PSA: Bleeding After Anal Sex Is Not Normal

Whether it’s your first time trying it or you enjoy it regularly, anal sex can be a fun source of pleasure for you and your partner. You can spice it up with toys, stick to fingers, or enjoy penetration but if you don’t prepare right, you could bleed in places you don’t want to be bleeding in.

Anal bleeding after anal play isn’t necessarily uncommon, but we’d like to highlight that it is not normal to constantly bleed after anal sex. There’s a lot of delicate tissue in and around the anus, but your activities shouldn’t be causing bleeding every time. We dive into what is and isn’t normal about rectal bleeding post-anal play below!

Is Bleeding after Anal Sex Normal?

Bleeding after anal sex is a common occurrence, as the walls of the anus can tear during intercourse, resulting in anal fissures that bleed and cause discomfort. However, we’d like to underline that while bleeding after anal may happen occasionally, it is not normal. You should not be bleeding after every anal engagement!

Most people will notice spots of blood every now and then if they regularly have anal sex. However, bleeding after anal sex should typically be minimal—just a couple of drops of light pink blood or mild discomfort lasting no longer than two days. If you experience persistent or heavy bleeding after anal, it’s important to consult a doctor.

Why Do I Bleed After Anal Sex? What Causes Bleeding?

Bleeding after anal sex is often caused by small tears in the walls of the anus. These tears can result from too much friction, rough anal play, or even small cuts from fingernails if fingers were used. In some cases, bleeding after anal may also be linked to hemorrhoids or anal fissures, which can increase the likelihood of irritation and discomfort.

Some other causes of anal bleeding include:

• Constipation
• Enemas or improper douching
• STIs, like herpes, gonorrhea, or chlamydia

Changing the Perception

I’m Dr. Evan Goldstein, proctologist and owner of Bespoke Surgical. In 2018, I stopped by the podcast GayTalk 2.0 for my regular appearance, during which we spoke about a double penetration blog post and the repercussions to boot. Nick Bussett, one of the hosts, confessed to regular bleeding during anal play and it made me realize that many of us are either in denial of a potential problem or has simply accepted this as normal. So, I will say again, no, anal intercourse should not involve any sort of rectal bleeding, whether pink or bright red.

That said, yes, there can be the one-off spot of blood from the trauma of douching or anal penetration since rectal tissue is more sensitive, but it should not be something that happens frequently.

What to Do if You’re Bleeding After Anal Sex

If bleeding does ensue, the first and most important thing is to not freak out, it can totally happen as it is a common occurrence in our anal community. Don’t continue having anal sex until your body heals. Having anal intercourse while you have an anal fissure can increase your risk of infection or could lead to further damage.

Start with some over the counter remedies, stool softeners and a suppository (Calmol-4), take Epsom salt baths and, obviously, abstain from anal intercourse. Things should improve over the next couple of days. If so, then ease back into bottoming again by starting with an anal dilator or butt plug as a test, making sure your ass is ready for full engagement.

How to Prevent Bleeding After Anal Play

• Increase your fiber intake to reduce constipation.
• Don’t overdouche, or douche with tap water or enemas. Instead, opt for an isotonic and iso-osmolar solution, like Future Method.
• Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
• Lube up! Always over-lubricate if you’re worried.
• Avoid being rough during anal intercourse, unless you know your body’s limitations and consent to this type of play.
• Trim fingernails to lessen chances of nail scratches.
• Use smaller toys, or softer sex toys to help reduce pressure.
• Take your time! Warm up your body and don’t rush anal intercourse.

Additional Strategies to Prevent Bleeding After Anal Sex

1. Positioning Adjustments for Less Pressure

• Certain sexual positions, such as lying face down, help reduce pressure on the anal canal, minimizing strain that could lead to bleeding after anal.
• Experimenting with angles that reduce direct impact on the rectal walls can lower the likelihood of tears.

2. Pain Management & Minor Bleeding Relief

• Applying an analgesic agent (like lidocaine) post-play can help soothe minor irritation and discomfort.
• Cooling topical treatments or Epsom salt baths can support faster healing if light bleeding occurs.

3. Condom Use for Added Protection

• Using condoms during anal sex reduces direct friction, helps prevent STIs, and protects against contact with blood if small anal fissures develop.
• Lubricated condoms can enhance glide, reducing the risk of bleeding after anal sex due to excessive dryness.

When to See a Doctor for Rectal Bleeding

When should you see a doctor? We recommend going to see a doctor if you have the following symptoms:

• Severe, prolonged pain from the anus
• Severe abdominal cramping or pain
• If the bleeding does not stop

If you match the symptoms above, please go see a doctor. And by doctor, I don’t mean just any doctor, but rather, one who has the wherewithal to understand our community and the needs that surround it. Early intervention can set the stage for complete eradication. The longer one waits, the higher the probability that the acute issue enters the chronic phase, with its chronicity requiring a more detailed surgical intervention. Some of the issues surrounding bleeding can be from dilated veins (hemorrhoids), anal tears (fissures), anal warts (condylomata), or from the over use of douching for sex preparation. I see it over and over again that when we correct the issue at hand, the client usually states, I should have done this weeks or months or years ago!

Prevention is key when it comes to avoiding bleeding after anal and ensuring a comfortable experience. Understanding the art of bottoming is paramount to its success. Complete annual evaluations are warranted, and if issues arise—such as persistent bleeding after anal sex—seeking immediate consultation can greatly improve outcomes. No shame, just solutions. Bottom on!

How We Can Help

We’re an elite NYC anal surgery practice with a focus on encouraging sexual wellness. We believe that encouraging accurate information and conversation about intimate topics is vital to promoting overall health. If you’re concerned about bleeding after anal sex, get in touch with us today to make an appointment.

Follow us on Instagram for more information: Dr. Goldstein and Bespoke Surgical.

FAQs About Bleeding After Anal

Is it normal to experience bleeding after anal?

Occasional bleeding after anal may happen due to minor irritation, but it should not be a regular occurrence. If you frequently experience bleeding after anal sex, it could indicate an underlying issue such as anal fissures, hemorrhoids, or improper preparation. Ensuring proper lubrication, gradual stretching, and listening to your body can help reduce the risk of injury.

What causes bleeding after anal sex?

Bleeding after anal sex is often caused by friction, lack of lubrication, or small tears in the anal lining (anal fissures). Other factors like hemorrhoids, improper douching, or underlying conditions can also contribute. If you notice persistent bleeding, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional.>

How can I prevent bleeding after anal?

Preventing bleeding after anal starts with proper preparation. Using plenty of lube, taking your time, and warming up with smaller toys or fingers can help minimize strain. A fiber-rich diet and hydration also play a role in keeping the anal canal healthy and reducing irritation.

How long does bleeding after anal last?

Minor bleeding after anal should stop within 24 to 48 hours. If bleeding lasts longer, is heavy, or is accompanied by pain, swelling, or discharge, it’s a sign that you may need medical evaluation.

When should I see a doctor for bleeding after anal sex?

If bleeding after anal sex is severe, does not stop within two days, or is accompanied by pain, fever, or unusual discharge, it’s time to consult a doctor. A healthcare provider specializing in proctology and sexual wellness can help diagnose the issue and provide the best treatment options.