Cervical erosion and bleeding after intercourse

Contact during penetrative sex may disturb these delicate cells, causing spotting or blood-streaked mucus. However, bleeding after sex has other possible causes, including vaginal dryness, infection, cervical polyps and cervical cell changes, so it should be checked.

A clinician will want to know whether bleeding happens every time or only occasionally, whether it is separate from a period, and whether there is pain, itching, odour or altered discharge. Pregnancy possibility, contraception, recent cervical procedures and screening history can also guide the assessment.

Ectropion may be visible during a speculum examination as a red area around the cervical opening. Its appearance can support the diagnosis, but examination and any appropriate tests help exclude infection, inflammation or another cervical cause.

Book a medical or sexual-health appointment even if the bleeding is light, especially when it recurs. Until reviewed, note the timing and amount rather than repeatedly checking the cervix yourself. If dryness or friction seems relevant, a suitable lubricant may reduce irritation, but it does not replace assessment of unexplained bleeding.

Testing may include pregnancy testing, infection swabs and examination of the vagina and cervix. Cervical screening may be offered when due, though screening does not substitute for a symptom-focused examination.

Get urgent medical advice if bleeding follows a missed period and occurs with lower abdominal or pelvic pain, because a pregnancy-related problem must be excluded. Heavy bleeding, faintness, severe pain or feeling acutely unwell also warrants urgent assessment.

A non-emergency appointment is still needed for repeated bleeding after sex, bleeding between periods, bleeding after menopause, or discharge that has become offensive-smelling or otherwise unusual.

Ask whether the bleeding point was visible, which infections are being considered, and whether any cervical follow-up is required. If ectropion is confirmed, ask whether observation is reasonable or whether persistent symptoms make a local treatment worth considering.