Cancer: Cervical and endometrial cancers are common among women. It is a major cause of bloody vaginal discharge. The causative agents of this cancer are Human Papilloma virus (HPV). For diagnosis of this cancer, sexually active women should do a regular Pap test. A symptom of cervical cancer is that it causes bleeding after sex. However, if the person is suffering from endometrial cancer, the bleeding can occur any time.
Irregular hormone balance: Women experience irregular hormone balance, when they stop birth control pills, or due to hormone replacement therapy or hypothyroidism. This can also result in abnormal vaginal discharge. Painful sexual intercourse or cervical or vaginal trauma may also cause light bloody vaginal discharge. It is very common in rape victims and children subjected to sexual abuse after incidence.
Abnormal vaginal discharge is an indication of a problem, so it is important to consult the doctor. Proper diagnosis of this discharge is essential as it may be caused due to pregnancy, endometrial cancer or gonorrhea or any other sexually transmitted disease. Vaginitis and cervicitis can also cause these symptoms. The condition becomes life threatening in the absence of proper diagnosis and treatment.