It may be quite embarrassing to notice drops of blood on the sheet after sex. In some cases, spotting can be a sign of a certain infection and in others, may manifest some serious disease. If you have noticed bleeding or at least bloody discharge after sex, you should visit your gynecologist as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may face serious complications that may significantly spoil not only your sex life but the overall health as well. In this article, we gathered six common medical causes of spotting after sex
1. Uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that grow from the uterine walls. These tumors are not cancerous but they can cause a lot of unpleasant symptoms like spotting after sex, pelvic pressure, and lower back pain.
The underlying cause of uterine fibroids is still unknown but medical society links their development to the increased estrogen levels. During menopause when the estrogen production decreases, fibroids can shrink. However, if their symptoms are disturbing, it is better to undergo treatment. Fibroid tumor treatment usually includes medication and/or surgery.
2. Cervical polyps
A cervical polyp is a local proliferation of the cervical mucosa. They look like small or big skin-color growth. Cervical polyps can be located on the surface of the cervix or in the cervical canal. They can cause bleeding after sex, heavy periods, and pelvic pain.
Despite the fact that cervical polyps are considered benign, they can still become malignant and cause cervical cancer under the influence of some external factors. That is why all polyps should be removed.
3. Vaginal dryness
Vaginal dryness is a condition in which the vagina releases an insufficient amount of lubrication or stays dry at all. A lack of lubrication is quite common for postmenopausal women who experience a natural decrease in estrogen levels. However, young women with the same issue can also have vaginal dryness.
If you experience a lack of lubrication, sex can become real torture for you because penetration and frictions can cause cracks that will hurt and bleed. Additional lubrication, medication, and hormonal therapy can help you make sex and everyday life more pleasant.
4. Cervicitis
Cervicitis is an inflammation in the cervical lining. Women with cervicitis may experience cloudy vaginal discharge, pain in the lower abdomen, and spotting after sex. Chronic cervicitis can contribute to the development of erosion, thickening of the cervix, as well as the inflammation spread to the fallopian tubes.
The main goal of cervicitis treatment is to reduce the infection and prevent it from spreading. Treatment options depend on the underlying cause of your condition. Your gynecologist may prescribe antibiotics, antifungal, or antiviral medications.
5. STIs and other infections
Sexually transmitted infections and other infections that affect a woman’s reproductive system can also lead to bleeding after intercourse. These infections tend to hit the cervix that can start bleeding under the influence of a certain impact. The other signs of infection include abnormal discharge, pain during sex, and an unpleasant vaginal odor.
Most infections can be treated with the help of antibiotics. However, it is important to start treatment right after the appearance of symptoms. Otherwise, the infection can spread and cause pelvic inflammatory disease or other unpleasant health issues.
6. Cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is a quite dangerous condition that can cause severe damage to women’s health without causing any significant symptoms. Cancer occurs when the cells of the cervical lining start to overgrow and change.
Women with cervical cancer may experience spotting, pain during sex, abnormal vaginal discharge, and problems with urination. It is essential to start cervical cancer treatment as early as possible. At the advanced stages, it may require more complicated and radical treatment options.