When it comes to bleeding in women, it is commonly associated with the menstrual cycle. But, in some cases, periods are not the only reason for vaginal bleeding. Some women may experience vaginal bleeding after orgasm or penetrative sex. It is more likely to happen after the orgasm (climax) in the intercourse.
So, is it normal to bleed during or after sex? Or does it imply a serious health issue that has to be evaluated right away?
Many people face bleeding along with pain during or after sex. Some may experience no pain, but only vaginal bleeding after an orgasm. Moreover, some have just pain during the romantic meetup.
So, what’s wrong with your sexual life? Why do you have pain or vaginal bleeding after an orgasm? Let’s discover this and many more in this postcoital bleeding guide.
Table of Content
Vaginal Bleeding After Orgasm
Before we look into why bleeding occurs after an orgasm, we must understand what an orgasm is! The orgasm is more of a sexual reflex that results from stimulation of the clitoris, vagina, or cervix.
Indeed, orgasm is a peak in the sexual experience. It delivers different feelings to different people. Happiness, giddiness, flushing, warmth, and tiredness are all examples of these sensations.
Typically, orgasm can not cause bleeding after masturbation or sex. But sometimes you may have unusual vaginal discharge after the sexual pleasure.
It may not be a big deal to experience occasional bleeding after being romantic with your partner. But understanding the underlying cause of bleeding can be a better approach. Studies have shown that women may experience bleeding after sex at some point in their lives.
Indeed, 63% of postmenopausal women have vaginal dryness and bleeding after sex.
However, a woman may suffer from bleeding after orgasm for a variety of reasons. Some might be mild, while others might be dangerous.
Related to read: Bleeding After Orgasm: 8 Reasons Explained!
Causes Of Intermenstrual Or Postcoital Bleeding After Orgasm
Two basic conditions can cause bleeding after sex, or postcoital bleeding. First, there is possible damage to the cervix. Second-tier possibilities include those that cause bleeding from the uterine lining.
Indeed, bleeding after orgasm or penetrative sex may happen for a number of reasons. Following are a few most common causes that can lead to pain and bleeding after an orgasm.
Sex May Initiate Your Period’s Flow
Most often, vaginal bleeding after an orgasm may occur due to your regular monthly cycle. In general, you get spotting after or during sex some days before or after your monthly flow. Anyhow, this is not a problem of concern.
Actually, sex can kick-start your periods earlier, if you are close to your expected date. It happens due to the natural contraction of the uterus while in orgasm. Also, semen can soften the cervix, which welcomes flaky flow.
Moreover, you can experience vaginal bleeding after your period ends. Indeed, the bleeding can be triggered more quickly because of sex than without it.
Hormonal Contraception Leads To Unprecedented Bleeding
Indeed, hormonal contraception can trigger some unusual vaginal bleeding. For instance, the use of a birth control pill, missed drug dose, or change in the drug or device may cause bleeding.
If you have implanted an IUD, you’re more likely to experience pain and bleeding when you get wet.
Usually, you will notice some spotting at a time when your period is not due. But some women experience heavier bleeding.
Yet, you should talk with your gynecologist about the irregular symptoms.
Related to read: Bleeding After Sex: Is My IUD the Culprit?
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
The pelvic inflammatory disease occurs when the female genitalia becomes infected. It usually occurs with sexually transmitted diseases or from pelvic dysfunction.
Most of the women don’t have severe symptoms of PID. But some women may have the following symptoms:
- Painful sex
- Painful urination
- Irregular vaginal bleeding
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
These symptoms may get worse with sex. Since the uterus fails to contract and relax properly during the sexual intact. Thus, it causes discomfort in sex along with bloody spots.
You can treat PID with the help of prescribed medication from a health expert.
Related to read: Pelvic Pain When Walking [The Basics Needed to Guide You!]
Atrophic Vaginitis Can Cause Vaginal Bleeding and Painful Sexual Contact
In atrophic vaginitis, the lining of the vagina becomes thinner and drier than usual. Also, you can say that the vagina lost its lubrication, which makes it difficult for sex. It mainly occurs in women with low estrogen levels. Particularly in women of menopause and postmenopause.
