Unwanted pregnancy is not the only health risk associated with sex. A number of injuries and conditions, some potentially fatal, can occur during sex, according to My Sex Professor and AVERTing. Women don’t necessarily have to avoid sex to reduce their risks but should always use discretion in their sexual activities especially with new partners.
Bleeding
Bleeding not associated with menstruation can occur during sex and sometimes indicate an injury or potentially serious condition, according to My Sex Professor. While some women bleed lightly after sex, bleeding during sex or moderate bleeding after intercourse could indicate an untreated sexually transmitted disease. Some women might also suffer from benign polyps or fibroids in the reproductive organs, which can cause unusual bleeding after sex. Any bleeding during or right after sex could be a health risk and is always worth mentioning to your doctor.
Pain
Unwanted pain is a real possibility during even gentle sexual activity and may or may not be a sign of psychological sexual dysfunction, notes Family Doctor. Some women tense up their vaginal muscles because penetration makes them nervous and suffer physical pain and emotional turmoil. Sometimes counseling can help remedy such causes.
But even women without any sexual nervousness can experience pain during intercourse, according to Revolution Health. Vaginal dryness, whether through a health condition such as estrogen level problems or lack of foreplay, can cause sex-related pain. Untreated yeast infections, which are not STDs, can also create pain during sex.
HIV and AIDS
One of the biggest health risks during sex is contracting HIV, the illness that leads to AIDS, according to AVERTing. The virus, which attacks the immune system, is found in semen, vaginal fluids and blood. Sex without a condom markedly increases the risks of HIV infection during sex. Also, having anal sex or sex while menstruating also increases the risks of contracting HIV from an infected partner. The best way to avoid this potentially deadly disease from sexual activity is to insist that any partners wear a condom. Limiting the number of sexual partners also can protect women from unknowingly contracting HIV.
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