Experiencing bleeding after intercourse can be alarming and distressing, but you’re not alone postcoital bleeding affects many women at different life stages. Whilst it’s often caused by benign conditions, any unexpected bleeding warrants professional assessment to identify the underlying cause and ensure appropriate treatment.
Understanding the causes and treatment options for postcoital bleeding empowers you to make informed decisions about your gynaecological health. If you’re based in London and seeking prompt, expert care, knowing when to seek help and what to expect from private gynaecological assessment can provide reassurance during an uncertain time.
Postcoital bleeding (PCB) refers to vaginal bleeding that occurs during or after sexual intercourse, distinct from normal menstruation. This bleeding can range from light spotting to heavier flow and may be accompanied by discomfort, though many women experience bleeding without pain.
The cervix is the most frequent source of postcoital bleeding. Common benign causes include:
Less commonly, postcoital bleeding may indicate:
You should contact a gynaecologist if you experience:
Early assessment is crucial. Most causes are treatable, but prompt investigation rules out serious conditions and provides peace of mind. The NHS recommends that all women experiencing postcoital bleeding should be examined and have cervical screening if they’re not up to date.
Your gynaecologist will begin with a detailed consultation about your bleeding pattern, sexual health history, contraception, and any associated symptoms. A thorough pelvic examination follows, during which your consultant will:
Blood tests may be arranged to check hormone levels or rule out anaemia if bleeding has been heavy or prolonged.
Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause identified:
NHS vs Private Gynaecology Care
Aspect | NHS Pathway | Private Care |
Initial appointment | 2-4 weeks wait for GP; further referral to gynaecology | Often within 2-5 days for specialist consultation |
Diagnostic tests | Multiple separate appointments; potential weeks between tests | Comprehensive assessment often completed in 1-2 visits |
Consultant access | May see different doctors at various stages | Continuity with your chosen consultant throughout |
Appointment timing | Limited to daytime hours with long booking windows | Flexible scheduling including evenings and weekends |
Results and treatment | Delivered via post or brief phone calls | Face-to-face discussion with time for questions |
If you’re exploring effective options for postcoital bleeding, Mr Saurabh Phadnis in London offers expert private assessments and tailored treatments, with rapid access to comprehensive diagnostic services and personalised treatment plans.
Choosing private gynaecological care in London for postcoital bleeding investigation offers significant advantages when you’re feeling anxious about unexplained symptoms. The uncertainty surrounding bleeding after intercourse often causes considerable worry, making prompt assessment and clear communication essential.
Waiting weeks for appointments whilst experiencing ongoing symptoms can be extremely stressful. Private gynaecology in London typically provides initial consultations within days, not weeks. Your complete diagnostic assessment including examination, swabs, screening, and any necessary imaging can often be completed within one or two visits, dramatically reducing the period of uncertainty.
Private consultations allow 30-45 minutes for thorough discussion without feeling rushed. Your consultant will take time to understand your symptoms fully, explain examination findings clearly, and discuss all diagnostic and treatment options in detail. The less clinical environment of private London clinics helps many women feel more relaxed during what can be an intimate and potentially uncomfortable consultation.
Rather than navigating multiple healthcare professionals through NHS referral pathways, you’ll work with the same experienced gynaecologist throughout your care. Mr Saurabh Phadnis and his team remain directly accessible to answer questions, discuss test results promptly, and adjust treatment plans as needed. This continuity ensures nothing is overlooked and you always know who to contact with concerns.
If simple treatment is needed such as polyp removal or cauterisation for cervical ectropion—this can often be arranged within days of diagnosis rather than joining lengthy NHS treatment waiting lists. Rapid treatment means faster symptom resolution and return to normal intimate relationships without anxiety.
The most common cause is cervical ectropion, where delicate glandular cells on the cervix bleed easily when touched during intercourse. Other frequent causes include cervical polyps, infections (particularly STIs), vaginal dryness, and minor trauma from intercourse. Less commonly, cervical cell abnormalities or other gynaecological conditions may be responsible, which is why professional assessment is always recommended.
This depends entirely on the underlying cause. Initial diagnostic assessment typically takes 30-45 minutes, with test results available within days to a week. Simple treatments like polyp removal take 10-15 minutes as an outpatient procedure. Infection treatment involves a course of antibiotics over 1-2 weeks. Most women find their symptoms resolve quickly once appropriate treatment begins.
Private care offers rapid access to specialist assessment—often within 2-5 days rather than waiting weeks for NHS appointments. You’ll receive comprehensive investigation in fewer visits, with continuity of care from the same consultant throughout. Flexible appointment times, prompt treatment, faster test results, and direct communication with your consultant’s team all contribute to reduced anxiety and quicker symptom resolution.
Initial consultation with examination and cervical screening typically costs £250-£400 in London. Additional investigations like swabs, colposcopy, or ultrasound range from £150-£500 depending on requirements. Simple treatments such as polyp removal usually cost £600-£1,200. Your consultant will provide a clear cost breakdown before proceeding. Many private medical insurance policies cover investigation and treatment of postcoital bleeding, so it’s worth checking your coverage.
Most causes of postcoital bleeding are highly treatable with excellent outcomes. Infections resolve with appropriate antibiotics within 1-2 weeks. Polyp removal immediately eliminates that source of bleeding. Cervical ectropion cauterisation typically stops bleeding within the healing period of 2-4 weeks. If cervical abnormalities are found, your consultant will guide you through appropriate management. The majority of women experience complete resolution of symptoms following treatment and can return to normal intimate relationships with confidence.
Postcoital bleeding should never be ignored, but it’s important to remember that most causes are benign and highly treatable. Early investigation provides diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and equally importantly peace of mind when symptoms are causing worry or affecting your intimate relationships.
If you’re ready to take control of your health, book a private consultation with Mr Saurabh Phadnis in London. As an experienced consultant gynaecologist, Mr Phadnis provides advanced, compassionate postcoital bleeding care tailored to you, with rapid access to comprehensive assessment, clear communication throughout, and effective treatment to resolve your symptoms quickly.
