You’ve just finished having sex with your partner, when you look down and see blood on the sheets. You don’t have your period and aren’t supposed to get it anytime soon, so what gives?

While vaginal bleeding after sex can be scary, it’s also fairly common. Experiencing bleeding after sex can be caused by a variety of factors, including minor issues like friction or more serious concerns like infections or medical conditions.

It affects up to 9% of menstruating women. There’s probably no cause for concern. But it can also result from an infection. In rare cases, it's a sign of cervical cancer. It's a good idea to consult a healthcare professional if you're experiencing this to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate guidance.