Rectal bleeding after vaginal sex

Blood noticed after vaginal sex can come from the anus or rectum, but it can sometimes be difficult to tell whether it came from the vagina. Friction, a small surface injury, haemorrhoids, or an existing bowel problem may cause bleeding. Inflammation from Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis can also affect the rectum. Less common but serious bowel conditions, including Bowel Cancer or Rectal Cancer, can present with rectal bleeding; the bleeding symptom does not establish its cause.

Pause penetrative sex until bleeding and soreness have settled. Avoid inserting anything into the rectum, wipe gently, and keep the area clean with water. Record the colour, amount, timing, and whether blood was mixed with stool. Arrange a GP assessment if bleeding returns, lasts beyond a brief episode, or occurs with altered bowel habits, mucus, weight loss, fever, or pain. A clinician may examine the area and decide whether further bowel tests are appropriate.

Seek urgent care for heavy or continuous bleeding, black or maroon stool, dizziness, fainting, weakness, severe abdominal or rectal pain, fever with marked illness, or vomiting blood. Emergency help is also needed if the bleeding follows significant injury or you take medicines that affect clotting. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint.

Tell the clinician whether the blood was on tissue, on the outside of stool, or mixed through it. Ask whether the source is likely anal, rectal, or vaginal, whether an examination is needed, and what symptoms should trigger urgent review.