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What causes spotting and fatigue after unprotected sex?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I noticed that I began experiencing spotting three days after engaging in unprotected sex on the first week this month. The spotting only occurs when I urinate. My last menstrual period was a week before the sex. The spotting has persisted for several days since then, and starting from the third week, I have also been dealing with constipation. Additionally, I have been feeling constantly tired. I am concerned about what might be causing these symptoms. Can you help me understand what might be wrong?

Hello

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I hope you are doing well.

There are a few possibilities that could explain your symptoms:

You may have a vaginal infection due to recent unprotected sex. Semen may have caused an infection in the cervical glands, leading to "cervical erosion." This can cause raw areas that may bleed when you strain during urination, bowel movements, coughing, or sex. You might also experience some vaginal discharge. If this issue persists for over a week, it would be best to consult a gynecologist for an internal examination. Both you and your partner may require oral and local antibiotics and antifungals. Another possibility is the presence of a small polyp or fleshy mass in the cervical canal or uterine cavity. This condition is often accompanied by excessive clear discharge without any foul smell or itching. During your menstrual cycle, you may experience slight pain, a bearing down sensation, and daily spotting or bleeding, particularly around ovulation. A pelvic scan would be necessary to assess the uterus and cervical canal for projecting polyps. If you have excessive vaginal discharge along with itching or a foul smell, it could indicate an infection around the uterus. The inner lining of the uterus may become friable, and when you strain in the bathroom, it may shed and cause spotting or intermittent bleeding. If your previous periods were regular in timing and the amount of bleeding, it might be worth considering the possibility of pregnancy. Daily spotting or bleeding can occur in early pregnancy, so I suggest you consult a doctor and undergo a scan to rule out this possibility. In the second half of your menstrual cycle, high levels of the hormone progesterone can cause symptoms such as mood swings, depression, bowel disturbances (including constipation), breast tingling, and a bloated feeling. These symptoms can also be observed in pregnancy when progesterone levels are elevated or when hormone balance is disrupted, as in the case of anovulation. If your weight exceeds the expected range of 160 to 170 lbs for your height, hormonal imbalance may occur, and you could be experiencing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This condition is associated with an inadequate balance of hormones in the endometrium, which can lead to spotting or bleeding even after your periods have stopped. In this case, weight reduction would be a recommended solution.

I have provided possible causes and treatment options based on the limited information. This clarifies your concerns. Feel free to reach out if you have any further questions.

Take care, and best of luck.

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At July 17, 2023
Reviewed AtJuly 23, 2024

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