Published on Dec 09, 2021 and last reviewed on Oct 05, 2023 - 4 min read
Abstract
A bruised cervix, often painful usually occurs due to violent sexual activities, which include inserting a fist, penis, or any other object into the vagina.
Introduction:
A bruised cervix usually occurs due to violent sexual activities, which include inserting a fist, penis, or any other object into the vagina. Bruising can be caused by hitting the cervix during intercourse, which makes it feel sensitive and tender. It typically occurs with deep penetrations; that is, the risk of bruised cervix increases with certain sexual positions like the doggy style position. As the cervix is placed above the vaginal canal, it is rare that the cervix gets bruised from anything other than sexual activity.
In case if there is pain during sexual intercourse, it can be an indication of any other issue as sex should be pleasurable and not painful. Sometimes, the cervix becomes bruised during a sexual assault or trauma. Bruising occurs particularly due to a violent attack. If you have experienced a sexual assault, consult a doctor because the cervix is a protective barrier for the uterus, and it monitors what enters or exits the vagina. Basically, the cervix separates the vagina from the uterus.
The symptoms of a bruised cervix depend on how badly you have been injured. It also depends on the person's pain tolerance. The bruised cervix feels like being poked on the inside with a hot poker, and women can also experience cramping and abdominal pain that is worse than the worst period pain ever experienced. The painful cramps lead to nausea, sweating, and vomiting. Everyone will not have much pain, but there can be a general aching sensation deep inside the body and may occur at the time or after penetration.
Some other bruised cervix symptoms are also noticed by women, along with the most obvious sign, the pain. They are symptoms of spotting, bleeding, nausea, and back pain. These symptoms are more common when the sexual intercourse is more aggressive. Any long-lasting extreme symptoms, such as excessive blood, can indicate that something else is wrong.
Some women with a shallow vagina or a condition called cervical ectropion may more likely experience cervical bruising. The uterus position and vaginal structure vary from person to person, and the distance between the cervix and the vaginal opening may range from 3 to 7 inches when unaroused. When aroused, the upper 2/3rd of the vagina starts to stretch to allow easier penetration. Actually, the uterus and the cervix are lifted out of the way when the vagina stretches.
When the cervix and vaginal opening are close together, or if there is no adequate arousal, penetration can easily bruise and bump the cervix. Also, the cervix can change its position during the monthly cycle. It may tilt in one direction a week before and after the period.
The small hole in the cervix, known as the os, is plugged with mucus on most days of the month, and this mucus prevents the sperms from entering the uterus. At the time of ovulation, the cervix tilts downward, softens, and opens slightly for the sperm to enter. During this time, women may more likely experience cervical bruising.
As with other bruises and bumps, healing time varies from person to person. The pain likely starts to taper off within a couple of days. The symptoms will be completely resolved within seven days. Apart from the temporary discomforts, there are no other associated complications with a bruised cervix.
But avoid penetrative sex and masturbation until the symptoms disappear. This is because having sex with symptoms can increase pain and discomfort, exacerbate the injury, and prolong the healing time.
Visit a gynecologist or other healthcare provider if the symptoms last for more than one week or if there is constant pain during intercourse. A pelvic examination will be performed to assess the symptoms and determine whether there is an infection or any other underlying condition. The gynecologist may also advise on any of the following next steps. Seek immediate medical attention when:
Usually, a bruised cervix does not need clinical treatment, and it should heal on its own within three days. However, when this happens frequently, make sure to consult with a gynecologist. The cervix is sensitive and may be more susceptible to bruising because of any underlying infection. In addition, spotting after intercourse could be a sign of friable cervix or cervical irritation.
The pain and discomfort can be calmed by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as Naproxen (Aleve) or Ibuprofen (Advil). Menstrual pain relievers such as Midol are also helpful. To relieve the pain, you can try to:
The best ways to prevent cervical bruising are,
Cervicitis is the inflammation of the cervix, which is the lower end of the uterus that opens into the vagina. It is a narrow passage that connects the uterus and vagina. They act as a barrier to keep bacteria and viruses from entering the uterus.
The symptoms of cervical infection include:
- Vaginal itching.
- Bleeding other than menstrual periods.
- Pain during sex.
- Bleeding after sex.
- Frequent, painful urination.
- Gray or white discharge that has a foul smell.
- Pelvic or abdominal pain.
- Lower back pain.
- Pressurized feeling in the pelvis.
The bruised cervix can result in cervical inflammation or cervicitis. If left untreated, cervicitis may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, peritonitis, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain. When the cervix is infected, the infection can travel to the uterus.
Other than the clinical signs and symptoms, the doctor will do a pelvic examination and take a swab. These can be tested for abnormalities. The doctor may also test for sexually transmitted diseases to reach a complete diagnosis.
A bruised cervix is a cervix that has become sensitive and tender because of vigorous sexual intercourse most likely. The cervix is located several inches deep from the vaginal opening, and it is not common to be injured by anything other than penetration. The cervix can feel painful and bleed.
Miscarriage or infertility is due to many reasons. Painful sex associated with the bruised cervix can affect the tolerance during intercourse, indirectly affecting fertility. But when heavy bleeding soaks the tampon every other hour, it can increase the risk of miscarriage.
- Persistent, unusual vaginal discharge.
- Non-menstrual vaginal bleeding.
- Pain during sex.
The symptoms include
- Painful cramps.
- Dull aching pain deep inside the body.
- Nausea and vomiting.
Cervical infection is caused due to sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, genital herpes, mycoplasma, etc. An overgrowth of some bacteria usually present in the vagina can lead to cervical infection.
A cervix injury is not a permanent injury. The time taken for healing varies from person to person. The injury heals on its own. It takes anywhere between one day to one week. Long-term complications are not expected.
Last reviewed at:
05 Oct 2023 - 4 min read
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Obstetrics And Gynecology
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