What are the symptoms of cervical erosion?

Jul 14, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

Cervical erosion generally refers to cervical columnar epithelial displacement. Under normal circumstances, cervical columnar epithelial displacement is a common physiological or pathological phenomenon, with main symptoms including increased vaginal discharge, contact bleeding, external genital discomfort, lower back pain, abnormal vaginal discharge, etc. If the above symptoms occur in daily life, one can alleviate them by maintaining personal hygiene and keeping the external genital area clean and dry.

Cervical erosion generally refers to cervical columnar epithelial displacement. Under normal circumstances, cervical columnar epithelial displacement is a common physiological or pathological phenomenon, and its main symptoms include increased vaginal discharge, contact bleeding, external genital discomfort, lumbosacral pain, abnormal vaginal discharge, and others. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Increased vaginal discharge: When cervical columnar epithelial displacement occurs, the cervical glandular secretion function becomes overactive, leading to increased vaginal discharge. The discharge is usually transparent or white mucus-like, thin in texture, typically without a significant odor, and may become more noticeable during ovulation or around menstruation.

2. Contact bleeding: Some patients may experience minor vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse, gynecological examinations, or straining during bowel movements. The blood is bright red and the bleeding is usually minimal, often presenting as spotting. This contact bleeding is related to the fragility of the cervical columnar epithelium and its susceptibility to irritation.

3. External genital discomfort: Due to increased vaginal discharge, irritation of the skin of the external genitalia may occur, leading to symptoms such as itching and burning sensations. Patients may frequently clean the external genital area due to discomfort, but excessive cleaning can actually disrupt the local environment and worsen symptoms.

4. Lumbosacral pain: When cervical columnar epithelial displacement is accompanied by inflammation, the inflammation may spread to the pelvic tissues, causing lumbosacral pain. The pain is often a dull ache or a feeling of distension and may worsen after physical exertion, sexual activity, or during menstruation. Symptoms may improve with rest.

5. Abnormal vaginal discharge: If there is an accompanying infection, the vaginal discharge will show abnormal changes, possibly appearing yellowish, purulent, thick in consistency, and accompanied by an odor. Such abnormal discharge suggests the presence of an infection, which requires prompt attention and treatment.

In daily life, if the above symptoms appear, they can be alleviated by maintaining good personal hygiene, keeping the external genital area clean and dry, and avoiding excessive cleaning. Regular gynecological examinations also help monitor cervical health.

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What are the risks of laser treatment for cervical erosion?

Cervical erosion, also known as cervical columnar epithelial displacement, carries certain risks when treated with laser therapy, including postoperative bleeding, cervical stenosis, infection, impaired fertility, and cervical adhesion. At the same time, women should maintain good lifestyle habits and personal hygiene, and undergo regular gynecological examinations, which help in the early detection and management of related issues.

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Is it good to use LEEP for cervical erosion?

Cervical erosion refers to cervical columnar epithelial displacement. If cervical columnar epithelial displacement is accompanied by abnormal symptoms, a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) might be preferable; for patients with mild cervical columnar epithelial displacement, surgical treatment generally is not required. When deciding whether surgery is necessary, patients should fully understand the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure, its indications, and precautions, and undergo individualized treatment under the guidance of a physician.

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What are the post-treatment care considerations after laser therapy for chronic cervicitis?

In general, laser treatment for chronic cervicitis uses carbon dioxide laser to cause necrosis and shedding of the cervical erosion area, allowing new cervical tissue to grow and the cervical surface to become smooth again. The general reference price for laser treatment of chronic cervicitis is 500–2000 yuan per session, and noticeable improvement is usually observed within 7–15 days.

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What are the causes of cervical erosion?

Under normal circumstances, cervical erosion may be caused by hormonal changes during the reproductive period, physiological ectropion of cervical columnar epithelium, spread of bacterial vaginosis, irritation from cervicitis, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and other factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through general treatments, medication, and other approaches under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, one should avoid frequently using irritating vaginal washes.