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Even though it may give you a fright in the moment, bleeding after sex (with no pain) is common. “Bleeding during sex is actually very normal,” says Moushumi Ghose, a licensed sex therapist. Have you ever noticed, after penetration with a partner or sex toy, that there's a bit of…blood? Perhaps not period heavy but enough to leave a few splotches on a nice duvet cover. Enough to notice, you know?
That shouldn't be cause for concern. “Usually bleeding after sex is nothing to worry about and will resolve with time,” says Dr. Sherry Ross, author of She-ology: The Definitive Guide to Women’s Intimate Health. Period. The blood might be coming from the vaginal canal itself, the urinary tract, or the cervix, she explains. And if you’re on your period, a little extra blood after sex is totally expected. Postcoital bleeding can also happen during ovulation.
But while occasional bleeding after sex with no pain is common, that doesn't mean you shouldn't do something about it. Totally preventable things—like not using enough lube—can often be the cause, and we shouldn’t normalize that as just another thing women have to deal with.
“In all cases of bleeding during sex, stop and ask your partner to pull out,” says Lucy Rowett, a certified sex coach and clinical sexologist. “Check in with your body and how you're feeling. Bleeding is your body's way of telling you that something is wrong, so be responsible about your health and get yourself checked out.” But if bleeding during sex happens regularly or you experience pain, talk to your doctor.
Is it normal to bleed after sex? Short answer: yes. Here are seven reasons you might be spotting after sex, and how to prevent it.
1. It’s been a while.
If it’s been a minute since you last had sex, the action can cause lacerations, or tiny tears, in your vaginal canal, Dr. Ross explains: “Even if you are adequately lubricated, tears of the vaginal opening can occur.”
The best way to prevent this is by making sure you have plenty of time to get aroused before any type of penetration—and to use lots of lube. The idea is to promote as much elasticity in the vagina as possible.
2. Deep penetration
Deep penetration, whether with a penis, a finger, or even your best vibrator, can occasionally cause slight trauma to the cervix, leading to some spotting after or during sex, according to Dr. Ross. “A larger or thicker object and a smaller vaginal opening can also create lacerations in the vagina,” she says.
If you notice that you’re bleeding pretty regularly after sex, speak with your doctor. It may be helpful to try shallower sex positions, such as spooning or sitting face-to-face.
3. Vaginal dryness
Vaginal dryness, which is “often caused by inadequate foreplay or vaginal lubrication,” is one of the leading causes of vaginal tearing, pain during sex, and bleeding, says Dr. Ross.
The good news? It’s totally preventable. Be sure you’re super, super turned on before you have sex. (It helps if you have an orgasm before any penetration even occurs.) “If you are feeling very dry and delicate, stop,” says Rowett. “Slow down and use lube.”
I cannot stress my love for lube enough. Keep a vat of it next to your bed, have a tube in your purse, keep samples in every drawer in your apartment. Lube is the stuff dreams are made on. If you’re in a monogamous relationship and don’t use condoms (because you’ve both been tested for STIs), oil-based lubes like coconut oil are the bomb. But they’re not compatible with condoms or other latex-based contraceptions; if that's what you use, stick to a water- or silicone-based lube.
4. Sexually transmitted infections
This isn’t the sexiest thing you’re going to hear today, but bleeding with sex can be a sign of an STI. Bleeding after sex is a symptom for everything from the herpes virus and chlamydia to cervical HPV.
The best way to prevent this is to get tested for STIs. “The goal is to prevent or find the STD or STI before bleeding or more severe pelvic inflammatory disease where pain and scarring presents,” says Dr. Rob Huizenga, author of Sex, Lies & STDs.
If you have multiple sex partners, get screened every 8 to 10 weeks. If you’re monogamous, it’s still imperative to check in once a year.
5. Cervical polyps or endometriosis
Cervical polyps are small growths that happen on or around the cervix when the body grows more cells than it should, according to Dr. Gareth Nye, a senior lecturer at Chester Medical School in the UK who specializes in maternal and fetal health.
These noncancerous growths, he says, “are seen much more frequently in women starting or going through menopause, but females of any age can have them.” Bleeding happens when these polyps are disrupted. When, for example, they’re being poked at during sex.
Dr. Melanie Bone, an ob-gyn and board member of the gynecological health company Daye, says cervical polyps can be easily removed, but seeing your doctor is a must. “It’s advisable to contact your doctor to arrange an appointment so they can take biopsies of abnormal growths and masses,” she says. “They will be able to advise whether the removal of polyps, especially those that cause significant bleeding or appear abnormal, is necessary.”
According to Ghose, endometriosis can also cause postsex bleeding. “This condition can be very hard to identify and diagnose, and the roots of which are still unknown,” she says. “But it's also known to cause discomfort—and in some cases lots of pain, cramping, and even bleeding that could also be after intercourse.”
6. Birth control
Hormonal birth methods can lead to spotting after intercourse, says Dr. Babak Ashrafi, from Superdrug Online Doctor, in the UK. Spotting can happen because the hormonal changes as a result of taking birth control alter the lining of the cervix and uterus. This is completely normal but can be a bit alarming.
Spotting between periods, or breakthrough bleeding, typically occurs in the first few months of using a new hormonal contraceptive. This includes pills, patches, vaginal rings, and the hormonal IUD. “This is a common side effect for hormonal contraceptives, which should get better as your body adjusts to these hormonal changes,” Ashrafi says.
7. Vaginal or cervical cancer
We don't want to freak you out, but it would also be irresponsible not to mention that bleeding after sex can be—in very rare instances—a sign of cervical or vaginal cancer.
But Nye says cancer usually comes along with other symptoms, not just bleeding. “You may have pain during sex itself, back or stomach pain, or irregular bleeding and discharge between periods,” he says. If you’re worried this might be the case, Bone says, “It's always advisable to contact your doctor to arrange an appointment so they can examine your vagina, conduct a cervical screening, and in some cases, perform a biopsy.”
So is it cancer? Probably not. Is it worth getting checked out? Definitely yes.
Gigi Engle is a certified sex educator and writer living in London. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @GigiEngle.
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