What are the causes of bleeding after intercourse? Post-coital or vaginal bleeding after intercourse can be a nerve-wracking experience for just about anyone. Never ignore bleeding after intercourse, as some of the factors that cause it could be quite severe. Given below are some of the most common causes of bleeding after intercourse:
- A bacterial infection known as chlamydia, which is transmitted through sexual activity or any contact with blood, vaginal fluid or semen
- Benign tumors in the uterus, which are known as uterine fibroids
- Finger-like growths called cervical polyps, which protrude from the cervical mucus layer or the cervical canal
- Gonorrhea, which is a bacterial sexually transmitted disease
- Pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID)
- Polyps in the uterus
- Pre-cancerous changes in the epithelial cells, lining the cervix, known as cervical dysplasia.
- Swelling, inflammation or infections in the cervix (cervicitis) or the vagina (vaginitis)
- Trichomoniasis, which refers to a sexually transmitted disease caused by a protozoan.
- Vaginal dryness, very common in women who have crossed menopause
- Yeast infections in the vaginal area, caused by an overgrowth of fungi
At times, women who have just delivered may experience what seems to be postpartum bleeding after intercourse. This is a common problem, but if it happens to you make sure that you speak to your OB/ GYN immediately.
Submitted by N on March 13, 2012 at 02:10
Yeast infections, also known as Candidiadis, are caused by a yeast called Candida Albicans. This infection can take place in any warm and moist part of the body, such as the mouth or the vagina. When the yeast causes an infection in the vagina, it is called the vulvovaginal candidiasis. In simple words, a yeast infection is an imbalance of the yeast in the vagina, as the Candida Albicans multiply, upsetting the vagina’s normal condition, resulting in an infection. There are many disruptions that favor the increase of yeast like:
- Consuming antibiotics
- Wearing tight or unclean clothes that trap heat and moisture
- Use of chemicals like soap, commercial douches, scented toilet paper, etc
- Using condoms, if the lubricant contains nonoxynol - 9
- Increase of hormones,
- An injury to the vulvar or the vaginal areas
- A weak immune system, cause by problems like HIV or Lyme disease.
Post partum bleeding is a part of the post partum period. This process involves the discharge of a substance know as lochia, which contains blood, mucus and placental tissue, from the vagina. The bleeding normally lasts for about two to three weeks for most people, but in some cases, it can also last for as long as six to eight weeks, after childbirth.
The lochia starts out as a rather heavy flow of blood that is bright red in color for about four days or so. After that, the flow of blood reduces and the color changes to pinkish-brown. Gradually, the color changes to white or yellow, before it ends. Postpartum bleeding can be a little stressful to handle at times. There are ways can make it easier:
- Avoid excess activity, including standing and walking as this exacerbates the flow of blood.
- Use a proper maxi pad, to soak up all the blood.
- Stay away from tampons for at least six weeks, after the pregnancy. Insertion of tampons into the vagina can cause a bacterial infection.
- Make sure you are well hydrated, by drinking a lot of water.
As mentioned before, dealing with postpartum bleeding can anyway be difficult, but an yeast infection during this time, can make it seem much worse. If the discharge smells foul, it could be a sign of an infection. The infection can also cause problems such as pain, burning, soreness and itchiness in the vaginal area. Changing your sanitary pad and cleaning the area with hot water may help a bit. There are other ways to help you get relief from the infection. Please consult your doctor about this as soon as possible.
Submitted by P T on March 24, 2010 at 12:06
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