Usually, slight bleeding after sex is considered normal and common amongst 9% of menstruating women. This happens because of skin irritation, increased friction caused by less lubrication or when it stretches after a long time, STDs, etc. However, if you have IUD – short for intrauterine device, bleeding after sex might be a sign of trouble. Continue this blog for more information on bleeding issues after an intimate session, what are the reasons, is IUD safe, and treatment methods.
What Is An IUD?
It is a tiny, T-shape device that your doctor inserts inside the uterus for preventing pregnancy. An estimation says that it is a convenient and safe method of avoiding unwanted pregnancy. There are two main variants of IUDs available, copper and hormonal.
Copper IUD
These are plastics wrapped in copper material. Usually, copper IUDs last for around 12 years easily. Moreover, you can also use it as an emergency birth control; all you have to do is insert it after 5 days of having unprotected sex.
Hormonal IUD
This kind has progestin – a hormone in it. A hormonal IUD lasts around 3 to 5 years.
IUD and Bleeding After Sex
Usually, IUDs do not cause bleeding from the vagina. However, different IUD devices have different side effects. A woman’s body takes a few months to fully settle in and come to terms with the foreign matter fixed inside it, the IUD. The user may have breakthrough bleeding after IUD insertion in between monthly periods as well.
When the woman suffers from spotting just after sex, it is considered that IUD is causing the bleeding. The physician places the IUD through a vaginal opening from the cervix inside the uterus, and they have rigid plastic strings attached, which are used for taking the device out at a later date.
Mostly, because of the positioning of the IUD inside the vagina, bleeding is not possible after sex. However, if it displaces and lodges in the vagina, bleeding may take place.
Pain and bleeding after sex with IUD are not common occurrences after sex; therefore, if you feel or notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor. They will ensure that the device is in the proper place and there is no lingering infection in the cervical area.
People susceptible to IUD displacement are:
- Teenagers
- Women who insert IUDs right after giving birth
- Individuals who suffer from heavy period flow
Reasons beside IUD for Bleeding After Sex
If you do not have an IUD inserted, there may be some other reasons causing bleeding after sex. Scientific research published back in 2014 states that 0.7 to 9 percent of menstruating women bleed after sex which is called postcoital bleeding.
It is a worrisome condition that needs appropriate attention. Some of the usual causes for this condition are:
- Insufficient or poor lubrication while having sex
- Cervical infections or pelvic inflammatory disease
- Genitalia lesions
- STD such as herpes or syphilis
- Endometrial or cervical polyps
- Vaginal tears
- Thin vaginal tissues or also known as vaginal atrophy
Treating Bleeding After Sex
Bleeding after sex, with or without IUD, is managable in the following ways:
- Use lubricants during sex to avoid friction.
- Go for gentler sex.
- Use medications for STIs and STDs
- Surgery for cervical polyps or cancer
Conclusion
Learn more about birth control options and choose whichever suits you best. If IUD bleeding after sex is a common routine talk to your physician right away. Or, you can contact one of the best physicians in Magnolia or Houston, Texas, call 281 252 8600 at Internal Medicine And Diagnostic Center