Its symptoms may include vaginal dryness, tightening of the vaginal canal, vaginal inflammation, and involuntary urinary leakage. Moreover, it may cause UTIs and other sexual issues.
It is the main culprit of bleeding after orgasm and sex in elderly age or postmenopause period. But, water-based lubricants and moisturizers can help you avoid discomfort after sex.
Sex During Pregnancy May Cause Little Vaginal Bleeding
Another very prominent reason for light bleeding after sex is pregnancy. Indeed, early pregnancy may cause vaginal discharge. You can experience white or red spots during the physical interaction or after an orgasm. But, it is quite normal.
Thus, you should take a pregnancy test to check if you are pregnant. Moreover, you should consult a doctor to ensure you are in good health during pregnancy.
Related to read: Posterior Cervix in Pregnancy-Should You Be Worried?
Endometriosis Could Be Responsible For Unusual Vaginal Bleeding
Endometriosis is a uterine condition in which endometrium-like tissue grows outside the uterus. Most often, it develops in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and the tissue lining of the pelvis. It causes significant pain.
Also, it can cause bleeding after a sexual act, but it is not a predominant sign of its presence. However, the pain usually outweighs the pleasure in orgasms.
Yet, the endometriosis of the ovaries or fallopian tube does not cause too much pain or bleeding. Postcoital bleeding is generally associated with pelvic endometriosis.
Endometriosis causes thickening of the wall that bleeds like the endometrium during menstruation.
During sex, penetration stretches or pulls the tissues, resulting in pain and bleeding.
Related to read: Top 7 Herbs for Fibroids You Must Be Aware Of!
Abnormality In The Neck Of The Womb
An anomaly in the shape of female genitalia is another condition that might induce bleeding after orgasm. In most cases, it happens if you have abnormal growth in the vagina or in the neck of the womb (cervix).
For instance, sometimes a small polyp grows in the cervix (at the top of the vagina). It is a fleshy protrusion that looks like a bulb on thin stems. Most often, it is not cancerous. If you’re intimate with this condition, you are more likely to bleed.
Moreover, cervical ectropion may cause painful intimacy and bleeding after the intimate encounter. In this condition, the cervix becomes tender and thin. Thus, a slight trauma may cause bleeding and irregular discharge.
Aside from these, uncontrolled growth of cells in the cervix (cervical cancer) can cause your girlfriend to bleed when you approach her.
As well, changes in vaginal and cervix shapes due to inflammation or any infection cause sexual difficulties. Also, genital skin problems may cause unusual bleeding and discharge.
Related to read: Movable Lump in Labia Majora? 11 Probable Causes Explained!
Violent Foreplay And Deep Sex Can Cause Vaginal Bleeding
Vigorous foreplay and deep sex is the common cause of bleeding and pain after or during the sex. No doubt it is good to reach the climax, but it can lead to micro-tears in the vagina. Such as the use of fingers during love play may cause abrasions, cuts, tears, or infection in the vagina.
As vaginal tissues are very sensitive, so, they can be damaged with a little trauma.
Also, if you have vaginal dryness, you are more likely to experience bleeding after trauma. Moreover, excessive vaginal douches and breastfeeding may cause vaginal dryness, thus vaginal trauma.
The majority of these don’t need treatment and healing on their own. But, if it causes excessive bleeding, then it can be corrected by cauterizing the area, using diathermy (heat), silver nitrate, or cryosurgery (cold).
STIs Can Cause Bleeding After Orgasm Or Sex
If you’ve transmitted sexual infections, you’re more likely to have bleeding after an orgasm. As gonorrhea, and chlamydia, are associated with irregular vaginal shape and discharge. Apart from vaginal bleeding, it causes pelvic pain, burning, itching, and frequent urination.
A bleeding condition can occur in any one of these STIs. Each type of infection has its own symptoms.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted disease also known as trich. It spreads through a single-cell parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis. It is more prevalent in people who engage in high sexual activity. But non-sexual people who use infected towels, swimming pools, or toilet seats can get it.
Generally, African American women are more affected by trich than white women and men.
Typically, Trichomoniasis doesn’t cause any serious symptoms. But if left untreated, it may lead to other STDs, including AIDs.
