This article has been professionally reviewed by MSc Thai Bang, MD- Head of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.
1. Vaginal Discharge Phenomenon
Vaginal discharge is a physiological vaginal secretion. This is a normal physiological occurrence that plays a role in maintaining moisture, regulating the vaginal environment, and protecting the vagina from external pathogens. Vaginal discharge is very important for women's reproductive health as well as their sexual life. It is secreted to increase moisture and acts as a lubricant during sexual intercourse, helping sperm meet the egg for easier fertilization.
2. Causes of Blood-Tinged Discharge After Intercourse
Experiencing blood-tinged discharge after intercourse is an abnormal form of discharge that needs to be examined and investigated as soon as possible.
According to obstetricians, there are many reasons why women may experience increased discharge with blood during intercourse. The most common causes include:
- Irregular Menstrual Cycle: Menstrual irregularities may cause brownish blood-tinged discharge. However, if this condition persists frequently, it can be a cause for concern.
- Emergency Contraceptive Pills: If you have taken emergency contraceptive pills, blood-tinged discharge may be a side effect of the medication.
- Intrauterine Device (IUD): Using an IUD for contraception may sometimes cause discharge with fresh blood.
After intercourse, having discharge with blood can be caused by vaginal or vulvar injuries during intercourse. The usual cause is when couples are unaware of proper techniques, perform actions too forcefully, or incorrectly.
However, the main causes of bleeding in the genital area are related to certain gynecological conditions, such as:
- Cervical Polyps: Symptoms of cervical polyps include blood-tinged discharge, increased discharge, foul-smelling, yellowish discharge. In this case, blood-tinged discharge often occurs frequently during intercourse. In severe cases, it can result in significant bleeding similar to menstrual bleeding.
- Vaginitis: When a woman has vaginitis, common symptoms include increased discharge, light yellow in color. If the condition is more severe, the discharge may contain pus and a small amount of blood. In addition, infections in the vagina (due to bacteria, parasites, etc.) can cause the vaginal mucosa to become congested and swollen, making it more prone to abrasion and open wounds when friction or contact occurs during sexual intercourse, resulting in bleeding. Typically, if the injuries are minor and not too severe, they may heal on their own after a short period. However, if not properly cleaned and treated, these injuries may develop into infections and bleeding during subsequent sexual intercourse.
- Cervical Erosion (Cervical Ectropion): Symptoms of cervical erosion include white, frothy, sticky, smelly discharge. In more severe cases, blood may be present in the discharge, or bleeding may occur during intercourse.
- Additionally, diseases like cervical cancer and endometrial cancer can also cause blood-tinged discharge.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhea and syphilis can also result in bleeding during sexual intercourse.
Therefore, it is important to monitor any bleeding and unusual discharge after intercourse and track subsequent menstrual cycles. If this condition lasts for more than 7 days and is accompanied by abnormal discharge, it is necessary to consult with a gynecologist for a timely examination and treatment. Additionally, maintaining proper hygiene of the genital area daily, during menstruation, and after intercourse, especially when there is abnormal discharge or bleeding, is crucial.
With a team of highly specialized doctors and experts who are dedicated to patient care, along with professional, comprehensive healthcare services, Vinmec International General Hospital is the ideal choice for diagnosing, treating, and caring for gynecological conditions. To improve the quality of services, Vinmec offers a Basic Gynecological Screening Package, which helps customers detect infections early, making treatment easier and more cost-effective. Additionally, early screening for gynecological cancers (such as cervical cancer) is available, even when no symptoms are present.
