Can unprotected sex or stress cause cramps and staining in a female after her period?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 33-year-old female, and I have always had a perfect menstrual cycle, on time, sometimes with no abdominal cramps and sometimes with heavier cramps, but nothing unusual. I have been in sports all my life, from basketball to natural bodybuilding, for 18 years. I am very strict with my healthy life, eating and living, primarily looking after a hormonal balance. But I also had a very stressful last two years, the loss of a loved one, and now again, a cancer patient in my family, so I had a couple of mild hormonal imbalances plus some of the nights I stay working up late because I am also doing music production. Since I have managed to solve and balance my hormones and my hypersensitivity and anxiety, there is a new problem that occurred that I have never had before. I recently had my period, which technically ended last weekend, but I still have occasional mild cramps and staining. Now the only new big change is that I had intercourse with a guy I met. We had unprotected sex, although we did not go all the way because I usually need some lubricant as I am naturally dry inside. And I have not been sexually active for a long time; my partner says he has not been with anyone before me. So my question is, before I head to my gynecologist for the first time should I be worried, and could it be from the intercourse or stress?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

As per your history, you have been experiencing spotting and unscheduled bleeding, even postcoital. It is surprising for you as you had normal regular hormones with regular cycles. I suggest you have a local hysteroscopic examination to exclude any polyp, cervical, or uterine that can bleed; cervical erosion or changes can also cause bleeding. For the cervix, when you had your last smear? Was it normal? It is better to have one cervical smear as well. One transvaginal scan will also be helpful for diagnosis. Postcoital intermenstrual bleeding can be due to endometriosis, so there is a need for evaluation for endometriosis. Stress, anxiety, work overload, thyroid abnormalities, hormonal imbalance, or hormonal intake can give you irregular spotting or unscheduled bleeding. It is better to have all the above investigations with a local gynecologist and discuss your detailed gynecology, medical, drug, and obstetrics history with the treating doctor. I suggest you have a healthy diet with less salt, sugar, oil, and spices and have relaxing recreational activities to reduce stress from life. I hope this helps you.

Thank you.