Brown spotting the day after sex

A single light episode may settle, but bleeding after sex that returns should be checked because dryness, infection, cervical changes and growths can produce a similar pattern.

Friction can cause tiny surface injuries, particularly when there was dryness, prolonged penetration or pain. The cervix may also bleed on contact because of inflammation, infection, a benign cervical ectropion or a polyp. Brown discharge can be menstrual blood that happened to appear after sex. Cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer may present with bleeding after sex, which is why recurrence needs examination rather than diagnosis from appearance alone.

Watch the amount with a liner and note whether there is pain, itching, odour, discharge or urinary discomfort. Avoid further penetration until soreness or bleeding has stopped. If dryness contributed, a suitable lubricant may reduce friction next time. Check whether cervical screening is due, and arrange sexual health testing if there is a possibility of infection, even when a partner has no symptoms.

Arrange an appointment if bleeding after sex happens again, becomes more noticeable, or comes with pain during sex, pelvic pain or abnormal discharge. New bleeding after menopause also needs evaluation. Seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, severe pain, fainting or marked dizziness. If pregnancy is possible, take a test and get prompt help for a positive result with one-sided pain or shoulder-tip pain.

Ask whether the vagina and cervix should be examined and whether you need infection swabs, a pregnancy test or an update to cervical screening. Describe any recent change in partners, contraception, vaginal products or medicines, and ask what to do if another episode occurs before test results return.