Bleeding While Masturbation: The Common Causes and When Should You See a Doctor

By - Haleema Sadia

Is bleeding while masturbation your common concern? Bleeding while masturbating is common among men and women. Both of them often present complaints of blood in semen and vaginal bleeding during fingering. 

But the main question is what might be the main reason for bleeding while masturbation?

The causes are different for men and women as they have different anatomical structures. Vaginal infection, stretching of hymen are the common problem in females whereas in men vasectomy and cancer are the leading problems.

You might have more questions in your mind. Don’t worry! we have got you covered. Keep reading further and unravel all the answers. Let’s find out if this condition is normal.

Bleeding While Masturbation: Is it Normal?

Is it normal to bleed while masturbating? Well, it is not normal to bleed after masturbation if this becomes a habit. Bleeding while masturbating is not uncommon.

So many people ask questions like, why am I bleeding while masturbating? What causes the bleeding during a clitoral orgasm? Is it possible to break through the hymen while masturbating?

There’s a whole bunch of reasons why you might have little blood on the sheets while masturbating. it is usually not a huge deal unless it becomes a regular thing. 

However, it’s a big concern if you’re bleeding after masturbation. If the bleeding is heavier over time, it could be a sign of a serious medical condition like cervical cancer and sexually transmitted diseases. so it is always wise to feel concerned about a serious health issue.

Before looking at the solutions, you need to identify the problem that is causing bleeding. 

To give you an idea of possibilities here are some reasons why you might bleed during masturbation.

The Causes of Bleeding While Masturbation in Females

Here are some major causes of bleeding while masturbating in females.

Scratching The Hymen

The thin piece of mucosal tissue that surrounds or  covers the vaginal opening is called the hymen. The thickness of this mucosal membrane varies from thin to very thick in different females. 

In some females with very thin hymen. You may damage it even by scratching it with your fingers. It can also get damaged by inserting aany sex toy while masturbating. 

So, if you are bleeding while masturbating, it is more likely that your hymen has broken out.

Scratching Inside Your Vagina or Cervix

The vaginal walls are made up of muscle covered in a layer of mucosal membrane. This epithelial layer of the vagina is similar in appearance to the squamous epithelial layer of your mouth. 

It is very delicate and minor scratches inside your vagina can cause bleeding during masturbation.

Spotting Between Periods

Spotting between the periods is one of the major causes of vaginal bleeding during masturbation. Most commonly, the women on birth control methods experience spotting or breakthrough bleeding between the periods. 

This vaginal bleeding can also occur while you masturbate.

Vaginal Infection or Vaginitis

Vaginal infections are often associated with vaginitis, which is the inflammation of the vaginal wall. It’s major characteristics are swelling, irritation, abnormal discharge, and itchiness.

This type of vaginal infection can be a reason for blood coming out of the vagina while you masturbate.

The main causes of vaginitis are a yeast infection.The common culprits are candida Albicans and bacterial vaginosis that is trichomonas and allergic dermatitis. Only trichomonas can be sexually transmitted.

In the case of candida Albicans or bacterial vaginosis, the causes can vary widely, including antibiotics, using perfumed soaps, or bubble baths.

The symptoms of vaginitis include irritation of external areas of genitals, itchy or tingling sensations, redness and sometimes broken skin on the vulva, bleeding while masturbation, and a dense white discharge resembling cottage cheese. 

The symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include greenish or yellowish discharge. It’s mainly the fishy smell that characterizes this infection. 

You might also experience cramps in your pelvic region along with redness and itching of your vulva and vagina.

The symptoms of trichomonas also include a vaginal discharge, a change in the odor of vaginal discharge as well as itching of genitals. To diagnose Vaginitis, the physician prescribes a clinical diagnosis along with the patient’s detailed medical history. 

Several treatments exist for Vaginitis resulting from yeast infection. Some of them are available without a prescription at drugstores. 

These remedies range from vaginal creams to a single dose in pill form. However, if the symptoms persist or over-the-counter treatment is not effective, we recommend seeing a doctor to obtain a precise diagnosis and treatment.

Ovarian Cysts or Polycystic Ovaries

Approximately 20 percent of the women population is dealing with ovarian cysts or polycystic ovaries. 

This problem usually comes with a marked hormonal imbalance and the patient has multiple cysts in her ovaries. The symptoms usually are irregular and inconsistent periods, weight gain, pain while periods, and bleeding during masturbation.

In the case of ovarian cysts, you may feel pressure in your lower abdomen, backache, pelvic pain, and high blood pressure as well.

An ultrasound detection is helpful in early diagnosing and treating the problem. In the case of PCOS there are multiple cysts inside the ovaries that look like the beads of a necklace, whereas in the case of ovarian cysts, there are sacs filled with fluid inside or over the ovaries. 

An ovarian cyst can only cause symptoms once it ruptures or splits. Most ovarian cysts do not cause symptoms however pelvic pain could be an indicating symptom.

This can range from dull pain to heavy sensation to sudden severe sharp pain or pain during intercourse. 

Irregular periods could also be the symptoms related to ovarian cysts, however, these are the nonspecific symptoms. 

Pathological cysts inside the ovary are formed as a result of abnormal growth of the cells lining the ovary. Endometriosis is another condition where the lining of the womb embedded inside the ovary grows, creating pain and bleeding during masturbation and intercourse.

