Spotting after sexual intercourse

The vagina or cervix may bleed lightly when tissue is dry, irritated or inflamed. Bleeding can also occur with hormonal shifts, sexually transmitted infection, cervical dysplasia, endometrial polyps or uterine fibroids. A cervical or uterine cancer can present with abnormal bleeding, but post-intercourse spotting alone cannot identify its cause.

Pay attention to whether the blood is pink, red or brown, whether it occurs only once, and whether it follows deep penetration or discomfort. These details help distinguish a short-lived irritation from a pattern needing investigation.

Pause intercourse if it causes pain or bleeding, and allow irritation to settle. If dryness may be contributing, discuss suitable lubrication with a healthcare professional. Arrange a routine appointment when spotting repeats, follows intercourse consistently, or occurs with pelvic pain, discharge or bleeding between periods.

Seek urgent care if bleeding is heavy or accompanied by severe pelvic pain, faintness, weakness, fever, or a possible pregnancy. Prompt assessment is also sensible when bleeding follows menopause or is steadily becoming more frequent.

Ask whether you need an examination, pregnancy test, STI testing or cervical screening. Tell the clinician about contraception, cycle timing, pain, discharge, medicines and any history of abnormal results.