The Brain Box2.0

Some women mistake bleeding after sex for an early period, but the actual cause may be something else. It may start with just a few drops of blood after intimacy, but when it keeps happening, it's worth finding out why. Here are 6 possible reasons it happens, what to look out for and what you should do.

1/ Sex was too rough or there wasn't enough lubrication Sometimes, sex can leave tiny tears around the vaginal opening or inside the vagina, especially when there isn't enough natural moisture. You may notice a little blood when wiping, along with soreness or a burning feeling. What to do: Give your body time to recover. Allow enough time for arousal before penetration. Use a water-based lubricant if needed. Don't continue if penetration is painful.

2/ You may have an infection without knowing it Some infections, including chlamydia and gonorrhoea, can irritate the cervix and make it bleed when touched during sex. The surprising part is that some women have these infections without noticing obvious symptoms. Look out for: Unusual vaginal discharge. Burning when urinating. Pelvic discomfort. Bleeding after intimacy. What to do: Get tested if you suspect an infection. Complete the treatment prescribed, and make sure your partner is assessed and treated when necessary.

3/ Your cervix may bleed easily when touched Some women have a condition called cervical ectropion. This happens when delicate cells from inside the cervix are present on its outer surface. These cells can bleed easily during sex, even when there is no injury. It is often harmless and is more common in younger women and during pregnancy. What to do: If you keep noticing blood after sex, get a cervical examination to confirm the cause. Treatment is not always necessary.

4/ You may have a small growth on your cervix Cervical polyps are small growths that can develop on the cervix. Many women don't even know they have them until they start experiencing spotting after sex. Because these growths contain delicate blood vessels, they can bleed when touched. What to do: Visit a healthcare professional for an examination. Some polyps may need to be removed.

5/ Your vagina may have become unusually dry Vaginal dryness isn't only something that happens to older women. Breastfeeding, hormonal changes and certain medications can reduce natural moisture. When sex happens despite the dryness, friction can irritate the vaginal tissue and cause small tears. What to do: Use a suitable water-based lubricant. Avoid scented vaginal products. Speak with a healthcare professional if the dryness continues.

6/ There may be changes in your cervical cells Repeated bleeding after sex can sometimes be associated with abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix, including cervical cancer. This doesn't mean every woman who bleeds after sex has cancer, but it is one reason persistent bleeding should never be ignored. What to do: Arrange a medical examination and ask about cervical screening. Don't keep assuming the bleeding is caused by rough sex.

Important: A few drops of blood after sex don't automatically mean something serious. However, repeated or unexplained bleeding needs medical assessment. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pelvic pain, dizziness or fainting, seek urgent medical care. Don't keep guessing about bleeding after sex. Find out what's causing it.

1/ You’re shaving too close A very close shave may look cleaner, but it can make the hair curl back into the skin and trigger those annoying bumps. Look out for: • Small bumps showing up after shaving. • Itching or tenderness around the area. What to do: Don't chase an ultra-close shave. Shave in the direction your hair grows and avoid repeatedly going over the same spot.

That clean shave can leave your skin looking worse than before. The bumps, itching and burning that show up after shaving aren't always because your skin is “sensitive.” Here are 6 common causes — and what you can do about them.