What Causes Cervical Erosion?

Cervical erosion, which is also commonly referred to as an eroded cervix, is a condition in which cervical cells become inflamed. It occurs when cells from the cervical canal begin growing at the neck of the cervix, according to Made for Mums. Cervical erosion can cause vaginal discharge and vaginal bleeding between periods or during/after sexual intercourse. This condition should not be confused with cervical ectropion and is not related to cervical cancer. Here are some of the potential causes of cervical erosion.

Hormonal Changes are Often the Cause of Cervical Erosion

The most common cause of cervical erosion is changes in levels of the estrogen hormone. There are a number of situations when this may occur. Women who are taking a birth control pill which has the estrogen hormone in it may experience this gynecological condition. There are many women who experience cervical erosion for the very first time while they are pregnant due to the increase in estrogen. During pregnancy, cervical erosion causes spotting, which some women may mistake for a sign of miscarriage.

Cervical Erosion is Caused by Sexually Transmitted Diseases

There are a few sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, which can cause cervical erosion. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital warts from HPV, and herpes can all cause this condition. Bacterial vaginosis, which is the most common vaginal infection that affects women and can be transmitted sexually, may also lead to cervical erosion. If you are sexually active, it is ideal to get STD tested regularly. Treating any STDs or vaginal infections as soon as possible can help reduce the risk of cervical erosion.

Inserting Objects into the Vagina Can Cause Cervical Erosion

Another one of the possible causes of cervical erosion is inserting objects into the vagina. Tampons, sex toys, speculums, and barrier methods of contraception (such as condoms, female condoms, and diaphragms) can all lead to this condition. Additionally, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and childbirth can both lead to cervical erosion.

While cervical erosion can be a very uncomfortable condition to suffer from, it is not cancerous and does not require treatment. If the condition is caused by hormonal changes, the woman is often recommended to find a method of birth control that is lower in estrogen, such as another pill or Depo-Provera, or wait until giving birth if she is pregnant before seeking treatment. Women who find the symptoms of cervical erosion too difficult to cope with may want to consider cryosurgery, cauterization, or laser therapy to remove the cervical cells from the neck of the cervix.

Sources:

iVillage.com, "Cervical erosion: Bleeding in early pregnancy due to cervical erosion."

Made for Mums, "What is Eroded Cervix?."