I am 21, female. Why am I bleeding after using a sex toy?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 21 years old, I take Iron supplements for low iron and low ferritin levels, and was on a contraceptive pill for six years since four months back. I used a sex toy this morning, which is slightly bigger than my partner. After, I noticed a bit of blood on the toy, and a small amount came out afterward.

I did not feel any pain during or after. I noticed it felt deeper than usual, and a stretching sensation. Four hours later, I saw more blood coming out, and I continued to bleed what looked like my period. I have no other symptoms, but more blood has come out, no mucous or clots either. I feel well.

Could it be coincidental that my period has come back, or could I have injured myself?
What are the signs of injury, and when should I get checked out?

By the way, I have been waiting for my period since last year. I stopped taking the pill, thinking my period would come, but it never did. I had irregular periods before taking the pill (hence why I got on the pill). My periods were always relatively heavy.

I also have had many ovarian cysts over the last two to three years, which have caused me pain previously. I am not polycystic and have not undergone any treatment, but three years ago, I underwent the removal of ovarian cysts due to torsion.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and can understand your concern.

As your history suggests, you experienced bleeding after insertion and use of a sex toy. The bleeding included clots, and I am worried about what it might mean. There are two ways it can cause injury in women - one by frictional lesions experienced as stretching and vaginal wall tears leading to bleeding (reddish spotting to heavy) or presence of cervicitis or cervical erosions, which can bleed after the act of insertion or intercourse (often darkish brown discharge to reddish spotting).

This calls for a per speculum examination to rule out either vaginal mucosal injury or cervicitis. Now that you have been amenorrhoeic (absence of menstruation) for the last four months, there is a likelihood that, post sexual act, due to orgasm and increased endorphins, your menses may have been initiated and have increased inflow in the next few days without any discomfort.

The chances of bleeding being menses and heavy are high, considering there is no pain or fever, and that you have not had your menses for the last four months. You should get an ultrasound of the pelvis done to check for endometrial blood collection, which shall confirm menses, and also a per speculum exam, which shall rule out any cervicitis or vaginal mucous lesions. Avoid the use of sex toys till the cause is ascertained and bleeding stops.

I hope this helps you.

Kindly revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.

I am 21, female. Why am I bleeding after using a sex toy?

Bleeding after sex toy use?