It is estimated that 0,7%-9% Menstrual women experience bleeding after sex, mainly from the cervix. The cause of this bleeding tends to vary more in postmenopausal women.
Bleeding after sex: Causes
Common causes of bleeding after sex include::
Wounding
Friction during sexual intercourse can easily cause micro-abrasions in the sensitive tissues of the genitals.
During the first sexual intercourse with vaginal penetration, a small flap of vaginal skin, called a film, stretches and breaks. The slight bleeding caused can last 1 to 2 days.
Vaginal dryness
Dryness is one of the most common causes of bleeding after sex. When the skin is dry it becomes extremely vulnerable to damage. The mucous tissues, like those in the bay, are particularly vulnerable.
Common causes of vaginal dryness include::
- Menopausal genital syndrome: Also known as atrial atrophy, this syndrome describes reduced lubrication, thickness and elasticity of vaginal tissue.
- Damage, or removal of ovaries: Serious accidents that damage the ovaries, or situations that lead to their removal, destroy the body's largest source of estrogen.
- Childbirth and breastfeeding: During pregnancy, estrogen levels are very high. However, fall almost immediately after birth, because estrogen can interfere with breast milk production.
- Drugs that inhibit estrogen, or dehydrate the body: Vaginal dryness can result from taking anti-estrogen drugs, medicines for colds or flu, steroids, sedatives, several antidepressants and calcium channel blockers.
- Chemicals and other irritants: Allergens and chemicals in hydromassage, swimming pools, laundry detergents, Aromatic lubricants and condoms can cause dryness.
- Internal washing of the vagina (douching): It can irritate and dry the vaginal tissues.
- Intercourse with vaginal penetration without sexual stimulation and vaginal lubrication: During sexual arousal, vaginal tissues secrete natural lubricants, which help prevent dryness and tissue damage from abrasion during intercourse.
Infections
Any type of infection can cause inflammation of the vaginal tissues, making them more vulnerable to harm. These usually include yeast infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, cervicitis, vaginitis and sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Polyps, or fibroids of the cervix or endometrium
The polyps and fibroids are tiny non-cancerous growths. They often develop in the lining of the cervix or uterus, especially in women with menstruation and can cause pain and bleeding.
Cervical ectropion
Glandular cells from the inside of the cervix may grow abnormally outside the cervix. This condition usually goes away without treatment, but can cause spots and vaginal bleeding.
Endometriosis
THE endometriosis characterized by endometrial tissues (the tissues that make up the inside of the uterus), growing outside the womb. This can cause inflammation, usually in the pelvic area and lower abdomen.
Cervical dysplasia
Cervical dysplasia occurs when abnormal precancerous cells develop in the inner lining of the cervix, which is the opening that separates the vagina and the uterus. These growths can irritate and eventually damage the surrounding tissues, especially during sexual intercourse.
Anatomical abnormalities
Some women have different shaped reproductive organs, which may increase the likelihood of painful abrasion and abrasions.
Bleeding disorders
Diseases that cause abnormal bleeding, the thrombosis may increase the risk of bleeding after sex. Blood thinners can also have the same effect.
Cancers
The cancers affecting the reproductive system, or the urogenital tract, can alter vaginal tissues and hormone levels, making them more vulnerable to damage. Bleeding after sex is considered a common symptom of cervical and uterine cancer.
Bleeding after sex: Risk factors
The usual risk factors for bleeding after sex are:
- vaginal dryness
- dehydration
- intense, "Aggressive" sexual intercourse
- immunosuppressive drugs
- family history of vaginal dryness or inflammation
- history of cervical or uterine cancer
- being in pre-menopause, in menopause, or postmenopausal
- sex without a condom
- Anxiety or reluctance around sex and intimacy
- lack of sexual experience
- exposure to irritating chemicals or allergens
- vaginal, or maternal infections
- internal washing of the vagina (douching)
- diabetes
- hypertension
Bleeding after sex: When to see a doctor
Talk to a doctor whenever you have bleeding after sex and it looks serious, frequent, or continues for more than a few hours after sexual intercourse.
also, Talk to a doctor if bleeding after sex is accompanied by additional symptoms, such as:
- itch, or burning sensation in the vagina
- abnormal vaginal discharge
- severe abdominal pain
- motion sickness, vomiting, or lack of appetite
- feeling of stinging, or burning when urinating, or during intercourse
- low back pain
- unexplained fatigue and weakness
- headaches, or dizziness
- unusually pale skin
Bleeding after sex: Treatment options
In many cases, there is no clear cause for bleeding after sex, therefore there is no immediate course of treatment.
Possible treatment options are:
- vaginal moisturizers
- antibiotics for infections caused by bacteria, such as gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia
- drugs for viral infections
- surgical removal, cryotherapy or cauterization in cases of cervical deformity
- surgical removal of polyps, especially those that cause significant bleeding, or look abnormal
- surgery, or cancer treatment
- Vaginal treatment with low dose of estrogen in the form of ointment, suppository, or rings for vaginal dryness
Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com
