Constant bleeding after sex: what to know

Bleeding after sex can come from friction, vaginal dryness, a sensitive area on the cervix, polyps or an infection such as Chlamydia. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause can make vaginal tissue thinner and more easily irritated. Cervical Dysplasia and cervical or vaginal cancer can also present with bleeding after sex, although the symptom alone cannot identify the cause.

Bleeding may be noticed as pink or red spotting, blood on a condom or underwear, or bleeding that continues afterward. Tell the clinician whether it occurs every time, whether you have pain or discharge, and where you are in your menstrual cycle.

Book an appointment with a gynaecology or primary-care clinician for repeated bleeding. Assessment may include a pregnancy test, an external and internal examination, cervical screening when due, and swabs for infection. Further tests depend on what is found and your screening history.

Until you are assessed, pause penetrative sex if it triggers bleeding or pain. Do not use vaginal douches. If an infection is diagnosed, follow treatment advice and ask whether partners need testing or treatment.

Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, severe or one-sided pelvic pain, fainting, marked dizziness, fever, or bleeding during pregnancy. A positive pregnancy test with pain or bleeding needs prompt assessment. New bleeding after menopause should also be reported without delay.

Ask what examination and infection tests you need, whether your cervical screening is up to date, and whether dryness or medication could contribute. Ask when results will arrive and which symptoms should send you to urgent care.