Bleeding after sex - Cant find an explanation

Hi - Just wondering if anyone is experiencing similar to me.

I have been experiencing irregular light bleeding and particullaly light bleeding after sex for about 18 months.

I visited my GP as soon as the bleeding after sex started the first time. Internal examination done and nothing found. 

Had Mirena coil fitted 13 months ago after being on the combined pill for 20 years and since then the bleeding after sex has got worse.

Went back to GP and was referred for pelvic scan and colposcopy where I had biopsies taken 11 months ago! Pelvic scan and cervical biopsies all came back normal.

Bleeding after sex continues. 

Have a history of early menapause in my family (im 37) so thought bleeding after sex could be due to me being pre-menapause and vaginal dryness so started using vaginal moisturisers - Bleeding after sex continues!

It doesnt happen every time after sex maybe just 50% of the time.

Smear tests up to date - Latest one due this year.

Had abnormal smears and CIN3 about 9 years ago when I had Loop Excision treatment and have had normal smears ever since.

Could something of been missed on my colposcopy 11 months ago?! I assume if it was extropion then that would of been seen at colposcopy and I would of been told about it?

Very confused/worried that I am experiencing bleeding after sex but cant seem to find an explanation.

 

Thank you xx

  • Hi and thanks for posting

    It sounds very frustrating not knowing what the cause may be. It's good though that the scan and biopsies were all clear- they would have showed up any areas of concern at the time.

    It sounds like it may be best to have a chat with the GP with a view to referring you perhaps to a gynaecologist for a further review.

    The GP may also want to have another look at your cervix and you can ask about any signs of ectropion. These are common and perhaps they did not think to mention it. Hormonal changes may account for bleeding and spotting , so do discuss your contraception with them again.

    I hope things improve for you soon and you get to the bottom of it

    All the best

    Wanda

  • Thank you for your reply.

    I have been keeping a diary for 6 months and the bleeding after sex does tend to happen the same time of the month each month - For example the last 5 times it has happened it has always been between to 20th and 24th of the month. Could this be a coincidence?! or is this when my period would be?! When I have had sex at other times of the month I have not bled - Im not sure as since having the mirena coil fitted my periods have practically stopped so hard to tell what is a period, what is spotting and what is post coital bleeding.

    I have made an another appointment with my GP for Monday and I am going to ask for a referral to gynaecologist if possible.

    Thanks again

  • Hello and thank you for getting back to us.

    I am afraid we don't know if the regularity of the bleeding is anything relevant. Also to answer your question - spotting is just that, spots of blood and bleeding is a flow of blood (like a period).  There are many reasons why this happens and while no test or investigation has shown anything worrying I can appreciate your concern. 

    It is good to know you have made another GP appointment to discuss this again and to ask if a referral to see a gynaecologist is needed.  

    I hope you will be okay.

    Take care and get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Caroline