Dear Dr. Sex,
I hope you can help me with an issue I’m having. My partner and I have started doing anal recently, and I want to ask if bleeding after anal sex is normal?
I’ve searched online that it’s normal to bleed after your first time, and I also saw that if bleeding continues in a day or two, I’ll have to get checked. We used tons of lube during intercourse though I did feel some mild pain during penetration since it was my first time.
I’m on the first day after anal sex, and I did see some bleeding after finishing. And to calm my worries, I would like to get your say on this to be sure. Is bleeding something I should worry about? And what can I do to relieve the mild pain? Please help me.
Yours,
Cindy
Dear Cindy,
I’m glad to hear you and your partner did the right steps throughout anal sex.
First of all, bleeding after anal sex typically isn’t a cause for concern. Bleeding after anal is often the result of too much rough friction or cuts from fingernails.
Many experience light spotting from time to time because of the delicate nature of the tissues involved.
Bleeding can come from various causes, and the common ones are:
An anal tear during penetration. The tears are usually caused by friction, but fingernails can also be a cause. Pain, especially with bowel movements, often comes with bleeding from fissures.
Dilated veins or hemorrhoids. These swollen blood vessels are undetectable until they burst during anal penetration. The friction and pressure from fingers, a penis, or a sex toy may tear the veins open. Hemorrhoids can also be the cause of discomfort during sex.
Acute or chronic constipation. A backup of bowel movements can potentially put a strain on the rectum muscles. Whenever you push to pass stool, you can develop tears. This may lead to bleeding and pain after anal penetration.
I highly suggest taking these steps so you can relieve the mild pain:
Eat high-fiber foods. Constipation often leads to hard stool that’s hard to pass. This can irritate your tissues and increase the chances of bleeding after anal sex.
Fiber-rich foods are fresh fruits, whole grains, and vegetables. Having fiber-rich foods can relieve constipation, keep bowel movements regular, and help your body prep and avoid bleeding after anal sex.
Sit in a warm bath. A warm water bath can be therapeutic to the hips and buttocks. Having a warm bath can provide relief from hemorrhoids, fissures, and more. A warm bath with salt will also help with pain relief.
Use a stool softener. While the anus is healing, consider taking a stool softener to make bowel movements easier to pass. Doing this will relieve pressure on delicate tissues and reduce your chances of additional bleeding.
Stool softeners are available as rectal suppositories. This makes the stool softer and easier to pass.
See a doctor if the bleeding lasts more than two days or if you feel severe pain. An underlying condition or injury typically causes severe pain and heavy bleeding. Your healthcare provider may perform a physical exam to understand what is causing the bleeding. This includes looking at the anus and opening of the rectum.
Now that you and your partner have started exploring anal, I do have some tips for you to prevent the risk of future bleeding:
Start slowly. After your healing, don’t return with the rough vigor you had before. Start with the tongue or fingers. Go slow. During anal sex, stop and take a measure of how you and your partner are feeling. Full penetration with a toy or penis doesn’t have to be your immediate focus.
Use lots of lube. You may know this already, but the anus isn’t self-lubricating. If you do not use lube, friction will happen, which can lead to bleeding and tearing. Apply lube generously to the fingers, toy, or penis. Keep reapplying lube if friction comes back.
Consider using a butt plug or anal dilator. These types of love toys are made to help your anal sphincter, and rectal muscles make proper adjustments to penetration. The key in this step is to practice with them in increasing increments, so your muscles have the adjusting time they need. This will cut down on the chances of bleeding and tearing. Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way for you to use these.
And there you go. I hope this answers your questions about bleeding after anal sex. If you follow these tips, I’m sure you’ll be enjoying positive results soon enough. Safe sex always, and good luck, Cindy!
Yours,
Dr. Sex
