Q&A: I’ve Been Bleeding After External Vibrator Use. Any Advice?

QUESTION: I have read that it is not uncommon for women to bleed after sex or even after using a sex toy. But I have been bleeding after using a vibrator externally I have read that it is not uncommon for women to bleed after sex or even after using a sex toy. But I have been bleeding after using a vibrator externally (nothing enters my body). I’m sure I am contracting the muscles in my cervix etc when I use it, but would anyone consider THAT a common cause of uterine bleeding?

It’s not a surface bleed because the blood is not on my clothes, but when I use the bathroom and wipe there is a small amount of blood, but enough to be seen in the toilet bowl. I can feel discomfort somewhere in my innards… so obviously I have a problem and should probably see a gynecologist about it but since I’m sure I’ll have to wait months for an appointment and its going to be SUPER awkward… maybe someone already knows something I don’t?

You’re absolutely right that the best course of action is to check in with a gynecologist. And there’s no reason to feel awkward! You’re not doing anything wrong by masturbating, with or without a sex toy.

The research are clear – the vast majority of women masturbate and more than half of women have used a vibrator, with most women using a vibrator on their clitoris or other parts of their vulva, as you do.

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A Few Possibilities

There are many different reasons why a woman might notice blood after sexual activity, whether that sexual activity is masturbation or sex with a partner. Some women have vaginal cuts or tears, even if they are not having intercourse or other kinds of vaginal penetration.

Other women have inflammation of the cervix. When a woman becomes sexually aroused or excited, blood flow increases to the genitals. It may be that this increase in blood flow is contributing to noticeable bleeding that is coming from small cuts or tears in your vagina or from your cervix.

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Checking With A Healthcare Provider

The only way to find out what might be happening and why is to ask a healthcare provider. And believe me: gynecologists and other doctors and nurses have seen and heard it all.

Sex toy use is not at all unusual for gynecologists to hear about – in fact, many doctors and nurse recommend vibrator use to their patients to help enhance desire, arousal, and orgasm, and even sometimes to reduce vulvar pain.

Just let your healthcare provider know that you occasionally notice blood in the toilet, usually following masturbation of the vulva (not the vagina), that you sometimes experience discomfort inside your body, and that you’d like to make sure everything is okay.

You’re being responsible and careful of your sexual health and that’s something to feel proud of.

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