Why am I getting periods 24 hours after having intercourse

[Caz3103]

Hi everyone, first timer here.. I’ve been on the progesterone only pill (Cerazette) for 4 years and up until 9 months ago, I didn’t have any periods, I started getting them every couple of months, not heavy and no symptoms, just suddenly appears... However, 24 hours after the last 3 times I’ve had intercourse with my partner, I’ve gotten a period that’s lasted 4-5 days (bright red) blood and again no symptoms, I’m 45, my reason for going on the pill, was because of very heavy painful periods.. I’ve had previous positive smears, which I had treatment for, first time was about 20 years ago, Up until 3 years ago I was still having yearly smear tests, I was so happy when I got the letter saying I didn’t need another for 3 years, but now I’m not so sure, any help would be appreciated thanks Caz

With your history I would definitely phone your GP.

The most common causes are polyps or STDs, but bleeding after penetration could also be cervical cancer so please get another smear asap.

Thank you both, I’ve heard of people bleeding straight after intercourse and it being done to infection, cysts etc, but I never bleed at the time, it’s always the next day, I have a phone appt with the doctor on Monday xx

I have had this over the past year and just turned 46 and after various tests etc its 'probably peri menopause' its not nice, its always a total pain and I get annoyed as also on Cerazette, but there doesnt seem to be another explanation. Had Ultrasound and due a smear end of this month, but Dr did an internal and all looks ok.

Sorry OP, but think 'we are just at that age' :(

Hey @Jaxinthebox I thought about the peri menopause myself a few months ago, spoke to doctor on the phone, he didn’t think that was the problem for my irregular bleeding, but said as he couldn’t have me in to do a blood test, he would be happy for me to try some hrt and see if I felt better or not (I’ve been having lots of other symptoms too) but I’ve recently been given meds for spinal arthritis, so I wasn’t convinced my symptoms were due to menopause or meds, my body doesn’t tolerate many medications so I declined, I’m not taking tablets, that may or may not help, and will give me a load of side effects, hoping the other doctor I talk to Monday, will agree to have me in for a blood test x

are you in the UK? A doctor doesnt usually give out HRT without some tests here. Peri menopause is the part pre the actual menopause and can go on for years. And a blood test isnt really reliable as your hormone levels can stay normal until after menopause has passed.

Its another awful time for us women to go through.

I have read that black cohosh can help with hot flushes but when I tried it found that it worked but didnt go well with other medication I take.

I do hope you get to the bottom of this, my bloods are all 'normal'.

Thanks @Jaxinthebox yes I’m in the uk, i had to go into the doctors end of May, as I had developed a lump in my sternum and one on my jaw/neck line, so they wanted to see them, honestly though the doctor barely felt them, they’re only human and it was obvious to me that he was nervous about seeing patients during covid, but now I’m getting periods 24hours after intercourse, I’m stepping it up a level and going to insist they do a smear, check bloods, get my thyroid checked too (I usually know when my levels are off, they feel fine to me, but worth checking too I guess)

good for you. If you dont mind, please let me know how you get on. x

Hey @Jaxinthebox yes I will, thanks x

A doctor doesnt usually give out HRT without some tests here. @Jaxinthebox That's not right. NICE says clearly that women do not need any tests before HRT. (I've been on HRT for years with a top consultant and no tests are needed.) They might check blood pressure but if working remotely as of now, you can do this yourself. @Caz3103 you need an urgent referral for a uterine scan to see what's going on- that is the rule for odd bleeding.

It could maybe be a fibroid, they're very common. I have one and it makes me bleed at odd times.

@Caz3103 There is only ONE test you need right now and that is an ultrasound scan of your uterus.

Your GP has an obligation to refer you for this within 2 weeks under the 'urgent' rule- that's for any odd bleeding between periods. That's the rule and they will know it.

There are many reasons why this could occur; if you have had heavy periods in the past you may have a condition called hyperplasia- that is a very thick womb lining, which causes heavy periods, which can bleed at any time. It needs treatment and worst case, the cells can be cancerous. It may be nothing like that and just peri menopause but it needs looking at.

I don't want to scare you, but you really must tell your dr exactly what you have and ask for a scan if they don't offer it.

[quote JinglingHellsBells]@Caz3103 There is only ONE test you need right now and that is an ultrasound scan of your uterus.

Your GP has an obligation to refer you for this within 2 weeks under the 'urgent' rule- that's for any odd bleeding between periods. That's the rule and they will know it.

There are many reasons why this could occur; if you have had heavy periods in the past you may have a condition called hyperplasia- that is a very thick womb lining, which causes heavy periods, which can bleed at any time. It needs treatment and worst case, the cells can be cancerous. It may be nothing like that and just peri menopause but it needs looking at.

I don't want to scare you, but you really must tell your dr exactly what you have and ask for a scan if they don't offer it.[/quote]
yes this is true - an ultrasound should be done. Sorry OP, I had assumed you had already had an ultrasound.

Thank you all so much xx

@JinglingHellsBells thank you, even though I’ve been through pre cancerous cells before, it was a while ago now.. I didn’t know that they are obliged to send for a ultrasound scan within two weeks, so I’ll be sure to ask, Ive also had large cysts before, but I can’t remember the symptoms of those as they were a while ago too, thanks again x

I had this on the POP when I was 22, I came off the pill and it stopped. I had some tests and they couldn't find any explanation. I've had a baby since so lots of scans / rummaging around and they never found anything scary. Go to a doctor but don't worry too much.

Cervical ectropion perhaps

Update... doctor phoned Monday and asked me to go and see her yesterday.. it had happened again, I had intercourse with my Sunday evening and Tuesday morning I was bleeding again, so that’s the last 5 times now. The doctor examined me even though I was bleeding, she tried three different angles to see my cervix, but she couldn’t see it (I used to have yearly smears, due to abnormal cells, and they never had a problem seeing my cervix before) she did say I had a slight bladder prolapse, but not concerned, so she’s arrange for an urgent ultrasound within the next 6 weeks, I am starting to get concerned now, she said it’s definitely not a period I’m having after sex, but I am bleeding for 5-7 days after each time.. I’ll update as I know more, thanks everyone who commented 🥰

Hey guys Update No 2.. got called in for a ultrasound scan today, 2 days after seeing the doctor, they did one on my tummy, but quickly switched to a vaginal scan, they found polyps and my ovaries measure left - 21x23x13 right - 21-22-27, (different sizes) asked me to go back in 6 weeks to have another vaginal scan to see if the polyps have changed.. google says that they don’t normally show symptoms unless they are bigger. As the symptoms (bleeding for days after intercourse and pain during) has happened in the last 10 weeks and it’s bigger, should I be worried?
@BestZebbie @JinglingHellsBells @emmathedilemma @hastingsmua1*@Jaxinthebox @Reclinehard* @BinkyBoinky

Hi @Caz3103 just wondering what the outcome was? Hope it was all ok x