Thyroid Problems

Among all the hormonal problems, thyroid diseases are the most common ones. Thyroid diseases have three major groups. 

Hyperthyroidism means that the thyroid gland is producing excessive hormones. It causes increased metabolism which consumes a lot of your energy.

It is the main reason why people having hyperthyroidism feel tired. Many people with hyperthyroidism are always nervous and stressed which makes them even more tired. 

Hyperthyroidism has many symptoms because all of the processes in the body work much faster. 

Common complaints are feeling warm, shortness of breath during exercise, lots of stress, menstrual problems, weight loss, increased heart rate, diarrhea, and psychological complaints like fear and irritability. 

These symptoms usually do not all occur at the same time. In some cases, the thyroid gland might be enlarged. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Grave’s disease.

Hypothyroidism means that the thyroid gland produces a decreased amount of thyroid hormone, which leads to reduced metabolism. 

Symptoms of hypothyroidism are feeling tired, feeling cold, heart problems, increased weight, hair loss, depressed feelings, hoarse and deeper voice, and bowel problems.

 In some cases, the thyroid gland increases in size. Goiter is one of the most common problems of the thyroid. 

When you get goiter, the thyroid gland gets larger  and there is visible swelling in the neck. It is  due to iodine deficiency. For the diagnosis of thyroid problems, blood tests and sometimes using a thyroid scan or puncture can be helpful.

Other times, thyroid swelling disappears even without treatment.

The Causes for Bleeding While Masturbation in Males

Most of the males complain about blood in sperm that is called hematospermia A patient is having hematospermia if he notices blood in sperm on ejaculations. 

Some common clinical conditions that we must test and rule out for patients who have been diagnosed with hematospermia include conditions like Chlamydia and gonorrhea which are both sexually transmitted infections.

The question is that, if you see blood in semen or the blood comes out of your penis after masturbation, is that something that you should be alarmed about? Well, it mostly depends on the age of the patients.

Prostate cancer can be a major cause of this bleeding in men older than 45 years. Following are the common reasons for bleeding while masturbating in males.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the number one cancer amongst men in the UK. The prostate is a large gland and sits between the bladder and urethra.

It produces fluid that washes the semen and keeps the sperm healthy for successful fertilization. That is the main function of the prostate.

Most prostate cancers begin at the edges of the prostate. It can occur in more than one place. It can grow inside the prostate first and when it gets advanced it starts to go to lining or edges. 

Initially, prostate cancer has no symptoms mostly. As the tumor enlarges, the following symptoms appear. Difficulty starting urination, weak, interrupted and painful urination, frequent urination and painful ejaculations, blood in urine, pain in lower back, hips, and pelvis.

Note that these symptoms may be the result of prostate enlargement and not cancer so it is very important to get a proper examination by the doctor.

Vasectomy

A vasectomy procedure is a permanent method of birth control through men with surgical cuts and seals off the sections of the male reproductive tract to prevent sperm from exiting the man’s body during ejaculations. This can also cause bleeding during masturbation.

Abstinence

Men who have not ejaculated for three months longer may experience blood in the semen. This is hormonal and harmless. 

STDs

Sexually transmitted diseases are quite rapidly increasing. This is because of having multiple sexual partners, lack of condoms, or having unprotected sex.

Fever, rashes, and symptoms related to the urinary system are common in such patients however, sometimes, it doesn’t have any symptoms.

Hormonal tests, vaginal swabs, and some other pathology tests are used to identify the presence of sexually transmitted diseases.

 Most of the STDs are treatable. The only thing to be aware of is Hepatitis B and HIV which can cause a lot of problems. The vaccines are now available for human papillomavirus. These vaccines are also helpful as an eventive measure against sexually transmitted diseases.

STDs are quite common in young people. A young person must be aware of this and be checked for STDs, particularly if they are having unprotected sex. 

STDs sometimes have symptoms like burning and itching however, they may occur without any symptoms at all that’s why screening is necessary.

Preventive Measures To Avoid Bleeding While Masturbation

You can do the following preventive measures to avoid bleeding while masturbating.

When Should You See a Doctor, if You Are Bleeding During Masturbation?

If you are having heavy bleeding frequently, you must see a doctor as it is important to diagnose a problem earlier so that one can get treatment.

In females, urine analysis and some other pathological tests can identify the problems. In the case of males, prostate cancer tests and STD screening are usually performed. 

Ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, or a simple examination of genital areas can reveal the cause of bleeding while masturbation.

FAQs

Is it normal to bleed while masturbating?

It is normal if you are bleeding for the first time and the bleeding is light. But, if you’re having heavy bleeding and it occurs more often, it is better to see your doctor as it can be the consequence of some serious issues.

Is it possible to break through the hymen while masturbating?

The hymen is a mucosal membrane on the opening of the vagina. The composition of hymen varies in different individuals. In some females, it is very thin and can get damaged by inserting a sex toy into the vagina or simply by scratching it with the finger.

What does it mean when the blood comes out of your pee hole?

If the blood is coming out of your pee hole, it is a sign of any problem in the urinary tract. A severe urinary tract infection can also cause the blood to come out in the urine.

The Bottom Line

Bleeding while masturbation can occur in both males and females because of so many reasons. But it is better to identify the cause before it gets worse. 

Make a mental note about how much you’re bleeding after masturbation, even if you just notice it, so you can figure out if it’s a serious issue. Because before looking for the solutions, it is necessary to know the root cause of the problem.