Many women experience vaginal bleeding after sex at one time or another. In fact, up to 63 percent of postmenopausal women experience vaginal dryness and vaginal bleeding or spotting during sex. Additionally, up to 9 percent of menstruating women experience postcoital bleeding. Occasional light bleeding is usually not a cause for concern.

When you have vaginal bleeding after having sex it is known as post-coital bleeding. If you have vaginal bleeding and it is not due to your period, see your doctor. Normally it is nothing to worry about but, in some cases it could be a sign of something more serious. Normally you should only have vaginal bleeding when you have a period, but if you have irregular periods, you may not be sure if the bleeding is normal or not. See your doctor for a check-up and advice. To find out the cause of the bleeding, your GP will need to ask you some personal questions about your sexual activity.

Maybe you just need more lube; maybe it's a sign of something more serious. At its most basic, sex is about exchanging bodily fluids. The good news: Postcoital bleeding, as bleeding or spotting after intercourse is officially called, may be embarrassing and worrisome. But if it happens more than once, it's time to check in with your doctor. If you notice red spots on the bed, in your underwear, or between your legs after getting it on, make sure to talk to your ob-gyn to figure out whether one of these issues is to blame.

If you buy something through a link on this page, we may earn a small commission. How this works. Postcoital bleeding refers to genital bleeding after intercourse.