What is post-coital bleeding?
Post-coital bleeding means vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse, that is not related to your period. It may be light spotting or heavier bleeding and can happen occasionally or more regularly.
While it can be harmless, it’s important to have it checked—especially if it happens more than once, as it may be a sign of an underlying issue.
Is it common?
Yes, post-coital bleeding can happen to people of all ages, but it’s especially common:
- After menopause
- In people with cervical or vaginal infections
- In those with hormonal changes or sensitive vaginal tissue
What causes post-coital bleeding?
Common and usually harmless causes:
- Cervical ectropion (cells from inside the cervix grow on the outside and are more sensitive)
- Vaginal dryness or thinning (especially after menopause)
- Sexual friction or not enough lubrication
- Minor tears or irritation from sex
Other possible causes:
- Cervical or vaginal infections (e.g. chlamydia, thrush, BV)
- Cervical polyps (non-cancerous growths)
- Inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis)
- STIs (e.g. gonorrhoea, herpes)
- Vaginal or cervical trauma
Less common but important to rule out:
- Abnormal cervical cells (dyskaryosis)
- Cervical cancer
- Vaginal or uterine cancer (rare)
What should I do if I notice bleeding after sex?
- Don’t panic—many causes are not serious
- Keep track of:
- How often it happens
- How much bleeding there is
- Any other symptoms (e.g. pain, unusual discharge, bleeding between periods)
You should see a doctor if:
- It happens more than once
- You are postmenopausal
- You have unusual vaginal discharge, pain, or other symptoms
- You’re due (or overdue) for your cervical screening (smear test)
What tests might be done?
Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may recommend:
- Pelvic examination
- Cervical smear test
- Swabs for infections or STIs
- Colposcopy (specialist exam of the cervix)
- Ultrasound scan (to check the womb and ovaries)
Can it be treated?
Yes—treatment depends on the cause:
- Infections: antibiotics or antifungal treatment
- Cervical ectropion: often settles on its own or can be treated if bothersome
- Polyps: can be removed easily in a clinic
- Dryness or thinning: may improve with oestrogen cream or vaginal moisturisers
- Abnormal cells: referred for further investigation and treatment if needed
Looking after your vaginal health:
- Use lubricants if needed during sex
- Avoid harsh soaps or douching
- Keep up to date with smear tests
- Seek help early if something feels off—you know your body best
Final reassurance:
Post-coital bleeding is often not serious, but it’s always worth getting checked. You’re not overreacting by seeing a doctor—it’s the right step for your health and peace of mind.