Bleeding after intercourse or douching

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Bleeding after intercourse or douching

Vaginal bleeding after intercourse or douching can have many causes, including:

Infection, such as cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Injury to the genital area.
Structural problems, such as cervical polyps or uterine fibroids.
Changes that occur to the lining of the vagina after menopause.
Cancer of the cervix or uterus.

Vaginal douching may increase your risk of PID. Douching may change the acidity of the vagina and promote the growth of bacteria, or it may push bacteria from the vagina into the uterus. Avoid douching to lower your risk of getting PID.

If you have vaginal bleeding after intercourse or douching and you are certain you are not having your menstrual period, do not have sexual intercourse or douche until you see your health professional. This will reduce the risk of spreading a possible infection. Do not use tampons, because they may increase the risk of injury.

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Author	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Updated	July 11, 2007

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Last updated:	July 11, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

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