23/01/2026
🌹Bleeding during and after in*******se (post-coital bleeding)
Is the presence of blood from the va**na that occurs during s*x or shortly after s*x. It is not normal and should always be taken seriously, especially if it happens repeatedly.
Causes
1. Cervical causes (most common)
Cervicitis – inflammation/infection of the cervix
Cervical erosion (ectropion)
Cervical polyps
Cervical cancer
2. Vaginal causes
Vaginal dryness (common after menopause or during breastfeeding)
Vaginal tears or trauma
Vaginal infections (candidiasis, trichomoniasis)
3. Uterine causes
Endometrial polyps
Fibroids
Endometrial cancer
4. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Chlamydia
Gonorrhoea
Trichomoniasis
Herpes
5. Hormonal causes
Use of oral contraceptive pills
Hormonal imbalance
Menopause
Signs and Symptoms
Blood during or after s*x
Pain during in*******se (dyspareunia)
Abnormal va**nal discharge
Foul-smelling discharge
Lower abdominal pain
Irregular menstrual bleeding
Predisposing Factors
Early s*xual activity
Multiple s*xual partners
Poor ge***al hygiene
Previous STIs
Use of va**nal douches
Menopause or low estrogen level
Risk Factors
Unprotected s*x
Smoking
Long-term use of hormonal contraceptives
Immunosuppression (e.g. HIV)
History of cervical cancer in family
Complications
Anaemia (if bleeding is heavy/recurrent)
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Infertility
Late detection of cervical cancer
When to See a Doctor (Very Important)
Seek medical attention if:
Bleeding happens more than once
There is pain or foul discharge
You are post-menopausal
You are pregnant
Bleeding is heavy
Investigations
Pelvic examination
Pap smear / HPV test
Vaginal and cervical swabs
Pelvic ultrasound
Colposcopy (if needed)
Pregnancy test
Preventive Measures
Practice safe s*x (use condoms)
Regular Pap smear screening
Treat va**nal infections early
Avoid va**nal douching
Maintain good ge***al hygiene
Use lubricants if dryness is present
HPV vaccination
Key Point
Post-coital bleeding is a warning sign, not a disease. It must always be investigated to rule out serious conditions like cervical cancer.
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