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Q&A Pain and Bleeding with Intercourse
By Gabrielle Matthieu, LAc
Gabrielle Mathieu is a Licensed Acupuncturist,
with a graduate degree in Oriental Medicine. She has
an undergraduate degree in medical technology and worked
in hospitals as a lab technician for 12 years before
coming to Oriental Medicine. She integrates both medicines
in her Austin Texas practice.
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I don't know if this is the right place to ask this...but
I can't find any sites that help. I had sex for the first time
and it was quite painful. I have done it about 10 times now and
I started to bleed a few times. I feel pressure inside, but no
pain. The bleeding doesn't last very long. I am wondering why
could it be bleeding?
Jess K
Hi Jess,
We're glad you felt comfortable approaching us. However, the
best way to find out what is causing bleeding after intercourse
is to have a nurse practitioner or Western physician actually
take a look in the area.
With the decision to begin having sex, come responsibilities,
both emotional and physical. You should have a gynecological exam
as soon as possible.
If you do not have your own insurance yet, it is always possible
you might be able to go to a community clinic such as Planned
Parenthood, and get a low-cost exam then. You could also ask your
partner if he is willing to pay half the cost of your exam and
birth control, if you get some there.
If you feel more comfortable having the exam with a woman than
a man, be sure to bring that up at the time you make your appointment.
During your appointment, your health care provider will check
the area of your uterus that protrudes slightly into the opening
of the vagina. This area is called the cervix, and the bleeding
could be coming from there. A benign (non-cancerous) polyp could
cause bleeding, as well as other abnormalities of the tissue.
Of course, an infection such as Chlamydia might also cause bleeding.
You will be checked for any infections, and if you are not sure
how to prevent pregnancy and have safe sex, those topics will
be covered as well.
- Gabrielle Mathieu
Editor's Note: Another occasional cause of painful intercourse
is psychological. Some women who have unresolved sexual trauma
from earlier in life experience pain with intercourse apart from
any physical problem. Also, don't forget the common sense fact
that even if you have none of the above physical or emotional
issues, intercourse that is too long in duration or too forceful
can cause damage to the sensitive tissues in your vagina, and
these tissues need time to heal before the next intercourse.
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