So why do I bleed after intercourse?
Here are a few of the most typical causes for postcoital bleeding, in accordance with the consultants.
1. It’s been some time.
If it’s been a minute because you final had intercourse, the motion could cause lacerations, or tiny tears, in your vaginal canal, Dr. Ross explains: “Even if you’re adequately lubricated, tears of the vaginal opening can happen.”
The finest approach to stop that is by ensuring you’ve gotten loads of time to get aroused earlier than any sort of penetration—and to make use of a number of lube. The concept is to advertise as a lot elasticity within the vagina as attainable.
2. Deep penetration
Deep penetration, whether or not with a penis, a finger, and even your finest vibrator, can often trigger slight trauma to the cervix, resulting in some recognizing after or throughout intercourse, in accordance with Dr. Ross. “A bigger or thicker object and a smaller vaginal opening also can create lacerations within the vagina,” she says.
If you discover that you just’re bleeding fairly recurrently after intercourse, even mild bleeding, converse together with your physician. It could also be useful to strive shallower intercourse positions, comparable to spooning or sitting face-to-face.
3. Vaginal dryness
Vaginal dryness, which is “typically attributable to insufficient foreplay or vaginal lubrication,” is without doubt one of the main causes of vaginal tearing, ache throughout intercourse, and bleeding, says Dr. Ross.
The excellent news? It’s completely preventable. Be certain you’re tremendous, tremendous turned on earlier than you’ve gotten intercourse. (It helps if in case you have an orgasm earlier than any penetration even happens.) “If you’re feeling very dry and delicate, cease,” says Rowett. “Slow down and use lube.”
I can not stress my love for lube sufficient. Keep a vat of it subsequent to your mattress, have a tube in your purse, preserve samples in each drawer in your condominium. Lube is the stuff desires are made on. If you’re in a monogamous relationship and don’t use condoms (since you’ve each been examined for STIs), oil-based lubes like coconut oil are the bomb. But they’re not suitable with condoms or different latex-based contraceptions; if that’s what you employ, persist with a water- or silicone-based lube.
4. Sexually transmitted infections
This isn’t the sexiest factor you’re going to listen to right now, however bleeding with intercourse is usually a signal of an STI. Bleeding after intercourse is a symptom for every part from the herpes virus and chlamydia to cervical HPV. “Sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea, chlamydia, or trichomonas could cause irritation, resulting in bleeding,” explains Dr. Wilson.
