What Causes Cervical Bleeding?
Apr 06, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yan Ying
Introduction
1. Cervical erosion: A bright red, glossy, finely granular area surrounding the external cervical os.
2. Cervical polyp: Bleeding may occur when the polyp is traumatized—such as during sexual intercourse—leading to its rupture.
3. Cervical leukoplakia: A white, opaque, patchy lesion occurring on the vaginal portion of the cervix.
4. Cervical cancer: A classic presentation is abnormal vaginal bleeding originating from the cervix.
Women with cervical inflammation may experience vaginal bleeding—some experience contact bleeding during intercourse, others have irregular vaginal bleeding, and some notice blood-tinged vaginal discharge. In fact, many women with cervicitis develop such bleeding, known as cervical bleeding. So, what exactly causes cervical bleeding? Below is an explanation.
What Causes Cervical Bleeding?
1. Cervical Erosion
There are numerous causes of cervical bleeding in women, among which cervical erosion is very common. During the chronic inflammatory phase, abundant purulent secretions drain from the cervix and soak the epithelium at the external cervical os, causing it to lose vitality, slough off, and ulcerate. Clinically, this manifests as a finely granular, glistening, bright-red area surrounding the external cervical os—the typical appearance observed during visual inspection for cervical bleeding.
2. Cervical Polyps
Cervical polyps often resemble a tongue in shape and are about the size of a seed. They usually occur singly or in multiples, are soft in consistency, bright red in color, and contain thick, prominent blood vessels. Thus, during sexual intercourse, friction against a cervical polyp may cause its rupture and subsequent cervical bleeding.
3. Cervical Leukoplakia
This condition warrants patient attention: it presents as opaque white patchy lesions on the vaginal portion of the cervix. Isolated cervical leukoplakia is often asymptomatic; however, when coexisting with cervical erosion or eversion of the endocervical mucosa, patients may experience increased vaginal discharge or occasional blood-tinged vaginal discharge and contact bleeding.
4. Cervical Cancer
Cervical bleeding may also indicate cervical cancer. Early-stage cervical cancer commonly presents with cervical bleeding—typically scant, bright-red blood—serving as a high-risk warning sign. As the disease progresses, bleeding volume gradually increases and may even include clots. This occurs because progressive cervical erosion renders the tissue fragile, leading to rupture of blood vessels at the cervical os and resulting in cervical bleeding.
The above outlines the main causes of cervical bleeding. We hope this information is helpful to you.
