MANAGING MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS

Bleeding After Sex During Menopause 

Why it might happen:
 A bit of bleeding during or after sex isn’t your period—but it shouldn’t happen often. During perimenopause or menopause, falling oestrogen can thin and dry out the vaginal tissue (a bit like atrophic vaginitis), making it more fragile. That means it might tear or bleed a little, especially during sex—even if you don’t really feel dry or sore.



Other possible culprits:

  • Cervical or uterine polyps (small growths that bleed easily)
  • Cervical ectropion (cells from inside the cervix extending to the outer area, which can be delicate)
  • Occasionally infections, tears, or—rarely—cancer of the cervix, womb, or vagina


When to get it checked:

  • If this is happening after menopause or you've gone 12 months without a period
  • If the bleeding is heavy, frequent, lasts a while, or comes with pain
  • If you’ve noticed bleeding after sex more than once, especially if it wasn’t dry beforehand

Doctors take all bleeding after menopause seriously because—even though most causes aren’t cancer-related—about 10% of cases can be linked to conditions like endometrial (womb) cancer

What your GP might do:

Expect a chat and some checks, including:

  • A pelvic exam, possibly using a speculum to examine your cervix and find the source of bleeding
  • An ultrasound or hysteroscopy (camera into your womb)

A biopsy if they see anything that needs testing


How you can manage it day-to-day:

  • Use a good water- or silicone-based lube—and plenty of it
  • Consider oestrogen cream or pessaries to help build up the tissue if dryness is recurring
  • Be gentle with yourself down there—even light touch or long nails can cause irritation
  • Track when it happens (e.g., after sex, during certain cycle days)—helps GP get clearer picture


Bottom line:

Bleeding after sex during menopause isn’t “just part of getting older.” It’s often caused by thinning tissue, dryness, or minor irritation—but sometimes it warrants investigation. If it happens regularly, feels heavy, or starts after you've gone more than a year without periods—please do see a GP. Early checks mean peace of mind and prompt care if needed.

You're not overreacting—you’re doing the right thing by listening to your body. Let me know if you’d like me to tighten it up or turn it into a quick bullet-list summary!