What Should I Do If I Have Cervical Bleeding?

Cervical bleeding may be caused by vaginal wall abrasions, cervical polyps, or cervical cancer. Treatment should be tailored to the individual situation. If the cervical bleeding is caused by inflammation, medication for treating cervicitis is required. If the bleeding is due to small polyps on the cervix, the polyps should be removed surgically 2-3 days after menstruation, without sexual activity in the meantime. If it is cervical cancer, prompt surgical treatment is necessary, followed by possible adjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy. When cervical bleeding is clinically observed, the first step is to undergo relevant examinations to identify the underlying cause. Then, standardized treatment should be administered based on the specific cause to ensure effectiveness.

Causes of Cervical Bleeding

1. Vaginal Wall Abrasions: After menopause, older women may experience vaginal atrophy, loss of wrinkles, decreased elasticity, and vaginal dryness. If lubricants are not used during sexual activity, it may lead to bleeding and pain for both partners.

2. Cervical Polyps: Cervical polyps are usually tongue-shaped, about the size of a sunflower seed, protruding from the cervix, either singly or in multiples. They are soft and bright red, with loose tissue and thick blood vessels. When some polyps develop edema, necrosis, or contamination, their appearance may resemble early cervical cancer, easily leading to bleeding during sexual activity.

3. Cervical Cancer: Bleeding during sexual activity is often an early sign of cervical cancer, presenting as minimal but bright red bleeding. However, in the case of early cervical cancer, bleeding may increase, even to the extent of blood clots. This is because the cancerous cervical tissue becomes fragile due to necrosis, and when the cervix is directly impacted, it can rupture and cause bleeding. Patients should undergo regular screenings, take contraceptive measures, avoid procedures that may damage the cervix such as abortions or curettages, seek prompt treatment for any issues detected, abstain from sexual activity during treatment, observe changes in vaginal discharge, and refrain from using unauthorized vaginal or external cleansing agents, which can disrupt the vaginal environment and lead to bacterial infections. It is also crucial to avoid unsafe sexual practices and maintain good hygiene during sexual activity.

In addition, patients should maintain cleanliness of the external genitalia, wear cotton, loose, and breathable underwear, and wash and change them frequently. They should also avoid spicy and stimulating foods in their diet.