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Mysterious bleeding needs medical attention
Dear Dr Patti
I have been sexually active for five years and with the same partner for seven months. But for the past month-and-a-half, I bleed lightly during and after making love. Also, at first, sex is a little painful. This has never happened to me before and we are both worried. Do you have any idea as to what may be causing this and what it is?
M
First, see your GP for a check-up. You may have a little lesion, cyst or sore that is re-opening from the constant thrusting or rubbing inside; or you may have something else occurring that requires medication or surgery. Given the rampant incidence of sexually-transmitted infections, such as chlamydia, herpes and human papilloma virus, (which, along with being the source of genital warts, is the cause of most cervical cancer), it's wise to be safe rather than sorry.
If your GP says everything is okay from a medical point of view, then you want to look at what's going on in bed. Perhaps you are too dry during penetrative sex. Make sure you use plenty of lubrication during sexual contact, especially if you are not sufficiently stimulated or find it hard to maintain arousal. It's only when a woman continues to stay turned on that she produces the natural lubricating fluids that keep things moving smoothly inside her vagina.
The aspect of pain also troubles me and makes me think that you may not be completely prepared before he enters you. Talk with your partner about what turns you on and what doesn't, to help you to achieve the right level of arousal before penetration. Sex is a pleasure-based experience. Unfortunately, when some women feel a painful sensation during sex, they then shut down to avoid feeling that same pain again. If you find that you are shutting down to avert that sensation, then you may need more than lubrication. Make sure you address these issues, before you end up with much more complex challenges in bed.
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