Postpartum Bleeding After Intercourse

Q: Ever since I gave birth to my third child, I bleed after my husband and I have sex. Should I be worried?

Dr. Donnica: You don't need to be worried, but you do need to be examined.  You didn't say how long it's been since your last baby was born.  Some spotting is considered normal within the first six weeks after childbirth.  If spotting persists any longer, conditions such as retained placenta or unhealed lacerations are considered. 

Some women experience cervical changes during or after pregnancy, which can cause easy bleeding with intercourse.  This is one of the reasons why most physicians recommend that women have a Pap smear within 2 months of delivery.  Another postpartum culprit is common cervical infections; these are generally easily diagnosed and treated.  

Created: 4/5/2003  -  Donnica Moore, M.D.