6 Causes of POST-coital bleeding

Vaginal bleeding or spotting after sexual intercourse could be a sign for medical gynecological problem. So we will discuss common causes of post-coital bleeding.

1. Menstruation: sexual intercourse just before or after menstrual period may trigger vaginal bleeding.
2. Vaginal dryness: dry vagina is caused by decreased level of estrogen hormone or after menopause for the same reason. This issue can be solved by lubricant gel; hormonal replacement therapy could be helpful.
3. Cervicitis: it means inflammation of the cervix and manifested with bleeding and vaginal discharge. Cervicitis is usually caused by sexually transmitted diseases such as Chlamydia and bacterial vaginal infections such as trichomonas vaginalis. Management of cervicitis usually includes antibiotics and inflammatory analgesic drugs.
4. Cervical cancer: post-coital bleeding is an early sign that may suggest cervical cancer.
5. Cervical polyps: they are solid masses grow at the cervical opening and cause chronic inflammation. Surgical removal of these polyps should be done if they are symptomatic or large in size.
6. Uterine prolapse: uterine prolapse causes cervical expulsion which may predispose to intermittent vaginal bleeding especially after sex. Minor prolapse is managed by weight loss and Kegel exercise to strengthen muscles of the perineum, while severe prolapse usually needs surgical repair.