Heavy bleeding during sex when you are not on your period

Bleeding outside a period may come from friction, a vaginal tear, dryness, infection, or the cervix. Hormonal changes can alter the vaginal lining, while conditions affecting the womb, including polyps, fibroids, adenomyosis, or a thickened lining, may cause irregular bleeding. Polycystic ovary syndrome and perimenopause can also change bleeding patterns. A missed period or pregnancy possibility changes the assessment. The symptom does not identify one cause by itself.

Stop penetration while bleeding is active and write down when it happened, how much blood there was, and whether it followed pain or dryness. Mention discharge, fever, urinary symptoms, new sexual partners, contraception, and any chance of pregnancy. A clinician may examine the vagina and cervix, test for infection, check blood loss, or arrange imaging. Use only products and medicines recommended for you; avoid inserting anything into a sore or bleeding vagina.

Book a medical review for repeated bleeding, bleeding after sex that is heavier than spotting, or any bleeding after menopause. Seek urgent help if blood loss continues, you feel faint, breathless, confused, or very weak, or you have severe abdominal or pelvic pain, fever, or possible pregnancy.

Ask whether the bleeding appears to come from the vagina or cervix, which infections or structural causes need checking, whether pregnancy testing is needed, and when you can safely resume sex.