Is it normal… to bleed after sex?

If you’ve ever gone to the toilet post-sex and noticed spots of blood, it can be scary.

Dr Pixie McKenna, GP at The London Clinic, advises always getting it checked out. There are multiple potential causes, ranging from easily treatable STIs to cervical cancer (although this is rare), having more, er, vigorous sex than usual to severe thrush or polyps (more on those below).

– a lubricant can help, but make sure it’s a water-based one,” says Dr McKenna. Getting experimental (ie trying a new, more energetic position, or using a toy that might cause friction and therefore potentially make you bleed) is also a possibility, as is “restarting your sexual life after a long break”. If bleeding is recurrent, Dr McKenna says that would rule this out as a cause and, again, advises booking a check-up.

– or pregnancy are also options to have confirmed or ruled out by a doctor. And smear tests are very important for keeping on top of your intimate health, says Dr McKenna. “If you’re not eligible for one, see your doctor and have a physical examination carried out if something is amiss.”