Cervical erosion

This describes the situation in which columnar epithelium, continuous with that of the cervical canal, replaces the stratified squamous epithelium that normally covers the vaginal portion of the cervix.

Erosions (also commonly known as cervical ectropions) are thought to be oestrogen dependent as they:

• frequently develop in women taking combined oral contraceptives pills and resolve when the pill is stopped
• frequently develop during pregnancy and resolve after delivery

The exposed columnar epithelium is susceptible to trauma and contact bleeding during intercourse or examination.

Women with cervical ectopy may present with increased mucopurulent vaginal discharge and postcoital bleeding, or may be asymptomatic.

Reference

1. Tarney CM, Han J. Postcoital bleeding: a review on etiology, diagnosis, and management. Obstet Gynecol Int. 2014;2014:192087.