A woman primarily gets the infection in her vagina, cervix, vulva, or urethra. However, a man usually gets it in his urethra.
It can cause irregular, foul-smelling cervical bleeding, especially during sex. Anyone who is infected may spread the disease to their partner.
It cannot go away without medication. So, a doctor may prescribe some antibiotics to kill and stop the growth of the parasite. Thus preventing the parasite infection.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection. Bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis are to blame. It can affect men and women alike.
It does not cause any serious side effects in its initial phases. But it can cause infertility or even ectopic pregnancy in females.
It can cause cervical inflammation. As a result, it causes bleeding and urination after orgasm.
This STI may cause painful sex, bleeding, frequent urination, or postcoital bleeding. Also, it can cause unusual penis discharge or testicular pain in men.
Typically, Chlamydia is treated with potent antibiotics. However, if left untreated, it can cause serious consequences in the future.
Related to read: What Are the Causes of Pain in the Testicle and Leg?
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection that is more common in men than women. But, women may get it during vaginal intercourse from an infected man.
It is caused by bacteria, Neisseria gonorrhoeae or gonococcus.
When you have gonorrhea, you may experience no-smelling vaginal discharge. Particularly during sex, you may experience bleeding and pain in your vaginal area. Also, it causes pain and blood in the semen while intercourse.
Moreover, a spreading infection can cause stomach pain, fever, sweating, nausea, and vomiting.
Doctors prescribed antibiotics to treat gonorrhea in adults.
Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is the most common sexual disease in the United States. According to the Center for Diseases and Prevention Control, about 1 in 6 people between the ages of 14 and 49 have GH.
It is caused by a virus, herpes simplex virus (type 1 and 2). However, it is spread through sexual contact.
Genital herpes infection causes herpetic sores. Also, it leads to painful, fluid-filled blisters that can ooze fluid. These blisters are prone to bleeding when touched or irritated.
Although the sores are often externally visible, they can develop in the vagina as well. Consequently, it can cause cervical bleeding and discharge after sex or if irritated.
Apart from pain and bleeding, it causes white spots and ulcers on the genital area, as well as itching, and redness.
Most healthcare experts try to cure it with medication, but if the case is severe you may also get intravenous drugs.
Syphilis
Syphilis is an STI that can cause problems during sexual activity. It is caused by the Treponema pallidum bacteria. Males with homosexuality are more likely to develop the disease.
It leads to painless sores in the genital area that can itch sometimes. In mild cases, it is not a very dangerous stage. It can be treated with a single dose of medication.
But in severe cases, it can cause swollen lymph glands, painful intercourse, and fever.
In females, it causes intermenstrual bleeding or vaginal discharge after sex.
Other Conditions That May Cause Vaginal Bleeding After Orgasm
The above-mentioned conditions are not the only cause of painful intimacy with bleeding. Following are some illnesses that can lead to unusual vaginal discharge
- Friction during sexual intercourse
- Genital sores
- Foreplay
- Inadequate lubrication
- Endometrial (uterine lining) injury during intercourse. Particularly for women who are using oral contraceptives.
- Trauma caused by sexual abuse
- Vaginal atrophy
- Vaginitis
- Cervical polyps
- Cervicitis
- Endometrial cancer
- Vaginal cancer
- A precancerous cervical lesion
Related to read: Lump Under Skin In Pubic Area: Should You Be Worried?
Swelling Under Panties: Causes & Remedy
Vaginal Bleeding After Orgasm Menopause
Postcoital bleeding is more likely to happen in your menopause or postmenopause conditions. Since your body becomes deprived of sex hormones during menopause, thus it causes painful sex, postcoital bleeding, and low libido.
In particular, your body becomes low in estrogen, which leads to vaginal thinning and endometrial atrophy. Moreover, you will also lack moisture and lubrication from your vagina. So, you are at risk of cervical polyps and other vaginal conditions.
Indeed, menopause is the period of sudden shifting of hormones, thus it leads to major changes in the body.
In this period, you may experience cramps or light bleeding. But, if your bleeding is heavy or occurs in irregular patterns, or lasts longer than usual, you should consult with your OBGYN.
