When you are a woman, it is quite common to experience certain unexpected situations during the menstrual cycle, such as bleeding. Many times this can be related to hormonal issues, taking certain medications, or having sexual intercourse. When it happens, it is called contact bleeding. But is this something bad? Why does it happen, after all? How can you make contact bleeding stop? These and other questions will be answered in today’s text. Read on to find out everything you need to know about this not-so-uncommon phenomenon.

What is Contact Bleeding?

Contact bleeding1 is nothing more than bleeding that occurs in the vaginal area during or after sexual intercourse. When it happens, it often causes concern because the cause of the bleeding is typically unknown. On the other hand, many women don’t pay proper attention when it happens because they confuse contact bleeding with their period, especially those who don’t have a very regular cycle, as it can also occur during or after sex depending on when it happens in the cycle.

What Causes Contact Bleeding?

There are several causes for contact bleeding. As this is a problem that can vary greatly from one case to another, it is only possible to have a general idea based on some information such as the woman’s age, lifestyle, genetic tendencies, and other factors. Some of the main causes of contact bleeding include:

Let’s talk more in depth about each of these, explaining how and why each one happens.

Hymen Rupture

The hymen is a thin membrane that covers the entrance to the vagina and helps prevent infections, especially during childhood. During the first sexual intercourse, it usually ruptures and this rupture, more often than not, causes bleeding. This is very common and is no cause for concern.

Lack of Lubrication

When a woman’s vagina is very dry, the friction caused by sexual intercourse can injure the inside of the vagina and even cause bleeding. This is more common during menopause, but it can also happen to younger women2. In cases like these, it is recommended that the woman use some kind of lubricant to help reduce friction.

Very Intense Intercourse

Very intense sexual intercourse can also create small tears in the vaginal wall, which end up causing bleeding after sex. It is important to take care so that these small tears don’t lead to any infection, which could become a much bigger problem.

Inflammatory Diseases

Contact bleeding can also indicate various diseases such as pelvic inflammatory disease or even candidiasis (yeast infection). If this type of bleeding occurs frequently, it is necessary to see a doctor and have tests done to check if there is any underlying illness.

Breakthrough Bleeding

This normally happens due to the use of contraceptives that contain low doses of estrogen. When there is a problem with the concentration of these hormones, bleeding occurs. This type of bleeding can even occur without any sexual activity, but is more frequent when sex happens.

A Long Time Without Sex

When a woman goes a long time without having sex, she may experience a small amount of contact bleeding, which usually doesn’t mean anything serious. However, if there is very intense pain or any discomfort, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist to check if everything is okay.

Pregnancy

Light bleeding is common in early pregnancy. When a woman does not yet know she’s pregnant, this bleeding can cause concern. In this case, consulting a doctor is also the best solution.

Vaginal Cancer

Vaginal cancer is more common after the age of 50, and although rare, it can indeed cause contact bleeding. It’s important to pay attention and keep all your tests up to date, especially if you are in a risk group3.

How to Prevent Contact Bleeding?

Since there are many reasons why contact bleeding can occur, it is very difficult to say exactly what should be done to prevent it. However, there are a few things you can do that not only help prevent bleeding but also many types of illnesses. Using condoms during sex is always important to prevent any type of STI, as well as some diseases that can also cause bleeding. Another thing you should do is, when taking the contraceptive pill, use it correctly—don’t forget the days or take it at the wrong times. This also helps prevent this type of bleeding. Keeping all of your gynecological exams up to date is also a great tip to prevent many of the problems that can cause contact bleeding. Another very useful and important tip is to use water-based creams and lubricating oils to avoid friction that can injure the vagina during sex.

When Should You Worry About Contact Bleeding?

A woman should worry about bleeding when it starts happening repeatedly. Although it can be something minor and harmless, it is always important to visit a doctor to know exactly how your body is functioning and why this type of bleeding is occurring. The doctor will identify and guide you on how to treat this issue. This is the easiest and most responsible way to deal with contact bleeding. Sex should be a pleasurable and beneficial activity in many ways. When a problem such as contact bleeding happens, you should seek professional help as soon as possible so that this moment of pleasure in your life doesn’t become an issue. A fulfilling sex life is part of a couple’s happiness and directly affects the relationship. That’s why it is always important for both partners to be in sync, for one to understand when the other has a problem, and more than that, to help each other overcome the issue. Don’t forget, both physical and psychological aspects need to go hand in hand so a couple’s sex life can be healthy. Also See: Discomfort During Sexual Intercourse – How to Solve It Photo: Pxhere