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Women may bleed during and after sex for many reasons. If you experience this condition, you’re probably looking for answers on what’s happening and if you should visit a doctor.
It can be scary to spot and not know why. Before you start to stress, however, learn about what causes a girl to bleed during intercourse and what you can do about it.
Certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia, trichomoniasis and gonorrhea, create inflammation, causing surface blood vessels to swell and burst easily. Do you have other symptoms, such as:
If so, you may need to visit your doctor for an STI screening. You can also ask your partner to get tested with you. Fortunately, antibiotics can treat and cure all three infections listed above.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection typically caused by sexually transmitted bacteria spreading from the vagina to the uterus, ovaries or fallopian tubes, can also cause bleeding. Do you experience pain in your lower abdomen or pelvis? Have you had a fever? If so, schedule an appointment with your doctor and discuss your concerns. If you have PID, your care provider can prescribe a combination of antibiotics.
We’ve all been there—it’s getting hot and heavy, yet your body doesn’t seem quite ready. Vaginal dryness is an issue all women have faced, and it can be brought on by several causes, including:
Without proper lubrication, excessive friction during sex can lead to bleeding. If this is the case, grab some of your favorite lube and make it a part of foreplay. You can find plenty of options to choose from, including products that warm and tingle.
Another cause of dryness is atrophic vaginitis, a condition where the vaginal walls become thin, dry and inflamed. Atrophic vaginitis occurs when estrogen levels fall, a common manifestation of menopause. One way to ease symptoms is to avoid scent-heavy soaps and perfumes and use a water-soluble lube during intercourse. Your doctor may be able to prescribe hormone replacement therapy, too, a tablet, gel or patch that can supply estrogen to the body.
Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue similar to the lining of the uterus is outside of the uterus, causing a chronic inflammatory reaction. This issue affects around 10% of girls during their reproductive years—about 176 million women worldwide.
Beyond bleeding during intercourse, do you experience symptoms like pain during sex and periods, pelvic tenderness or fatigue? If so, schedule an appointment to speak with your doctor. While there’s no known cure for this disorder, you can treat it with medication. Experts say you can also manage pain by using a heating pad, taking warm baths and staying hydrated.
Benign growths on the cervix or uterus are a common cause of bleeding during intercourse. These polyps are typically red or violet and rich in capillaries, meaning they bleed easily when touched. The majority of these growths are benign, and they can sometimes disappear spontaneously.
In rare cases, these polyps can develop into cancer. Talk to your doctor about your concerns and the possibility of surgical removal, a process that is very easy and relatively painless. Your care provider can check for these growths during a routine examination, and they may order a pelvic ultrasound or hysterosalpingogram, an exam using an x-ray.
Cervical ectropion, also known as cervical erosion, occurs when cells inside the cervical canal are present on the outside. This condition stems from hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or being on the pill. Beyond bleeding during or after sex, you may notice discharge and abdominal pain.
For most women, this condition doesn’t cause problems and goes away by itself without treatment. If you experience issues with these symptoms, however, talk to your doctor about treatment options. Most health professionals will use heat to harden the soft cells and stop them from bleeding, a procedure you can get at a colposcopy clinic.
What causes a girl to bleed during intercourse? It could be many reasons. Fortunately, you can take charge of your sex life by adding new products to the bedroom and scheduling a visit with your doctor.
Be sure to talk with your partner about the condition, too. While it can be difficult to discuss certain topics, especially in a new relationship, communication is key to staying healthy. Before you start the conversation, consider what points you want to talk about. You can have a more meaningful chat if you can adequately explain your concerns.
