Bleeding during intercourse: what is the cause?

Although not so common episodes, bleeding that occurs during intercourse cannot be considered rare and, much less, should be ignored by women. For in some cases they may be a sign of something more serious. Thus, its causes must always be investigated.

According to gynecologist and obstetrician Barbara Murayama, some studies estimate that about 0.7 to 9% of women have at least one episode of bleeding during or after sex each year.

The main causes of bleeding in sexual intercourse

Before talking about any important reason that poses a risk to women's health, doctor Anna Aguiar points out that? In sexual intercourse near the date of menstruation is almost certain that there will be bleeding. Many women come to me saying they bled the day before their periods, for example. So the first reason to think is that it was menstrual blood, he says.

However, as the average points out, there are other more important reasons that deserve investigation. • STD (sexually transmitted diseases) is one of them. Some bacteria can be acquired during sexual intercourse, such as Chlamydia, Trichomonas and others. These cause inflammation in the cervix, making it friable, causing bleeding and pain in intercourse. So, is condoms always oriented, regardless of contraceptive use ?, explains Anna Aguiar.

Gynecologist Barbara highlights as the most common causes: cervicitis, which are cervical infections for various reasons and may be accompanied by discharge; in addition to endocervical polyps, and vaginal dryness characteristic of the drop in menopausal hormone rates, for example ?, he says.

But, according to gynecologist Barbara, the cause that worries most is cervical cancer. "This is because it is known that around 11% of patients with this cancer have bleeding relationships," he explains.

According to Anna Aguiar, a highlight should be given to endometriosis, a disease that affects 5 to 15% of women. • Result of tissue originating from within the uterus, the endometrium, endometriosis may promote bleeding during intercourse because of implantation of this tissue in regions such as the cervix and vaginal canal. During sex, when there is the touch in these regions, bleeding happens ?, explains.

Menopause and bleeding during intercourse

Anna Aguiar points out that at menopause there is an additional reason for bleeding, vaginal atrophy. During this period, ovarian failure reduces the production of estrogen, the hormone responsible for vaginal lubrication. This way, dryness and reduced vaginal elasticity can result in bleeding during sexual intercourse ?, he says. "A local hormone can solve this problem in many cases," adds the doctor.

Bleeding and pain

In some cases, bleeding during intercourse may be accompanied by pain. For Barbara Murayama, the two facts together may be a sign of some infection or changes in menopause. It can range from simple vulvovaginitis to cervical cancer itself. This is why it is so important to visit the gynecologist regularly and any symptoms? Highlights the gynecologist and obstetrician.

Medical help

As the gynecologist Barbara has already pointed out, women should seek medical help as soon as they experience bleeding (whether or not combined with pain) during sexual intercourse. There are several causes, from the simple to the most worrying. But only the complete medical evaluation, complete gynecological examination and, in some cases, complementary examinations, will we know the diagnosis ?, he says.

• At any episode of bleeding a woman should consult her gynecologist to further investigate the reason and get the necessary treatment. She should not expect to occur several times to see her doctor ?, reinforces Anna Aguiar.

Prevention

According to gynecologist Barbara Murayama, condom use certainly helps a lot to prevent women from acquiring sexually transmitted diseases. And consequently, it prevents episodes of pain and bleeding that could occur during intercourse.

Does the condom even prevent cervical cancer caused by HPV? sexually transmitted virus ?, adds Barbara.

"In addition, it is essential to go to the gynecologist routinely to perform preventive evaluation, which includes the Pap smear, which seeks to prevent cervical cancer," concludes Barbara Murayama.

Remember to take care of yourself, even at pleasure! Do not expect any of these signs (bleeding or pain) to avoid the worst: always use condoms regardless of contraceptive use.And lubricants may also be good options for vaginal dryness.

What causes Bleeding during Intercourse? Is it Normal? (May 2024)