What does bleeding after menopause feel like with genitourinary syndrome of menopause?

Lower oestrogen levels can make the vaginal and urinary tissues thinner, drier, and more easily irritated. You may notice pink or brown spotting on toilet paper or underwear, bleeding after sex, stinging, burning, or soreness. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause can also cause vaginal dryness, urgency, and discomfort during examination. These sensations do not identify the cause by themselves; polyps, medicines, infections, and conditions affecting the womb or cervix can also cause bleeding.

Arrange an appointment with a gynaecologist or primary-care clinician, even if the bleeding is brief or happens only once. Note when it started, its colour and amount, whether intercourse preceded it, and any pain, discharge, urinary symptoms, or medicines such as hormone therapy or blood thinners. Examination may include a pelvic check and tests chosen for your history. Do not insert products or start hormonal treatment for unexplained bleeding without clinical advice.

Seek urgent medical help if bleeding is heavy or persistent, you feel faint or unusually weak, have severe pelvic pain, fever, or shortness of breath. Contact a clinician promptly for any new postmenopausal bleeding, especially when it follows sex, returns repeatedly, or comes with watery or unpleasant-smelling discharge.

Ask whether tissue dryness could explain the bleeding, which examination or tests are appropriate, and how to manage dryness safely while the cause is being checked. Ask when to return if spotting recurs.