Bleeding after intercourse?
Joyce M Vaginal bleeding after sex means bleeding during sex or just after having sexual intercourse, when you’re not menstruating or don’t expect to be menstruating. Vaginal bleeding after sex most commonly develops in women between the ages of 20 and 40. Your cervix — the narrow, lower end of your uterus — is usually […]
Joyce M
Vaginal bleeding after sex means bleeding during sex or just after having sexual intercourse, when you’re not menstruating or don’t expect to be menstruating. Vaginal bleeding after sex most commonly develops in women between the ages of 20 and 40. Your cervix — the narrow, lower end of your uterus — is usually the source of vaginal bleeding brought on by sex, especially before menopause ( cessation of menses). Even if you have a healthy cervix, enough friction during sexual intercourse may cause bleeding. Inflammation of the cervix or some other abnormality can also result in bleeding.
Causes
If you’re premenopausal and you experience vaginal bleeding after sex now and then, but not often, it probably isn’t something to get too worried about. Vaginal bleeding after sex could indicate cervical cancer, but if you’ve had normal results on routine Pap tests, it’s more likely that the cause is another condition.
If you’re postmenopausal, however, vaginal bleeding of any sort is considered abnormal until it’s been evaluated and a cause determined.
Vaginal bleeding after sex may result from:
1. Cervical cancer or any changes in the cervix which may not be cancer
2. Friction during sexual intercourse as a result of penetration
3. Inadequate lubrication of the vagina
4. Normal uterine bleeding, if you’re just beginning your period or if it has just ended
5. Vaginal atrophy ( narrowing or shrinking of the vagina)
6. Vaginal dryness
Your best bet is to consult with your doctor and be properly examined.
Body swelling after giving birth?
I gave birth not too long ago and my body has swollen up. What could be wrong?
Aisha L
Body swelling after giving birth could partially be due to changes that took place during pregnancy and partially due to the delivery process itself. The body produces higher-than-normal levels of the hormone ‘progesterone’ during pregnancy, which causes the body to retain both sodium and water. At the same time, the expanding uterus ( womb) presses against the veins in the legs, restricting blood flow to the legs, feet and ankles, which leads to fluid build-up in the lower part of the body. With all the fluid that can build up over the nine months of pregnancy, it’s no surprise that this swelling doesn’t automatically go away after the baby is born.
While some swelling is inevitable for most women, there are some potential remedies for swelling after pregnancy that may help alleviate this problem.
1. A clean diet is an important part of a woman’s postpartum care. Eating properly can help flush out excess fluids more quickly. As a bonus, a clean, healthy diet can give you the extra energy you need to adjust to your baby’s demands. Focus on foods rich in protein, as well as fresh fruit, vegetables.
2. Avoid liquid food that is reach in potassium iron.
3. Moderate exercise and activity can also reduce postpartum swelling by improving circulation and helping you to sweat away excess fluid.
4. If your legs and ankles are swollen, try elevating your feet above the level of your heart. This improves circulation and reduces the fluid build-up in your lower body.
5. Don’t wear tight clothing or jewelry, as this can restrict blood flow to certain areas and increase swelling.
6. While some swelling after pregnancy is normal, certain types of swelling are a sign of danger and shouldn’t be ignored. Swelling and pain in only one leg can indicate a severe blood clot known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and should be examined by a doctor.
7. Another sign to watch for is the onset of preeclampsia which can occur up to four weeks after delivery. Look for sudden, excessive swelling in the face or hands, and consult your doctor immediately if you notice these warning signs.