Womens Health Issues - Top Causes of Post Sex Bleeding in Women and What you Can Do About It

After you have had sex, discovering that you are bleeding can be a scary thing for both you and your partner. However, although it is not discussed very often, bleeding after sexual intercourse is a relatively common occurrence, and many women experience it at one point or another in their lives. Just because it happens a lot does not mean it is something you can ignore, though. The causes of post sex bleeding can range from being simple and no big deal to being something serious and the sooner you can narrow down the cause of your bleeding, the better off you will be.

In fact, before taking a look at the possible causes for bleeding after sex, it is important to know that you should never make a diagnosis for this kind of problem on your own. Even if you think you know exactly why you have bled, a doctor should always give the final say on the reason, and the treatment, of post sex bleeding.

One of the most common reasons women experience post sex bleeding is because of a sexually transmitted disease. Gonorrhea and Chlamydia are both notorious for leading to bleeding during and after sex because they can cause inflammation. These sexually transmitted diseases are easily treated by antibiotics and very common, so don't hesitate to approach your doctor if you think you have either or these - or any - sexually transmitted disease.

Trichomoniasis is another disease that can cause sexual bleeding. This disease is usually transmitted during sexual intercourse, but because a protozoan causes it, it actually can live and be transmitted via hot tubs, swimming pools, urine and even tap water.

Yeast infections are also behind a lot of cases of bleeding after sexual intercourse. If you know you have a yeast infection, it is best to abstain from sex until it clears up. Your yeast infection can easily be transmitted to your partner (who can then re-infect you the next time you have sex, and back and forth). Sometimes a condom can help in the transmission of yeast infections during sex (though not always), but even when using a condom, bleeding after sex when you have a yeast infection is very common.

Uterine polyps and cervical polyps can both cause post sex bleeding. You may not know if you have either of these until you visit your doctor. Cervical polyps are easier to deal with - they extend out from your cervix far enough that your doctor can remove them in the office. These kinds of polyps are usually painless and symptom less. Uterine polyps require a little bit more attention. They can cause spotting and cramping between your periods and need the remove surgically. Both of these kinds of polyps are benign almost 100% of the time.

Fibroid tumors within the uterus also can cause vaginal bleeding after sex. Again, it is unlikely you will know you have fibroid tumors unless you doctor goes looking for them. They are usually symptom free and almost always benign. Sometimes, these tumors are removed surgically, and sometimes they are left alone. However, if you have fibroid tumors, you cannot take birth control pills, as the estrogen will feed the tumors.

Although relatively rate, vaginal tearing can also cause post sex bleeding. If you believe you have experienced some kind of tearing during intercourse, you need to seek immediate medical attention, because you may be bleeding internally as well. Internal bleeding that goes unchecked could be fatal.

As you can see, post sex bleeding can be easily treated, but shouldn't be taken lightly. Don't avoid seeing your doctor and get these symptoms in check.

Women's health issues from puberty to menopause are explored here