Postcoital Bleeding: Eight Causes and the Importance of Evaluation

Bleeding after intercourse may result from:

1. Trauma (rough sex)
2. Pregnancy changes (cervical friability, implantation)
3. STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhea)
4. Hormonal atrophy (low estrogen)
5. Gynecologic lesions (polyps, fibroids, ectropion)
6. Menopausal atrophy
7. Medications (OCPs, anticoagulants)
8. Malignancy (cervical/uterine cancer)

Prompt gynecologic assessment with speculum exam, Pap/HPV testing, and possibly colposcopy is essential.