What are the symptoms of cervicitis and cervical erosion?

Cervicitis and cervical erosion usually present with symptoms such as increased vaginal discharge, contact bleeding, and lower abdominal pain. Cervicitis is an inflammatory reaction of cervical tissue, while cervical erosion refers to the physiological phenomenon of cervical columnar epithelial migration. The two may occur alone or in combination.

1. Increased vaginal discharge

Patients with cervicitis often experience yellow or purulent leucorrhea, which may be accompanied by a peculiar smell, and the amount of secretion is significantly higher than the daily level. The secretions from cervical erosion are mostly transparent mucus, which may worsen during ovulation. If combined with infection, the secretion may be yellow-green and have a fishy smell. In this case, a gynecological examination is needed to distinguish bacterial vaginosis or trichomonas infection.

2. Contact bleeding

When the tissue caused by cervicitis is congested and fragile, spotting may occur after sexual intercourse or gynecological examination. Cervical erosion is prone to capillary rupture due to thin columnar epithelium due to mechanical friction. The amount of bleeding is usually small and appears as leucorrhea mixed with blood streaks or brown secretions. It needs to be differentiated from menstrual disorders, cervical polyps and other conditions.

3. Lower abdominal pain

When inflammation spreads to the pelvic cavity, it can cause persistent dull pain, which is aggravated by exertion or sexual intercourse, and may radiate to the lumbosacral region. Cervical erosion itself is usually painless, but lower abdominal discomfort may occur when combined with infection. The degree of pain is related to the extent of inflammation, and acute attacks may be accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever.

4. Frequent urination and urgent urination

The cervix is ​​anatomically adjacent to the bladder. Severe cervicitis may irritate the trigone area of ​​the bladder, resulting in increased urination frequency and a sense of urgency. The possibility of urinary tract infection needs to be ruled out. Some patients will experience a burning sensation in the urethra during urination, but routine urine examination is usually normal.

5. Pain during sexual intercourse

When the cervix is ​​congested and edematous, it may cause sharp or dull pain during sexual intercourse, especially when the deep part of the cervix is ​​impacted. Patients with chronic cervicitis may also have increased pain perception due to psychological factors. It is recommended to avoid strenuous sex until the inflammation is controlled.

Pay attention to perineal cleaning on a daily basis, choose cotton breathable underwear and change it daily. Avoid long-term use of panty liners and change sanitary napkins frequently during menstruation. Annual cervical cancer screening, including HPV testing and TCT examination, is recommended. If you have abnormal bleeding or persistent abdominal pain, you should seek medical treatment promptly. Do not rinse your vagina or use antibiotics by yourself. Maintaining a regular schedule and moderate exercise can help enhance immunity and reduce the probability of recurrence of inflammation.