reason for vaginal bleeding during or after sex and can also be easily treated. Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that could be asymptomatic or may cause bleeding during sex.

In some cases it could be a cancerous or precancerous condition such as Cervical Dysplasia (malignant changes that take place in the epithelia lining of the cervix) that could also cause bleeding.

Sexually transmitted and other Infections

Sexually transmitted infections such as Chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis and so on, could also be responsible for the bleeding. Treating the underlying disease that causes the bleeding will help to resolve the problem.

Other infections such as vaginitis or cervicitis are not necessarily sexually transmitted and could have other causes, and their treatment may depend upon that cause.

A vaginal yeast infection could also cause some bleeding during intercourse. This occurs when there is an overgrowth of the naturally occurring fungi that grows in the vaginal area. This condition is generally accompanied by a thick white discharge, and burning or itching in the area.

Other conditions that could cause bleeding during sex

Endometriosis, where the endometrial cells that line the uterus start to grow abnormally at other sites outside the uterus.

So no bleeding caused by sexual intercourse should be ignored and the underlying cause should be identified and treated.