Why do I get bleeding after sex?

Bleeding after sex - postcoital bleeding - is unsettling, and the honest framing is: usually a benign cause, never something to ignore. The NHS lists the common causes: cervical ectropion, a harmless and very common condition where the delicate glandular cells from inside the cervix sit on its surface and bleed on contact - especially common in pregnancy and on hormonal contraception; infections like chlamydia, which inflame the cervix; vaginal dryness and friction; and cervical or vaginal polyps, which are benign growths. The cause nobody wants named but everyone should hear: persistent postcoital bleeding is one of the classic warning signs of cervical cancer, which is why the NHS says to see a provider for it even if it happens once - the odds are strongly benign, but the check is how the exceptions get caught early. What to expect: a provider will look at the cervix, take swabs for infection, and check your cervical screening is up to date - screening catches precancerous changes years before symptoms. Most cases end in reassurance or a simple treatment. Urgent pattern: heavy bleeding, bleeding with severe pain, bleeding in pregnancy, or bleeding with fever - same-day assessment. Otherwise: report it once rather than monitoring it silently for months, and keep your screening appointments. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text. Describe the bleeding pattern, and it can help you prepare for the appointment.