I'm bleeding a lot after sex! What's wrong with me?

Assuming that it’s definitely not menstrual⁠ (menstrual: Having to do with menstruation.) blood, whenever a person with a vagina⁠ (vagina: The internal passage leading from the opening of the vulva to the cervix of the uterus.) bleeds after sex, it’s generally the result of an injury.

Sometimes if there’s blood spotting and pain after sex, it’s because there’s an infection⁠ (infection: When harmful microbes, or germs, or harmful levels of microbes/germs, enter the body and multiply, causing illness. The common cold, flu viruses, sexually transmitted infections, chickenpox, impetigo, rabies and diphtheria are some kinds of infections.) in the cervix⁠ (cervix: The opening to the uterus, the bottom of which is at the back end of the vagina.) like trichomoniasis, chlamydia or gonorrhea. Irritation in the cervix can result in light bleeding. If you suspect this might be the case, see a doctor and get tested for STIs. Trich, Chlamydia and gonorrhea are all curable with the right antibiotics. Your partner⁠ (partner: In a sexual context, a person with whom someone is having some kind of sex. The term “partner” can be used for all kinds of relationships, not just serious ones. “Partner” can also mean the person someone is with in a romantic or familial partnership.) may need to be treated, too, otherwise you’ll both get reinfected.

More commonly, tearing and abrasions are to blame for the bleeding. These can be eased with the use of condoms and water-based lubricant⁠ (lubricant: A fluid used in order to make kinds of sex (such as masturbation, vaginal intercourse, anal intercourse or manual sex) more pleasant and comfortable, and/or to help prevent condoms from breaking by decreasing friction.) during sexual⁠ (sexual: About or relating in some way to sex or sexuality.) play. If sex of any kind hurts, you need to tell your partner to ease up and slow down. Bleeding should never last more than a day. If you are bleeding fresh blood three days after your sexual encounter, see a doctor! You might have serious injuries. A pelvic exam can determine the extent of the tissue trauma⁠ (trauma: A serious or critical physical and/or emotional injury or physically and/or emotionally painful experience.) , if there is any. In case you are bleeding a lot, do NOT use a tampon⁠ (tampon: A firm, disposable roll of absorbent cotton or other fiber that goes inside the vagina to absorb menstrual blood.) to soak it up. Avoid inserting anything until it heals. Use a pantiliner in the mean time.