why do i bleed after sex

Bleeding after sex, also known as postcoital bleeding, can happen for several reasons, most commonly related to the cervix or vaginal lining. Some frequent causes include irritation or infection of the cervix (cervicitis), cervical polyps (small benign growths), vaginal dryness causing friction, and cervical ectropion (where fragile cells from inside the cervix grow on the surface). Other causes may include sexually transmitted infections, trauma or tearing during sex, hormonal changes, or less commonly, more serious conditions like cervical or vaginal cancer. If the bleeding is occasional, light, and short- lived, it might be related to minor irritation or dryness. However, if bleeding happens regularly, is heavy, or accompanied by other symptoms such as pain or unusual discharge, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment to rule out infections, polyps, or more serious conditions.