Doctor issues important warning about bleeding after sex
A health expert has warned that the 'colour and amount' of bleeding after sex is important to understand why it happens.
We all know that women's health is a frustratingly under-researched subsection of biology as a whole.
So when you find something that appears to be abnormal, it's natural for all sorts of questions so race through your mind.
A daunting experience many of us may have faced is finding blood on your sheets after having sex when you aren't on your period.
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It's easy to jump to conclusions that something is seriously wrong, but it seems as though there are a variety of reasons why it can occur.
Dr Ian Currie, a consultant gynaecologist, explained them in an interview with Women's Health.
He said: "There are a variety of causes for bleeding after sex. If you have repeated bleeding over a number of weeks, you’re pregnant or if you’re in any other way concerned, seek advice from your GP or a sexual health clinic."
The causes are generally the same whether you bleed during sex, afterwards, or perhaps even a bit of both.
Doctify’s consultant gynaecologist, Dr Anne Henderson, went into more detail about the 'colour and amount' of blood you find, and what that can mean.
She said: "The colour and amount of bleeding can be very helpful in assessing where it has come from.
"Bright red bleeding, which becomes visible immediately after intercourse, is more likely to be related to a cervical problem.
"This type of bleeding is usually self-limiting and rarely last longer than a few hours.
"Where bleeding lasts for up to 12-24 hours, or is a brownish colour, it is more likely to be associated with bleeding from the womb lining."
Aside from these details, there are a whole host of other reasons that could be causing your bleeding.
You've got an undiagnosed STI
It's not what anyone wants to hear, but according to experts, bleeding after intercourse is a key example of STI symptoms in females.
But the good news is that they are easily treated in most cases.
If you suspect you have an STI, it's best to book an appointment with your GP, or take a trip to your nearest sexual health clinic.
You've got polyps on your cervix
While this sounds like something really scary, it's actually not at all.
These polyps are very rarely cancerous, and can be easily removed if they are causing you trouble.
Dr Henderson describes it as a 'minor surgery', in which cases are mostly benign.
You need more lubrication during sex
Friction and dryness are not a good combination for sex.
It could be as a result of the menopause, but it could also be because you are not aroused enough.
The expert said: "If sex feels uncomfortable, additional lubrication can really help."
You're suffering from an infection
An STI is one type of infection, but others include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Again, this can be easily treated with a course of antibiotics, but left untreated can cause fertility issues in the future.
You're experiencing an ectropion bleed
"It occurs more commonly in young women," says Currie.
"This is because the area of fine blood vessels at the entrance of the cervix is more easily agitated.
"As you age, this area of cells moves to be within the cervix."
You have endometriosis
It's a condition that affects 190 million women and girls around the world.
Endometriosis is where cells, like the ones in the lining of the womb, are found elsewhere in the body.
And if the cells deposit on the cervix, or within the vagina, it can cause bleeding after sex.
You're having a breakthrough bleed
This is experienced by some women who are on the contraceptive pill.
And coincidentally, it can occur during or after intercourse.
You are postpartum
Thanks to our lovely hormones, bleeding during sex after having a baby is completely normal.
"Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause the lining of the cervical canal to protrude down onto the main body of the cervix," says Dr Henderson.
Topics: Health, Periods, Sex and Relationships, Women's Health
Mia Williams