This is the term used to describe vaginal bleeding relating to intercourse. The most common cause is related to something called an ectropion (or erosion) on the cervix. This is an eversion of the cells which normally lie on the inside of the cervix onto the surface. This is more common in pregnancy and in women on the contraceptive pill. Another common cause for post-coital bleeding is atrophic vaginitis.

Cervix cancer can cause postcoital bleeding. Therefore, it is essential that a doctor examines the cervix when a woman complains of this symptom. Women over 40 should be referred for colposcopy.