Medicines for Bleeding after sex

What it is

Bleeding after sex (postcoital bleeding) is vaginal bleeding that happens after sexual intercourse, in someone who is not on their period. It is a common symptom and, in most cases, has a minor and treatable cause. Common causes include inflammation or infection of the cervix or vagina (including sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia), a harmless area on the cervix where the inner lining is more exposed (cervical ectropion, common in younger women and those on the pill or pregnant), vaginal dryness (for example around the menopause), small growths called polyps, and minor injury. However, because bleeding after sex can, less commonly, be a sign of a more serious condition — including cervical or other gynaecological cancers — it should always be assessed by a doctor to identify the cause and provide reassurance or treatment. This is not a symptom to ignore, whatever the likely cause.

How it is treated

Assessment aims to find the cause and, importantly, to exclude serious conditions. A doctor will ask about the pattern of bleeding, cervical screening history and other symptoms, examine the cervix and vagina, and may take swabs to check for infection and ensure the person is up to date with cervical screening; sometimes a closer look at the cervix (colposcopy) or other tests are arranged, particularly if there are risk factors or the cause is unclear. The cause is then treated: for example, treating an infection, managing vaginal dryness with moisturisers or hormonal treatment around the menopause, treating a cervical ectropion or removing a polyp if troublesome, and managing any more serious cause appropriately. Attending cervical screening when invited is an important background message. The key point is that, although bleeding after sex usually has a minor cause, it should always be checked to be sure, and doing so is straightforward.