We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Postcoital bleeding refers to genital bleeding after intercourse. The medical community typically uses this term to describe bleeding from the vagina, a fairly common occurrence caused by a wide range of factors.

Vaginal bleeding after sex is common. Although it's often called "vaginal" bleeding, most benign bleeding in younger women comes from the cervix. However other parts of your genital and urinary systems can be involved. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below.

It is normal to bleed after sex if it your first time or if it has been awhile since your last sexual experience. However, if this is not the case, then bleeding after intercourse can be caused by trauma to the vagina, menstruation, a symptom of a sexually transmitted disease, or a cervical polyp. Read below for more information on causes and treatment options for bleeding after sex.

If you are in the throes of passion and suddenly you spy spots of blood on the bed sheets, it can be alarming and a bit embarrassing if you're in a new relationship. Have you cut yourself? Did you miscalculate your period date? No, so why are you bleeding? Bleeding during or after sex an be unexpected and unnerving in equal measures — but there are a number of reasons this could be happening and it's unlikely to be anything serious, so try not to worry.