For about 8 months and now i started bleeding during sex and it has never happend to me before and im really worry and scare and is only while sex it stops when we stop having sex, please please help me to understand whats wrong im worried

Posted by: Maria/MD HealthForum.com Team

There are certain conditions affecting the vagina, cervix, and uterus that are known to cause bleeding during sexual intercourse. Inflammation, sexually transmitted diseases or abnormal growths are few of the possible causes. Bleeding during intercourse should prompt a visit to the doctor to find out the underlying problem. Once diagnosis is established, the doctor will inform you of the suitable treatment options.

The cervix is usually the source of bleeding during sexual intercourse. If the cells of your cervix are inflamed, friction can make them easily bleed. This is what happens in women with cervical erosion, a condition in which the surface of the inner lining of the cervical canal extends out into the cervical os or the opening of the cervix. This changes the appearance of the cervical os. Its usual smooth and lighter colored membrane appears red, inflamed and infected appearance. This membrane is also more fragile, making it susceptible to abrasion.

Cervical erosion may occur among younger women especially during ovulation, it is also common during pregnancy. Women taking oral contraceptives may also have cervical erosion because of its effects on the body’s total estrogen level. Sometimes treatment is not indicated for cervical erosion. However, if its symptoms become troublesome, the doctor may recommend discontinuing the birth control pill. Ablation therapy may be considered for women with cervical erosion. This procedure done under local anesthetic, the doctor will use a preheated probe which destroys about 3-4mm of the lining of the cervix.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) affect the cervical cells, causing bleeding and other symptoms. Bleeding during or after intercourse may occur with gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis. Women who have any of these STD’s may also have vaginal discharge, itching, and burning. Sexually transmitted diseases are treated with antibiotics. If untreated, STD’s can lead to infertility.

Abnormal growths on the vagina, cervix or uterus are also known to cause bleeding. While precancerous or cancerous growths are a concern, not all abnormal growths necessarily indicate cancer. Sometimes bleeding from intercourse occurs in women with polyps, these are small, soft lumps of tissue growths in the uterus or cervix. Polyps may go away without treatment, but in some patients, surgery may be needed.

Your health history, findings on physical examination, and results of diagnostic procedures will help your doctor in determining the underlying condition that has been causing your bleeding.

This blog entry is for general information only. I recommend that you discuss your symptoms with your own doctor.

References:

Salamon, M. What Does Vaginal Bleeding During Sexual Intercourse Mean Causes of Vaginal Bleeding During Sexual Intercourse. 2009. http://womenshealth.about.com, accessed 7.6.10

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bleeding-after-vaginal-sex/MY00785

Jacoby, D., Youngson, R. Encyclopedia of Family Health. 2005. Marshall Cavendish.

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Tags: bleeding, bleeding during sex, cervical erosion, cervical polyp, chlamydia, STD, thichomoniasis, uterine polyp

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