Following several sexual practices that involve the vagina, bleeding is typical.
One of these is being fingered, which involves someone else sticking their fingers inside the vagina.
Blood flow to the vagina increases when a person is sexually aroused.
As a result, the person is more likely to bleed from very tiny wounds like fingernail scratches or cervix irritation.
There is no reason to panic if the bleeding is minimal and there are no additional symptoms.
Let’s examine a few of the causes of post-fingerstick bleeding.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
✅ Blood following fingering or other sexual contact might occasionally be an accident.
✅ Premenstrual spotting or a monthly period could be the culprit.
✅ Asking a partner to stop, slow down, or change their touch if fingering hurts can help reduce the risk of bleeding during and after sexual contact.
✅ A diagnosis of bleeding cannot be made based solely on one symptom.
✅ Many times, a doctor will reassure you that the bleeding is not anything to worry about.
✅ Early detection and treatment are essential if the bleeding is a sign of a more serious issue.
We also discuss how to stop this bleeding and when someone should visit a doctor.
What are the causes?
Among the most frequent reasons for bleeding while having your finger(s) prickled or afterward are:
Minor wounds
When a person is excited, the vagina receives more blood, which causes the tissue to enlarge and alter its shape. The danger of bleeding from a little abrasion or irritation to the sensitive tissue of the vagina is also raised by this increased blood flow. Prior to light bleeding, a woman may experience minor pain or burning.
The injury can be more serious if there is significant bleeding or if the pain is severe or persists for a long period of time.
Irritated cervical area
The bottom portion of the uterus, known as the cervix, connects to the vagina through a small opening. Throughout the menstrual cycle, it moves up or down in the vagina, changing position. Deep fingering may irritate it when it is lower in the vagina, which could result in minor bleeding.
Cervicitis, a condition in which the cervix is irritated, is another possibility. Cervicitis can be brought on by a variety of illnesses, but the most common cause is sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The following signs of cervicitis may be present:
- cervical pain
- burning or stinging in the vagina
- bleeding during or after sex or fingering
- odd vaginal discharge
The cervix grows more blood arteries during pregnancy, increasing the likelihood that someone will bleed accidentally. Pregnancy-related very light bleeding from fingering is typically caused by cervical discomfort rather than a major medical condition.
However, it’s crucial to talk to a healthcare provider about any bleeding during pregnancy.
Premenstrual spotting and menstruation
Blood following fingering or other sexual contacts might occasionally be an accident. Premenstrual spotting or a monthly period could be the culprit.
It takes time for the blood to move from the uterus, past the cervix, into the vagina, and out of the body when a period starts. Premenstrual spotting or period blood may be more obvious to a person during sexual activity because their partner may come in contact with the cervix or the blood.
A dry vargina
After fingering, dry vaginal tissue may bleed from irritation. When this occurs, the person may experience painful or uncomfortable feelings during sex, and their partner may notice that their vagina feels dry.
The following are some typical reasons of vaginal dryness. Menopause, sex-related anxiety, lack of arousal, birth control, a hurried approach to intercourse that doesn’t give the vagina enough time to lubricate
Vaginal infections and STIs
Many STIs have the potential to cause bleeding by harming the vaginal tissue. The tissue may become more vulnerable as a result of this injury, increasing the chance of bleeding after fingering. STIs don’t necessarily make you feel sick. If an STI is the cause of a person’s vaginal bleeding, this may be the sole symptom they encounter.
However, some individuals may also experience additional indications and symptoms, such as infertility, pelvic pain, pain during sexual activity, pain when peeing, atypical vaginal discharge, and pain when urinating.
Other diseases, such as yeast infections, and bacterial vaginosis, may result in atypical vaginal discharge, a burning or itchy feeling in the vagina, or both. Additionally, some people bleed after having intercourse. If any of these additional symptoms appear, it is recommended to make an appointment with a doctor who can quickly identify and treat vaginal infections.
Polyps in the cervix
Growths called cervical polyps to occur on the cervix. When having sex, a person or their partner may be able to feel them. They are often little, although some get larger.
The majority of cervical polyps do not cause symptoms and are not malignant. Some persons may get bleeding cervical polyps as a result of fingering or other sexual practices.
Although doctors may not fully understand what causes cervical polyps, they think that a number of variables, such as infections, blood vessel issues, persistent inflammation, and aberrant hormone responses, may be at play. A doctor should still look at the growth even though a polyp is not an emergency.
Serious injury
Serious bleeding could result from a cervix or vaginal injury. These wounds can cause infections or chronic pain if they are not treated. These injuries can even be lethal in the most severe circumstances.
Fingering by itself is quite unlikely to result in significant injury. However, a sexual attack that is violent might result in serious traumatic damage. A person should visit a doctor if they experience persistent bleeding or suffer a major vaginal injury.
Cancer
Bleeding after fingering is a very uncommon indication of cancer, generally cervical cancer.
Pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding after menopause are both potential symptoms of cervical cancer in patients. Regular Pap tests and other cervical cancer screenings can lower a person’s risk of getting the disease.
When should I visit my doctor?
When being fingered, a patient should report any bleeding to a doctor or other healthcare provider at their subsequent appointment. It is acceptable to postpone talking about bleeding until a routine exam as long as it is minimal, not getting worse with each sex session, and not accompanied by other symptoms.
However, if a person experiences any of the following, they should make an appointment with a doctor:
- Discomfort during sexual activity
- Bleeding and a missing period
- Bleeding with a new partner or after unprotected sex
- Bleeding with other symptoms, such as itching, burning, or pain;
One should visit the emergency department if they encounter any of the following:
- bleeding that is very heavy or does not stop after a few minutes during pregnancy
- pregnancy-related pain or cramping and bleeding
- bleeding following any type of sexual assault
- bleeding that is very heavy or does not stop after a few minutes
- bleeding after an injury
- bleeding along with intense pain
- a fever or other infection-related symptoms.
Tips for health care and prevention
Asking a partner to stop, slow down, or change their touch if fingering hurts can help reduce the risk of bleeding during and after sexual contact. Another option is to wait until one is fully aroused before engaging in fingering.
Other precautions include making sure that partners keep their nails trimmed, and keeping an eye on their monthly cycles to determine when their period may be approaching, which can help them decide whether to engage in sexual contact and get regular STI tests.
Summary For some people, bleeding during fingering is frequent, but it’s crucial to understand your body and its typical signs. Some people discover that they bleed during intercourse if they are under-lubricated or before their period.
This symptom is common for them and isn’t likely a sign of a serious illness. A shift in this symptom pattern, such as bleeding all during the cycle, could, however, be an indication of trouble.
A diagnosis of bleeding cannot be made based solely on one symptom. People should visit a doctor if they experience bleeding concerns or discover that their typical bleeding pattern has changed.
Many times, a doctor will reassure you that the bleeding is not anything to worry about. However, early detection and treatment are essential if the bleeding is a sign of a more serious issue.