Post Coital Bleeding

This leaflet explains that you have been referred to the Post Coital Bleeding (PCB) Clinic because you have experienced vaginal bleeding during or after sex that is not part of your normal period. The referral may have been made by your GP, practice nurse, or another healthcare professional.

In women under 35, sometimes chlamydia is a cause of post coital bleeding and should be excluded. In women aged 35 and over, it is important to exclude cervical cancer. Your GP may arrange cervical swabs before referral to check for infection, and your cervical screening (smear) history may be reviewed.

What is PCB?

Post coital bleeding may come from the cervix or the lining of the vagina. It can range from light spotting to heavier bleeding and is often painless, although some people may experience discomfort.

Blood associated with post coital bleeding may appear bright red or brown in colour. For many people, the bleeding is minimal and barely noticeable; however, for others it may be heavier, lasting for several days.

What causes PCB?

Often, no cause is found for bleeding after sex. However, common causes include:

• Infections
• Polyps (non-cancerous growths on the cervix or womb/uterus)
• Vaginal dryness
• Minor trauma or irritation
• Cervical ectropion (a harmless change where cells from inside the cervix are present on its outer surface)
• Abnormal cervical cells (pre-cancerous changes)
• Cervical or vaginal cancer (rare)

What happens at the hospital?

A doctor or specialist nurse will ask about your health and the bleeding you have experienced. They will then discuss the next steps with you.

You will be asked about your general health, including any medications you take and any allergies you may have. You will also be asked about your menstrual history, any problems with your periods, and your current use of contraception or hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Please bring a list of your current medications, including any over-the-counter medicines, and the date of your last menstrual period, as this will help with your assessment.

The examination

You will be asked to change into a hospital gown in a private changing area. You may prefer to wear a loose skirt or dress for your appointment.

A nurse will help you get comfortable on the examination couch. The doctor or specialist nurse will gently insert a speculum into the vagina, similar to a cervical screening (smear) test, to examine the cervix and vaginal walls.

If you find the examination uncomfortable, inhaled pain relief is available in all our clinics.

A TV monitor is available if you would like to watch the procedure. The doctor or specialist nurse may take photographs of your cervix or vagina for your medical records. If any abnormalities are seen, such as abnormal cells or a polyp, a biopsy (small tissue sample) may be recommended and taken.

When will I receive my results?

If a biopsy is taken, it will be sent to a laboratory for analysis. You will usually receive your results by letter within 4 weeks. A copy of the results will also be sent to your GP.

Contact numbers

If you need further advice, or have any problems, please contact the appropriate number below:

University Hospital of North Tees

Outpatients Department:
Monday to Friday, 09.00am to 5.00pm
Telephone: 01642 624172

University Hospital of Hartlepool

Outpatients Department:
Monday to Friday, 09.00am to 5.00pm
Telephone: 01429 522865

You can also contact a Specialist Nurse Colposcopist on the following number:
Colposcopy Hub
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm
Telephone 01429 522268

Email for enquiries: [email protected]

If you have any worries or concerns, you should contact your GP during normal surgery hours. Outside surgery hours, you should contact your GP’s surgery for the Out of Hours Service number.

Further information is available from:

NHS website – www.nhs.uk

Patient Experience Team (PET)

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you would like to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Team who will help you to do this.

This service is based at the University Hospital of North Tees but also covers The University Hospital of Hartlepool, our community hospitals and community health services.

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust
Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Email: [email protected]
Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 4:00 pm

Out of Hours
If you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard (numbers below).