Postcoital Bleeding: Might Be a Sign of Cervical Cancer

Postcoital bleeding or bleeding after sexual intercourse is one of the possible problems that could happen in females even though it is not their menstrual period. Dr. Chutatip Poonsatta, M.D., an Obstetrics and Gynecology – Gynecologic Laparoscopy specialist of Vejthani Hospital explained that postcoital bleeding or bleeding after sexual intercourse might be caused by an ordinary vaginal infection or some kind of cancer. Somehow, the blood might come from inside or outside of the vagina, cervix, or uterus.

Common Causes of Postcoital Bleeding

1. Sexually Transmitted Infection such as Gonococcus infection, Chlamydia infection, and Trichomonas infection which cause cervix inflammation or pelvic inflammation.
2. Cervical Ectropion which is caused by the soft cell that lines inside the cervical canal spread to the outer surface of the cervix. Therefore, people with cervical ectropion will easily bleed after sexual intercourse. No worries! Cervical ectropion is not a severe disease, it can occur in pregnant women, women after childbirth (Postpartum bleeding), teenagers, or people who regularly consume birth control pills.
3. Polyp on the cervix or Polyp in the uterus
4. Vaginal dryness is caused by hormonal changes or menopause.
5. Open sore on the cervix or in the uterus which may be caused by surgery or sexual intercourse. 
6. Abnormal cervical cells which can cause cervical cancer

There are several causes for postcoital bleeding so when you go to see the specialist, you will be diagnosed by history taking, vaginal examination and ultrasound in order to find an accurate cause. The treatment procedure depends on the cause of postcoital bleeding and the specialist may consider giving antibiotic medicine or polyp surgery. For accurate diagnosis and proper treatment, please feel free to tell your specialist about your symptoms, menstrual period history, etc.