Cervical Ectropion: A Common Cause of Bleeding After Sex

Being diagnosed with any condition of the cervix can be very scary. If your doctor has diagnosed you with cervical ectropion, you might be wondering what this means for you. Is it anything to be concerned about? Does cervical ectropion mean you have cancer? Here are some of the things that you should know about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of cervical ectropion.

What is Cervical Ectropion?

Cervical ectropion occurs when inner cervical cells are found on the outer cervix. These cells are referred to as ectropions. It is important to note that this condition is not related to cervical cancer and should not be confused with another gynecological condition called cervical erosion. Cervical ectropion is a very harmless condition, but it can cause irritating symptoms for its sufferers.

Cervical Ectropion Symptoms

The most noticeable symptom of cervical ectropion is bleeding after sex. This occurs because the cervical cells which are usually found on the inside of the cervix can become inflamed and may bleed during sexual intercourse. Another one of the symptoms that is commonly seen among women with cervical ectropion is thick vaginal discharge. Women who suffer from this gynecological condition are also more likely to experience cervicitis.

Causes of Cervical Ectropion

A woman is more likely to experience cervical ectropion when there is a change in hormones, such as during pregnancy or when using the birth control pill. That said, this gynecological condition is fairly common among teenagers as well. Cervical ectropion is not caused by an STD and, once again, has not been linked to cervical cancer.

Cervical Ectropion Treatment

Generally, no treatment is recommended for this condition. Cervical ectropions commonly go away naturally or become small enough to not cause any symptoms. On the other hand, there is also a chance that they may increase in size over time and cause symptoms to become more uncomfortable to cope with.

Women who experience a significant amount of vaginal discharge or bleeding after sex may be recommended to switch birth control methods. A birth control pill with a lower level of estrogen or a non-hormonal method of contraception is generally recommended to reduce cervical ectropion. In severe cases where the woman is uncomfortable with this gynecological problem, the cells may be removed from the cervix. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, this can be done through cryosurgery, chemical cautery, electrocautery, thermal cautery, LEEP, and laser ablation.

Overall, the most important thing to keep in mind is that while cervical ectropion can be very uncomfortable and worrisome due to bleeding after sex, it is not cancerous or serious. If it causes discomfort, the ectropions can be removed surgically, but switching methods of birth control or giving birth if you are pregnant will often treat the problem.

Sources:

American Physical Therapy Association, "Cervical Disease and Neoplasia."

CNN Health, "Expert Q&A: What can cause bleeding during sex?"