7 Reasons Why You Might Bleed After Sex | Sex Toys

Have you ever bled after sex, and it wasn’t during your period? Bleeding after sex is common, so don’t panic just yet. Bleeding can have many causes. Here’s a list of the most common reasons why you might bleed after sex.

1. Symptoms of STIs

Sexually transmitted infections can cause a wide range of symptoms, including bleeding. Some STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, cause inflammation of the cervix. An inflamed and irritated cervix can bleed during intercourse. If you think you have an STI, see your doctor to get tested as soon as possible.

2. Polyps

Polyps look like tears of tissue that form in the reproductive tract, on the cervix or inside the uterus. They hang like a round pendant on a chain. Polyps are noncancerous growths. The movement of polyps can irritate surrounding tissue and cause bleeding from small blood vessels. The good news is that these lesions can be easily removed by a doctor.

3. Need more lubricant

Lack of moisture is a common cause of vaginal bleeding. If you’re not wet enough during sex, you’re likely to bleed: all that friction from penetration can tear sensitive vaginal tissue. That’s why it’s important to use lube every time you have sex; excessive friction naturally creates dryness. Menopause or a lack of arousal can also cause vaginal dryness. If sex is uncomfortable, extra lubrication can help; when in doubt, use more lube.

4. Endometriosis

Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside the uterus. Endometriosis can cause extreme pelvic pain, heavy periods, and bleeding after sex. If you have other symptoms of endometriosis, including bleeding after sex, you should talk to your doctor.

5. Side effects of contraception

Intermenstrual bleeding, also called mid-cycle bleeding, can occur in women taking birth control pills. It is usually a small amount of vaginal discharge at a time when you are not expecting your period, although some women experience heavier bleeding. Intercourse itself does not cause bleeding, but friction from penetration can cause it.

6. Signs of a fibroid

Your uterus is made up of glandular and muscular tissue, and a fibroid is a benign growth of this muscular tissue. A fibroid can be as small as a pea or as large as a grapefruit, and it usually grows outside the uterine wall. Most women will never know if they have fibroids, and if a diagnosis is made, most of the time, no treatment is necessary. However, for others, problems can arise if a fibroid grows too large. Fibroids can cause bleeding when they are completely or partially within the uterine cavity. If you think you have fibroids, see your doctor.

7. Symptoms of cancer

Both cervical and uterine cancers can cause vaginal bleeding after intercourse. However, they are more common in postmenopausal women. Cervical cancer is rare in women who have regular Pap tests. However, bleeding during intercourse is the main symptom of cervical cancer. The bleeding is usually light and painless. The vascular nature of cervical cancer combined with the friction of intercourse can irritate the tissues and cause bleeding. If you have ongoing or persistent abnormal bleeding, tell your doctor.