Cervical erosion

Alternative names:

cervical ulceration

Symptoms:

• abnormal vaginal bleeding (not associated with a menstrual period) - after sexual intercourse (postcoital)
  • between menstrual periods

• discharge ( clear or yellowish mucus)

Note: Typically there are no symptoms.

Signs and tests:

Pelvic examination reveals an area on the cervix that looks raw, red, and inflamed.

• a Pap smear may show atypical cells
• culture of discharge may reveal organisms such as E. coli
• colposcopic examination reveals an area of raw, stripped epithelium
• cervical biopsy may be necessary