Is cervical erosion serious?

Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 12, 2024
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Cervical erosion is actually a physiological phenomenon and is not alarming. It is caused by the increased levels of estrogen in the body, which causes the columnar epithelium inside the cervical canal to descend and evert. During gynecological examinations, this part of the cervical canal appears red and granular, like eroded protrusions, as if it has decayed. However, this is not the case. When the estrogen levels in a woman's body decrease, this tissue will retract back into the cervical canal and will no longer be visible. In most cases, treatment is not necessary. Treatment is only required if the erosion is combined with an infection, or if there is bleeding after intercourse, or if there is an increase in thick, sticky vaginal discharge that affects sperm passage. Additionally, some women may have cervical cancerous changes that also appear as erosive growths. Therefore, when a woman notices cervical erosion, it is advisable to undergo a TCT screening to rule out the possibility of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and precancerous lesions of the cervix.

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Written by Hou Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 8sec home-news-image

Symptoms of cervical erosion

Most patients with cervical erosion do not exhibit symptoms. Those with symptoms largely display an increased amount of vaginal discharge, which is mucopurulent. Vaginal secretion can stimulate itching and burning sensation in the vulva. Additionally, symptoms may include bleeding outside of menstruation periods and post-coital bleeding. If combined with a urinary tract infection, symptoms can include urgency to urinate, frequent urination, and painful urination. Gynecological examination may reveal congestion and edema of the cervix, mucosal eversion, and mucopurulent secretions attached or even flowing out of the cervical canal. The cervical canal mucosa is fragile and prone to bleeding. If infected with Neisseria gonorrhoeae, due to the involvement of paraurethral and vestibular glands, congestion and edema of the urethral and vaginal openings may be observed, along with a copious amount of purulent discharge.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Does cervical erosion cause itching?

Simple cervical erosion does not cause itching symptoms. Since cervical erosion is not a disease, if itching occurs, there are other problems involved. For example, some people experience itching due to inflammation of the vulva and vagina, which requires routine checks for vaginal bacteriology, classification of inflammation, and selection of targeted medications for treatment; others might have itching due to allergies, such as allergies to underwear, sanitary pads, or even semen; and there are also cases involving issues like vulvar lichen sclerosus.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can you swim with cervical erosion?

Cervical erosion can swim because simple cervical erosion is not a disease itself, it does not need to be concerned about, and does not need attention. Since it is not a disease, there are no prohibitions, including no dietary restrictions; you can eat anything and engage in activities like swimming or other aspects of life, such as sexual activity, etc. Because cervical erosion is not a disease, there's no need to worry about it; don't be anxious about whether you have cervical erosion. Routine check-ups for pre-cancerous cervical lesions and checking for any abnormal vaginal discharge are sufficient.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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cervical erosion symptoms

Cervical erosion does not belong to any disease, and therefore, it does not cause any symptoms or consequences. If there are symptoms, then there are other issues. For instance, if there is bleeding, one must consider whether there are precancerous lesions of the cervix, severe inflammation of the cervix, or inflammatory issues of the uterus, among others. If there is abnormal discharge that is excessive, yellowing, itchy, or has an unusual odor, it is necessary to consider the presence of vaginal inflammation or cervical inflammation, rather than cervical erosion. Regular physical examinations and cervical cancer screenings are sufficient.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is cervicitis the same as cervical erosion?

Cervical inflammation is not cervical erosion. Firstly, cervical erosion is merely a physiological phenomenon, where elevated estrogen levels in a woman's body cause the downward and outward movement of the columnar epithelium of the cervix. This condition is mainly seen in women of childbearing age. For instance, postmenopausal women generally have lower levels of estrogen, making cervical erosion less common. For example, during pregnancy, elevated estrogen levels can increase the area of cervical erosion. After childbirth, as estrogen levels gradually return to normal, the area of cervical erosion might reduce and might even become invisible. However, cervical inflammation is caused by pathogenic microorganisms. For example, a common scenario is vaginal inflammation spreading to the columnar epithelium of the cervix in some women. Additionally, some women experience sexually transmitted diseases, like the common infection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which causes inflammation of the columnar epithelium. Therefore, there is a fundamental difference between cervical inflammation and cervical erosion; cervical inflammation is a pathological change, while cervical erosion is a physiological change.