Investigation and management of postcoital bleeding.

Key Content: Postcoital bleeding is a common gynaecological symptom affecting up to 9% of women.Postcoital bleeding is commoner in women with invasive cervical cancer than the general population; however, most women with postcoital bleeding will not have an underlying malignancy.Knowledge of how to investigate and manage postcoital bleeding is imperative to provide optimal care and ensure patient safety.It is essential that all gynaecologists are aware of referral pathways for suspected cervical malignancy. Learning Objectives: To review causes of postcoital bleeding.To appreciate the importance of diagnostic tests in the assessment of postcoital bleeding.To understand the management options for women with an identifiable cause of their postcoital bleeding and the management of recurrent or persistent postcoital bleeding in the absence of pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]