For teens and adults
Bleeding after sex
Spotting or bleeding after sex is common and is usually caused by something treatable. It is still important to check, so we can rule out infection, cervical cell changes, and less common serious causes.
Quick definition
Medical term: postcoital bleeding. It means bleeding during or after sex, outside your normal period timing.
If your main concern is period bleeding patterns (heavy, frequent, or unpredictable), see Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB).
When to seek urgent care
- Heavy ongoing bleeding (not just spotting), especially if you feel faint, dizzy, or unwell.
- Bleeding with severe pelvic pain, fever, or vomiting.
- Any chance of pregnancy with bleeding and pain (urgent ectopic pregnancy check needed).
- Bleeding after sexual trauma or concern about assault.
If you are unsure, contact reception or your nearest emergency centre.
Most common causes
In many people the cause is not dangerous, and in around half no single cause is found. We still check carefully because a small number of people do have a condition that needs treatment.
Cervical ectropion
A common non-cancerous cause where softer inner cervical cells sit on the outside and can bleed more easily with contact.
Infection and cervicitis
STIs (such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, or trichomonas) and other vaginal infections can inflame the cervix (cervicitis) and cause contact bleeding.
Polyps or other local causes
Small growths (polyps), fibroids, or local vaginal/cervical changes can bleed with friction during sex.
Cervical cell changes (CIN)
These are abnormal cells on the cervix found on screening. They are not the same as cancer, but they do need follow-up.
Cancer (uncommon)
Cancer is uncommon in this symptom group (fewer than 5 in 100), but it is important to rule out.
No single cause found
This is common. In many people, tests do not show one clear cause, and symptoms often settle with follow-up.
What the assessment usually includes
Step 1
Talk-through and symptom review
We ask when bleeding happens, how much there is, and whether there is pain, discharge, pregnancy chance, or other changes.
Step 2
Gentle examination
This may include a speculum check (a small device used to see the cervix) and an internal exam to look for a local source.
Step 3
Focused tests
Tests may include a pregnancy test, infection swabs, and cervical screening (Pap/HPV) if due or needed.
Step 4
Extra checks if needed
If symptoms continue or your cervix/screening needs a closer look, you may need colposcopy (a magnified cervical exam) or ultrasound.
Treatment approach
Treatment is based on what is found. We start with the most likely cause and then review whether bleeding improves.
- Infection: treatment targeted to the specific infection.
- Benign cervical causes: watchful follow-up or treatment if symptoms continue.
- Polyps or local lesions: procedures may be offered when they are clearly causing symptoms.
- Abnormal screening or cervix appearance: colposcopy-guided care.
- No clear cause found: planned follow-up, because many cases settle over time.
Need a clear plan? Bring your bleeding timeline, your last cervical screening date, and any previous swab or scan results if you have them.
If symptoms persist or recur
If bleeding keeps happening, gets heavier, or new symptoms appear, we reassess and repeat key checks. This helps make sure we are not missing a cause that needs treatment.
If you are postmenopausal, any bleeding after sex should be assessed promptly, even if the amount is small.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Does bleeding after sex mean cancer?
Usually no. Most causes are not cancer, but checking is important so we can be sure and treat the right problem early.
Could this be an infection?
Yes. Infection is a common reason for this symptom, which is why swabs are often part of the first check.
Will I always need colposcopy?
No. Many people do not need it. It is usually used if your cervix or screening test needs a closer look, or if bleeding keeps happening.
What if tests do not find one clear cause?
That is common. We then use a follow-up plan to make sure symptoms settle and no important cause is missed.
When should I seek help quickly?
Seek urgent care for heavy ongoing bleeding, severe pain, pregnancy-related pain/bleeding, fever, or feeling faint.
Still unsure? We can step through likely causes and prioritize tests so you get clarity quickly.
Still unsure? We can map your symptoms to the right pathway and agree on practical next steps.