Postcoital or after sex bleeding can be alarming at first, not to mention a real mood killer. This type of bleeding is not related to your menstrual cycle and the amount of bleeding after sex can range from a scant amount of spotting to a heavy, bright red, sheet-soaking puddle.
In terms of causes, cervical cancer is the greatest concern. This is especially true for postmenopausal women. However, postcoital bleeding is more likely to be caused by a common condition.
Infections
Some infections can cause inflammation of the tissues which may lead to bleeding. These include:
•pelvic inflammatory disease
an infection of the female reproductive organs. It most often occurs when sexually transmitted bacteria spread from your vagina to your uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries.
•sexually transmitted disease (STD)
a condition passed from one person to another through sexual contact. You can contract an
STD by having unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the STD.
•cervicitis
infectious or noninfectious inflammation of the cervix.
•vaginitis
also known as vulvovaginitis, is an inflammation of the vagina and vulva.
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)
This condition is common in women in perimenopause and menopause, and those who’ve had their ovaries removed. As you get older, especially when your menstrual periods stop, your body produces less estrogen.When your estrogen levels are lower, your body produces less vaginal lubrication, so your vagina can become dry and inflamed. Lower estrogen levels also reduce the elasticity of your vagina. This can lead to discomfort, pain, and bleeding during sex.
Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness can be caused by many other factors, such as:
•breastfeeding
•childbirth
•ovaries removed
•certain medications, including cold medicine,
asthma medications, some antidepressants, and anti-estrogen drugs
•chemotherapy and radiation therapy
•having intercourse before you are fully aroused
•douching
•chemicals in feminine hygiene products, laundry detergents, and pools
•Sjögren’s syndrome, an inflammatory disease of the immune system that reduces moisture generated by glands in the body.
Vaginal tearing
When your vagina bleeds after sex, it's most likely the result of direct trauma to the wall of your vagina.1 This is called a vaginal laceration and the bleeding is bright red and can be quite heavy.
Typically, the vagina doesn’t tear with intercourse. If the vagina is not well lubricated, the friction caused by vaginal penetration can tear the wall of your vagina.
Cervical Polyps
Endocervical polyps are generally benign growths. Because they have such a rich blood supply, they bleed easily. These polyps develop in the canal of your cervix but as they grow they stick out of the end of your cervix, putting them in the position that can be irritated and bleed during sex.
Cervical ectropion
The cells that line the canal of the cervix are much more fragile. Cervical ectropion describes a condition or an anatomical variation in which the canal of the cervix is turned inside out, exposing these more fragile cells to the vaginal environment. Pregnancy and birth control pill use can be associated with these changes. These cells bleed very easily when touched even lightly. If you have this variation of your cervix, it is very likely you will have postcoital bleeding.
Uterine Cancer
Irregular vaginal bleeding, including bleeding after sex, is a common symptom of cervical or vaginal cancer. In fact, it was the symptom for which 11 percent of women diagnosed with cervical cancer first sought treatment.This is by far the most serious cause of postcoital bleeding. However, it's also the least likely cause. This is especially true if you have been seeing your healthcare provider for routine cervical cancer screening. Of course, cervical cancer is the first thing you will find in an internet search for postcoital bleeding. If you're reading this, take a big cleansing breath and don’t panic. There are many other potential causes of your postcoital bleeding and there's no need to assume it's cervical cancer right away. However, it's important to discuss postcoital bleeding or any other concerns you have with your healthcare provider. Postmenopausal bleeding can also be a symptom of uterine cancer.
References
Images
https://www.verywellhealth.com/postcoital-bleeding-3947657
https://www.verywellhealth.com/postcoital-bleeding-3947657
https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/is-it-normal-to-bleed-after-sex
