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As with all unusual symptoms, we recommend that you speak to our specialists, but it is especially important to do so if you experience bleeding during or after sex (postcoital bleeding). It is often nothing to worry about or is caused by an easily treatable condition, but in rare cases, it can be an indicator of cervical cancer.
If you notice bleeding after sex and you are not on your period, it is important to get checked to find the source.
Postcoital bleeding can be caused by various factors, including sexually transmitted infections such as Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea, bacterial infections like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and tears from childbirth or inadequate lubrication during intercourse.
Hormonal changes, particularly reduced oestrogen levels in postmenopausal women, can lead to vaginal dryness (atrophy), resulting in thinning of vaginal tissue and increased susceptibility to vaginal tears.
Hormonal contraception may also cause irregular shedding of the uterine lining. Other potential causes include cervical polyps, cervical inflammation (cervical ectropion), shedding of the endometrial lining due to ovulation, and, rarely, cervical or vaginal cancer.
Postcoital bleeding can present with a variety of symptoms. These include light spotting or bleeding immediately after sexual intercourse, along with pink or red vaginal discharge. Some individuals may also experience slight discomfort or pain during intercourse.
Occasionally, bleeding may occur hours or days after intercourse. It is important to take note of any additional symptoms you may be experiencing, such as pelvic pain or unusual vaginal discharge, as they can provide valuable information to your healthcare provider.
A healthcare provider will typically perform a thorough evaluation, which may include:
While not all causes of postcoital bleeding can be prevented, you can reduce your risk by following these tips:
Use our online booking engine or book your test by giving us a call.
On the online booking engine select the “appointment type” you need.
You will be seen by one of our friendly doctors or trained clinicians.
You might receive instructions from your healthcare provider about any specific preparations, such as whether to avoid intercourse or certain medications before the test. Be prepared to discuss your medical history, including details about your menstrual cycle, sexual history, and any symptoms you have been experiencing.
The healthcare provider will likely conduct a physical exam, which may include a pelvic exam to check for abnormalities such as infections or structural issues. Tests may include a cervical smear, a colposcopy, transvaginal ultrasound, and even include a biopsy.
Your healthcare provider will discuss the results of the tests with you. Depending on the findings, they may recommend further treatment or monitoring.
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