Is it normal to have bleeding during the first sexual intercourse two months after giving birth?
In general, vaginal bleeding during the first sexual intercourse two months after childbirth may be normal if caused by decreased estrogen and progesterone levels; however, it is considered abnormal if due to factors such as cervical polyps or precancerous cervical lesions. The details are as follows:
1. Normal
After childbirth, elevated prolactin levels suppress the production of estrogen and progesterone. When these hormone levels drop, vaginal secretions may decrease, leading to vaginal dryness. This can cause minor trauma to the vaginal mucosa during intercourse, resulting in bleeding. Usually, no special treatment is required, and symptoms resolve spontaneously.
2. Abnormal
a. Cervical Polyps
Cervical polyps are growths on the surface of the cervix. The blood vessels on the surface of a polyp are fragile, and physical contact during intercourse may damage the polyp, causing bleeding. If the polyp is large, it is recommended to visit a hospital for surgical removal to relieve symptoms.
b. Precancerous Cervical Lesions
Malignant cells can damage the cervical mucosa and invade small local blood vessels, which may also lead to postcoital bleeding. Prompt medical attention is necessary, including vaginal packing to control bleeding. Further evaluations should be completed, followed by surgical removal of the affected cervical tissue.
In addition, postcoital bleeding could also be caused by cervical cancer. If bleeding persists or fails to improve over time, timely medical evaluation and thorough examinations are essential to determine the underlying cause.