July 25, 2022

Is It Normal to Bleed After Sex? Why You Might Experience Bleeding After Intercourse and What to Do

Noticing you’re bleeding after sex — whether just a few drips or something more substantial — can feel scary. 

And it can easily make your mind jump straight to the worst-case scenario. Do you have cancer? An STI? Could you be pregnant?

Keep reading to learn the ins and outs of bleeding after intercourse, including if it’s normal to bleed a little after sex and what to do if it happens to you.

normal to bleed after sex

Table of Contents

Is It Normal to Bleed a Little After Sex?

Bleeding after having sex can be normal — but it’s not normal for every woman. 

It may be normal to bleed a little after sex if:

  • It’s that time of the month
  • You have vaginal dryness; or
  • You have certain medical conditions, like an STI, cervical cancer, or pelvic inflammatory disease

It is not normal to bleed a little after sex if you have already gone through menopause and have normal yearly gynecological exams. In these instances, you should consult with your health care professional.

10 Things That Can Cause Bleeding After Having Sex

Is it normal to bleed after sex? 

If you’re experiencing any of these 10 things, the answer may be yes.

#1: Your Period

This may seem like a “no-brainer,” but if you notice you are bleeding after you have sex, you will want to consider whether it's “that time of the month.”

Even if you are not having your period at that moment, having sex just before or right after your flow can be enough to trigger some slight bleeding.

Keeping track of your monthly cycles, by using an app or calendar, can be a helpful way to put an end to your wondering.

#2: Vaginal Dryness 

Vaginal dryness is another reason you may bleed after sex. Overly dry vaginal tissue can be caused by a variety of things, including:

  • Childbirth
  • Breastfeeding
  • Some allergy, cold, and anti-estrogen medications
  • Cancer therapy and how it affects your ovaries
  • Douching
  • Sjögren’s syndrome, a disease that affects the moisture glands throughout your body; and 
  • Menopause

If your vaginal dryness is severe, the friction of sex can cause bleeding. 

Menopause is another factor that commonly leads to vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy (the wasting away of cells). During this stage in a woman’s life, the problem of vaginal dryness is typically related to the declining levels of estrogen that naturally accompany menopause. 

If you find vaginal dryness is causing you to bleed after having sex, using a high-quality lube like Chiavaye may be just the answer you’re looking for. Chiavaye’s natural ingredients provide just the right amount of moisture to keep you feeling nice and comfy.

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#3: Not Using Enough Lube

Speaking of lube, not using enough may cause some women to experience bleeding after they have sex. 

The right lube helps to reduce friction your vagina experiences during sex and lessens your risk of injury, including bleeding.

And if you're using a condom, a high-quality, chemical-free lube can also make it less likely to break or fall off — meaning lube is a win-win all the way around.

#4: Cervicitis 

Cervicitis refers to an infection or inflammation of your cervix, the area at the end of your vagina.

Women who are suffering from cervicitis may notice a change in their vaginal discharge, including experiencing bleeding after sex.

A few of the possible causes of cervicitis include :

  • Bacterial vaginosis or an imbalance of the good bacteria that are naturally present in your vagina.
  • Sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia or trichomoniasis. 
it normal to bleed after sex

#5: Cervical Polyps

Is it normal to bleed after having sex? It can be if you have cervical polyps. 

Cervical polyps are finger-like growths on your cervical canal or the passage that connects your uterus to your vagina. Their size can vary from just a few millimeters to several centimeters long.

While cervical polyps do not always cause symptoms, you may notice: 

  • Extra heavy periods
  • Vaginal bleeding after sex
  • Yellow or white mucus known as leukorrhea
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding between your periods; or
  • Bleeding after you have gone through menopause

#6: Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)

If you are suffering from a sexually transmitted infection or STI, it can be normal for you to bleed a little after having sex.

Sexually transmitted infections are passed between partners during the sexual act and include diseases such as: 

#7: Cervical Ectropion

The inner area of your cervix is lined with soft, glandular cells, while your outer cervix is made up of harder cells. 

Sometimes, the soft cells expand into the outer area of your cervix. This is called cervical ectropion. 

Since these softer cervical cells are not strong enough to withstand the friction of sex, a woman suffering from cervical ectropion may notice bleeding after having sex. 

bleed

#8: Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Pelvic inflammatory disease, also known as PID, may occur when sexually transmitted bacteria spread from your vagina to your:

  • Uterus
  • Fallopian tubes; or 
  • Ovaries

There is no test to determine if you have pelvic inflammatory disease, and many women never experience symptoms. 

But those who do may deal with symptoms such as: 

  • Fever
  • Lower abdominal pain
  • Smelly discharge from their vagina
  • Pain and/or bleeding during or after sex
  • A burning sensation when they pee; or
  • Spotting or bleeding between their periods

#9: Uterine Prolapse

Uterine prolapse can happen when the ligaments and muscles of your pelvic floor become so stretched out and weak they can no longer provide the needed support for your uterus. 

As a result, your uterus slips down into your vagina — and in some cases protrudes outside your vagina. 

Uterine prolapse can affect women of any age but is most common in women who have gone through menopause.

If a woman is suffering from a severe case of uterine prolapse, she may experience bleeding after sex. 

#10: Cervical Cancer

Bleeding after having sex is a common symptom of cervical cancer. 

In fact, a recent study revealed bleeding after sex was the first symptom 11% of women noticed before seeking diagnosis and treatment of their cervical cancer.

bleed after sex

When Should You See Your Doctor for Vaginal Bleeding After Sex?

Depending on your situation, there are times you may — or may not — need to consult your doctor for vaginal bleeding after sex.

If you … 

  • Have not gone through menopause and only experience bleeding after sex on rare occasions
  • Have normal results on your yearly Pap test; or
  • Do not have a sexually transmitted infection

… you probably don't need to see your doctor. 

But, if you … 

  • Are having vaginal bleeding that worries you 
  • Have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection; or
  • Have gone through menopause and are experiencing bleeding

… you will want to see your doctor for an evaluation. In these cases, vaginal bleeding after sex can be a sign of something more serious, so it is important to get it checked out.

Chiavaye All-Natural Lube & Personal Moisturizer: Because Everyone Deserves Great Sex

If you want great sex, you need Chiavaye.

Chiavaye’s all-natural personal lube can enhance your sex life by keeping your important parts moisturized. It’s also the perfect choice for getting rid of vaginal: 

  • Dryness
  • Discomfort, and
  • Chafing

And it’s never sticky. 

Our multi-use product is …

  • All-natural
  • Chemical-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Hormone-free
  • Vegan; and 
  • Hypoallergenic

… so you can say goodbye to all the unwanted side effects that come with those other products. 

Give Chiavaye a try today!

bleed

 

Written by Kaylyn Easton

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