Bleeding after sex: what it can mean

Seeing blood after sex can be scary. It happens to a lot of people. The NHS says it can have many causes and is not usually serious, but you should always get it checked by a GP or sexual health clinic, because occasionally it can be a sign of something that needs treatment.

Possible causes

• Changes to the surface of the cervix, called cervical ectropion (a common, harmless change that can bleed easily)
• Small growths on the cervix called polyps
• Vaginal dryness, which can cause small tears or soreness (more common with breastfeeding, some contraception and around menopause)
• STIs such as chlamydia
• Sometimes, cervical changes or cancer. This is one reason to get any unusual bleeding checked, and to go to your cervical screening appointments.

Bleeding between periods has its own list of causes, including hormonal contraception, polyps, fibroids and STIs.

What to do

• Make a GP or sexual health clinic appointment, even if it only happened once.
• Note when it happens, how much, and whether you have pain, discharge or an unusual smell. Your Splash log can help.
• You may be offered a pregnancy test, blood test, STI test and an examination of your vagina and cervix. Sometimes you are referred for a scan, colposcopy or hysteroscopy.
• Check you are up to date with cervical screening. It is free on the NHS when you are invited.
• If dryness is part of the picture, a water-based or silicone lubricant can help, and a GP can talk about other options.