Wound on the cervix: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment

A wound on the cervix, also called cervical ectopia, is the presence of the lining of the interior of the uterus in the cervix, which can cause symptoms such as white or yellowish discharge, vaginal bleeding or pain in the lower abdomen.

Although it is known as a wound in the uterus, it is caused by the multiplication of cells within the cervix due to the action of the hormone estrogen, and is more common in women of childbearing age and during pregnancy.

If you suspect a wound in the uterus, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist. Treatment is usually indicated in case of symptoms, and may involve changing contraceptive method, using a vaginal suppository or cauterizing the wound, for example.

Main symptoms

The main symptoms of a wound in the uterus are:

• White or yellowish vaginal discharge;
• Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen;
• Vaginal bleeding, especially after sexual intercourse;
• Pain during sexual intercourse.

However, it is common for a wound in the uterus to not cause symptoms and is identified during routine gynecological examinations.

How to confirm the diagnosis

The diagnosis of the wound in the uterus is made by the gynecologist based on the symptoms presented and identification of the wound on the cervix during the gynecological examination.

If you want to make an appointment, you can find the gynecologist closest to you using the tool below:

Furthermore, it is common for the doctor to recommend other tests, such as a culture of secretions from the cervix, Pap smear or colposcopy, to rule out diseases, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and cervical cancer.

Possible causes

The wound in the uterus is caused by the multiplication of cells that line the inside of the cervix due to the action of the hormone estrogen, making this lining visible outside the cervix. Although it is known by this name, it is not a real wound.

Thus, wounds in the uterus are more common in adolescence, during a woman’s reproductive age or pregnancy and when using hormonal contraceptives, for example.

Can a wound in the uterus cause cancer?

A wound in the uterus does not cause cancer. However, it can sometimes cause symptoms similar to those of cervical cancer, and it is important to carry out tests to rule out this possibility.

Cervical cancer is mainly caused by infection with the HPV virus and the diagnosis is made through a biopsy performed by a gynecologist. Learn how to identify HPV infection.

How the treatment is carried out

Treatment for a wound in the uterus is not always indicated, but may involve changing the contraceptive method, using vaginal suppositories and removing the wound by cauterization, for example, in cases where there are symptoms.

Furthermore, women who have a wound in their uterus are at greater risk of becoming infected with sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as HIV or gonorrhea, which is why they should take more care, such as using condoms and getting vaccinated for HPV. Check out the main STIs.

The main treatment options for a wound in the uterus are:

1. Changing the contraceptive method

In cases where a woman uses hormonal contraceptives, such as pills or injectable contraceptives, the doctor may recommend alternatives that do not contain hormones, such as condoms. Discover the advantages and disadvantages of the main contraceptive methods.

2. Vaginal suppository

In some cases, the gynecologist may recommend the use of vaginal suppositories with medications to stimulate the regression of the uterine lining that appears outside the cervix, causing the wound in the uterus to disappear.

3. Cauterization

Cauterization is the removal of the wound from the uterus by applying heat, called electrocautery, or cold, known as cryotherapy, to allow the cervical tissue to heal with healthy skin.

These techniques are normally used to treat inflammation of the cervix, such as cervicitis, lesions caused by the HPV virus or those that are at risk of turning into cervical cancer.

Wound healing takes between 2-3 weeks and, during this time, to facilitate recovery and avoid complications, such as infection, intimate contact should be avoided, in addition to being essential to maintain daily intimate hygiene, using running water and neutral soap, drying the area well and wearing cotton panties.