Related to read: Diet and Nutrition for Women in Menopause
Heavy Bleeding After Orgasm While Pregnant
Light to medium vaginal bleeding after the orgasm in the pregnancy is normal. Usually, it occurs due to increased blood flow to the cervix during gestation. Particularly, vaginal bleeding in the early pregnancy is due to implantation bleeding.
Moreover, your cervix may also change its shape during pregnancy, which can result in bleeding naturally.
However, if you are experiencing heavy blood flow in your pregnancy, then it can be a medical emergency. Depending on the circumstances, a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy may occur.
So, if you are experiencing any problems during pregnancy, speak with your healthcare provider to identify the issues. Ignoring abnormal spotting or bleeding during pregnancy can have very serious consequences.
Related to read: Can You Experience No Breast Tenderness During Pregnancy?
Treatment For Bleeding After Orgasm
There are a variety of issues that can cause painful intimacy and bleeding after sex or orgasm. Therefore, there is no single treatment option for this unusual condition. Below are a few treatment options for irregular vaginal bleeding during or after sex:
- Moisturizers or lubricants to lubricate the vagina during sex
- Antibiotics or other drugs prescribed depending on the type of infection or disease you have
- Hormonal replacement therapy
- Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or other tumor and cancer treatment
- Polyp removal
- The use of heat or cold therapy to stop bleeding in the area.
- Exercises for weight loss or Kegels to strengthen the pelvic muscles
Prevention
You need to look at what has caused blood to flow for you in the past before you can determine how to prevent postcoital bleeding.
It helps most people prevent bleeding caused by friction and vaginal dryness during sex if they use water- or silicone-based lubricants. When using condoms, you shouldn’t use oil-based lubricants. Instead, use water-based lubricants.
Taking sex slowly and stopping if you experience pain may also help. You can feel more comfortable and relaxed if you regularly apply vaginal moisturizers. Besides this, eat a healthy diet to improve sexual drive.
You can speak to your doctor about the best methods to prevent future episodes of postcoital bleeding if your symptoms are related to a medical condition.
On The Whole
Vaginal bleeding after orgasm may happen for a number of reasons. If you have low bleeding that is not very strange, then it goes away with little medication. However, you should undergo a vaginal screening with the help of a health expert to promote vaginal health and sexual pleasure.
In case of menopause or postmenopause, you should consult your doctor regarding your postcoital bleeding.
FAQs
What is postcoital bleeding?
Postcoital bleeding is vaginal bleeding that occurs within 24 hours of sexual intercourse. Normally, a woman bleeds during her menstruation, but if she bleeds intermenstruation, she cannot predict whether it is normal or serious.
Is it normal to bleed after stimulation?
The presence of blood after being fingered rarely poses a health risk. You probably have a minor scratch or cut in your vagina that caused this. But, if you have excessive bleeding after being fingered, or if the bleeding lasts more than three days, you should consult a doctor.
Why can’t I orgasm anymore after menopause?
After menopause, there is a sudden shifting of hormones that may result in low libido and painful intercourse. Also, you may never reach the climax.
What causes a weak orgasm?
In both men and women, sex hormone levels diminish with age. Over time, testosterone levels drop in men, dampening their desire and the intensity of their orgasms. But, in women, estrogen levels decrease more abruptly during menopause, which leads to low sexual interest and orgasm.
What is orgasm anxiety?
Normally, orgasm is a positive feeling of sexual pleasure. But in some cases, when you are overthinking orgasm pleasure. It may lead to anxiety and depression during the act. In contrast to post-sex anxiety, orgasm anxiety is a feeling of being unable to relax and enjoy the current sexual act.
Why would I have blood in my sperm?
Hematospermia is the presence of blood in the semen. It is usually caused by prostate biopsy. Also, there are many other causes for the presence of blood in the semen. Such as tumors, infections, anatomical anomalies, stones, and inflammation in various parts of the genitourinary system.
Why am I bleeding after my boyfriend came to me?
Vaginal bleeding after orgasm is caused by a variety of reasons. If it is your initial days of sexual interaction, then there are high chances of microscopic tears, that can cause vaginal bleeding. Moreover, vaginal dryness or sex near menstruation day may cause you to bleed.
