Bleeding after intercourse with pain

Friction or dryness may cause a small surface injury, while cervical irritation, a polyp, infection or another pelvic condition may also produce this combination. Symptoms alone cannot confirm the cause.

Pain at the vaginal entrance may occur with dryness, irritation or a small tear. Deep pelvic pain can point toward the cervix or another pelvic structure, particularly when there is also unusual discharge, pain between periods or discomfort when passing urine.

If you use a copper coil or hormonal coil, do not assume the device caused post-coital bleeding. A clinician may check its threads and position as part of the assessment, especially if the threads feel different, cannot be felt when you normally check them, or hard plastic can be felt.

Stop penetration if it increases pain or bleeding. Let the area settle, avoid perfumed intimate products, and consider a water-based lubricant if dryness is a possible factor. Do not pull on coil threads or try to reposition a device yourself.

Book an appointment if bleeding happens again, pain continues, discharge changes, or you are worried about your coil. Depending on the history, assessment may involve a pregnancy test, examination of the vagina and cervix, infection testing, or a check of device position. Use alternative contraception until you receive advice if your coil may have moved.

Get urgent medical help for heavy or ongoing bleeding, severe or increasing pelvic pain, fever, fainting, marked dizziness, weakness, or foul-smelling discharge.

If pregnancy is possible, bleeding with one-sided lower abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, dizziness or fainting needs urgent assessment. Pregnancy can occur even when contraception is in place, so take these symptoms seriously.

Ask whether the bleeding seems vaginal or cervical, whether infection testing is appropriate, and whether cervical screening is due. If you have a coil, ask if its position needs checking and what contraception to use while waiting.

Describe whether the pain is at the entrance or deep in the pelvis, and share the timing of your last period, pregnancy possibility, discharge, urinary symptoms and any change in coil threads. These details guide the examination.