Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesSymptomsTreatmentFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Symptoms
Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
Cervical ectropion is a noncancerous condition that occurs when the endocervix (the canal of thecervix) turns outward, exposing the cells that normally reside inside the cervix to the acidic vaginal environment.
This article discusses the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of cervical ectropion,
Verywell / Cindy Chung
In the past, it was thought that various types of physical trauma that caused infection might eventually lead to cervical ectropion. Such sources of trauma included sexual intercourse, the use of tampons, the insertion of a speculum, or the insertion of other objects into the vagina.
Other assumed causes included sexually transmitted infections (STI) such asherpesor earlysyphilis. It was also thought thatvaginal douchesor other chemicals, such as contraceptive creams or foams, might cause cervical erosion.
Today, these theories have lost ground as experts now believe that cervical ectropion is a normal anatomic phenomenon that some women are born with.
While there are generally no symptoms associated with cervical ectropion, some women may experience light bleeding that is not part of menstruation, such asbleeding after sexual intercourse.
Bleeding after a pelvic exam when a cervical speculum is inserted into the vagina or during a bimanual examination may also occur. This is because the exposed columnar tissue has blood vessels that are fragile and bleed easily when even lightly touched.
Some women with cervical ectropion also experience a clear or yellowish vaginal discharge that has no odor. This discharge does not resemble pus, which would indicate an infection.
The good news is that for the majority of women, cervical ectropion is not bothersome. In fact, experts do not recommend treatment unless a woman experiences excessive discharge or spotting, which is rare.
This is because treatment can be invasive, may lead to worsening of discharge (although this is temporary until healing is complete), and can cause cervical stenosis, a condition in which the endocervical canal, or the tunnel within the lower part of the uterus, is narrowed.
Cervical stenosis may lead to fertility problems,as well as menstrual problems like painful periods (called dysmenorrhea) or no periods (called amenorrhea).
If therapy is decided upon, a doctor will first need to rule out cervical cancer, as it can mimic cervical ectropion. This requires a Pap smear and potentially acolposcopyand/or cervical biopsy. Cervical cancer is obviously a very serious medical condition, unlike cervical ectropion, which is not pathologic.
Treatment options should be discussed in detail with your physician and can include electrocautery, cryosurgery, microwave tissue coagulation, laser cauterization, or boric acid vaginal suppositories.
A Word From Verywell
If you are experiencing bleeding with intercourse or new vaginal discharge, it’s important to get it checked out. A number of conditions can mimic the symptoms and/or experience of cervical erosion like an infection of the cervix or vagina or cervical cancer.
No, cervical ectropion is not a serious condition. The symptoms, if any, are mild and include vaginal discharge and spotting. It is typically left untreated.
Cervical ectropion may resolve on its own or may remain as is. When cervical ectropion occurs during pregnancy, it may take three to six months to reverse on its own.
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Matiluko AF.Cervical ectropion. Part 1: Appraisal of a common clinical finding.Trends in Urology Gynaecology & Sexual Health.
Casey PM, Long ME, Marnach ML.Abnormal cervical appearance: what to do, when to worry?.Mayo Clin Proc. 2011;86(2):147–151. doi:10.4065/mcp.2010.0512
Aggarwal P, Ben Amor A.Cervical ectropion. In:StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022.
Tarney CM, Han J. “Postcoital Bleeding: A Review on Etiology, Diagnosis, and Management.“Obstet Gynecol Int.Wright KO, Mohammed AS, Salisu-Olatunji, Kuyinu YA. “Cervical Ectropion and Intra-Uterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD): A Five-Year Retrospective Study of Family Planning Clients of a Tertiary Health Institution in Lagos Nigeria.“BMC Res Notes.
Tarney CM, Han J. “Postcoital Bleeding: A Review on Etiology, Diagnosis, and Management.“Obstet Gynecol Int.
Wright KO, Mohammed AS, Salisu-Olatunji, Kuyinu YA. “Cervical Ectropion and Intra-Uterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD): A Five-Year Retrospective Study of Family Planning Clients of a Tertiary Health Institution in Lagos Nigeria.“BMC Res Notes.
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