Dear doctor;

Whenever my boyfriend and I have sex, I start to bleed. It is really getting me down because I can’t enjoy sex. I am too scared to talk to anyone. Why is this happening and is it serious?

AMM, 23, Butare.

Dear AMM,

Vaginal bleeding after sex is an unpleasant and frightening situation. In a young woman, it occurs commonly due to infections of vagina or cervix(lower end of uterus). Chlamydia, trichomoniasis, gonorrhoea, vaginal yeast. are some of the common infections which can cause post coital bleeding. These are mostly sexually acquired diseases. Cervical erosions, ulcer, vaginal tear during child birth, genital polyps are some other causes for bleeding after sex. It can also be due to uterine fibroids or endometriosis or infection of the uterine endometrium. 

Good perineal hygiene is key in preventing and treating post coital bleeding. Use of condoms during intercourse is beneficial in prevention of sexually transmitted diseases causing bleeding after sex. 

If the problem continues,check up by a gynecologist would help in identifying and treating the cause.