What is a cervical cyst, and does it require treatment?

In general, cervical cysts usually refer to cervical glandular cysts. Cervical glandular cysts may be associated with physiological cycle changes, pregnancy-related changes, chronic cervicitis, endometritis, cervical lacerations, and other factors. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. What causes it?

1. Physiological cycle changes
During the menstrual cycle, women may experience changes in the amount and characteristics of cervical mucus secretion, which can lead to blockage of glandular openings and result in cervical glandular cysts. Most physiological cervical cysts do not require special treatment and only need regular follow-up examinations.

2. Pregnancy-related changes
During pregnancy, rising levels of progesterone may cause edema and hyperplasia of cervical tissue, leading to cervical glandular cysts. These cysts during pregnancy are mostly temporary and typically resolve spontaneously after childbirth, requiring no specific treatment.

3. Chronic cervicitis
Excessively frequent or intense sexual activity may irritate the cervix and lead to chronic cervicitis. The inflammatory response may cause periglandular tissue edema, resulting in cervical glandular cysts. Patients often experience symptoms such as increased abnormal vaginal discharge, lower abdominal pain, and dyspareunia. Patients should follow medical advice and use medications such as Baofukang suppositories, ceftriaxone sodium for injection, and metronidazole tablets for treatment.

4. Endometritis
Using unclean sanitary napkins during menstruation may increase the risk of endometritis. Inflammatory secretions may block the openings of cervical glands, leading to cervical glandular cysts. Common symptoms include lower abdominal pain, backache, and menstrual irregularities. Under a doctor’s guidance, patients may use medications such as clindamycin hydrochloride capsules, norfloxacin capsules, or levofloxacin hydrochloride capsules for treatment.

5. Cervical laceration
Procedures such as childbirth, induced abortion, or cervical surgery may cause cervical tissue lacerations. During wound healing, scar tissue may compress or obstruct the openings of cervical glands, triggering the formation of cervical glandular cysts. Often asymptomatic, these cysts are typically discovered during gynecological examinations. Treatment under medical supervision may involve electrocautery: placing an electrode on the cervical cyst and using electric current to destroy or shrink the cyst, achieving therapeutic goals.

Routine care includes maintaining good external genital hygiene; washing the vulva daily with warm water is recommended.

2. Is treatment necessary?

Whether cervical glandular cysts require treatment generally depends on the size of the cyst and the severity of symptoms. If the cyst is small and there are no obvious clinical symptoms, special treatment is usually unnecessary. However, if the cyst is large or causes noticeable symptoms—such as increased vaginal discharge, foul odor, backache, or abdominal pain—timely treatment is required.

If the cyst is small and asymptomatic (e.g., no increase in vaginal discharge, no odor, no back or abdominal discomfort), no specific treatment is needed. Regular gynecological exams and cervical cytology screenings are sufficient to monitor any changes in the cyst.

If the cyst is large or causes clear symptoms such as increased or malodorous vaginal discharge, backache, or abdominal pain, prompt treatment is necessary. Treatment options include cyst aspiration, laser therapy, and cryotherapy. The specific method should be selected based on the patient's individual condition and the doctor’s recommendations.

It is advisable to maintain healthy lifestyle habits and a positive mindset in daily life, which can support recovery and overall health.