Abnormal bleeding after sex

A small streak after friction may settle, but the amount of blood cannot establish its source. Cervical and vaginal cancers can present with bleeding after sex, so persistent bleeding deserves examination even when there is no pain.

Friction can cause a small tear, especially when vaginal tissue is dry or penetration is painful. Inflammation or infection of the cervix may make its surface bleed on contact. A cervical polyp or the delicate glandular cells sometimes visible on the outer cervix can also bleed when touched.

After menopause, thinner vaginal tissue can be more vulnerable to irritation. Less commonly, abnormal cells or cancer of the cervix or vagina may present with contact bleeding. An examination is needed to distinguish these possibilities.

Book an appointment if bleeding recurs, has no clear explanation, happens after menopause or comes with unusual discharge or pelvic discomfort. Note whether the blood appeared during or after penetration, whether you may be pregnant, and whether there was pain, dryness or a new sexual partner.

The visit may involve a pregnancy test, examination of the vagina and cervix, infection testing and a review of cervical screening history. Screening is designed for people without symptoms; active bleeding needs clinical assessment even if a previous screening result was reassuring.

Get urgent help for heavy bleeding, faintness, severe pelvic or abdominal pain, fever, or bleeding with a positive pregnancy test. Seek immediate support as well if sex was not consensual or you have an injury that may need treatment. Light bleeding without these warning signs can be assessed through a timely clinic appointment.

Ask whether the blood appears to come from the vagina, cervix or womb, and whether infection tests or a pregnancy test are appropriate. Confirm whether your cervix was fully seen, whether cervical screening is due, what treatment may help dryness, and when persistent bleeding would require colposcopy or another specialist test.