Cervical ectropy

Louiseytt · 2025-05-08T16:37:49+00:00

Hi everyone, Hoping for a bit of advice or anyone who has been in a similar position. I started randomly spotting last year December 2024 particularly after exercising and any sexual activity would cause this spotting. I lost quite a bit of weight around 12kg (intentionally) and wondered if it was just my iron or body adjusting to the weight loss, but always had that worry it was sinister. Anyways, I had my smear booked for Jan 2024 which all came back fine, my gp also recommended doing STI tests which were all clear. Fast forward the spotting continued, occasionally I would have it after sexual activity but sometimes I wouldn't. My very last episode started a few days after using the bike in the gym, this episode was different because I experienced lower tummy pain and it was more streaky dark red blood than spotting. I went to my GP when it didn't stop after 2 days and the pain was freaking me out. She examined my cervix which was really painful, I'm not sure if it's because I was anxious as when I had my smear I was absolutely fine. She asked me if I've ever been told I have a ectopy I was surprised as I have been seen 3 times this year and no one has mentioned it. In fact in my smear test I was told my cervix looked healthy. Can this really come on so quickly or be missed 3 times in a row? I'm just concerned as I'm still having the lower tummy pain but as I have been referred to a gynaecologist and for an ultrasound scan I just have to wait. It is affecting my mental health as I thought I would be fine once my smear and other tests came back normal, does the smear even check for cervical cancer anymore, or does that have to be done through a colposcopy? Has anyone else experienced anything like this and what was the end result? thanks everyone

SummerHouse · 08/05/2025 17:53

An ectropion cervix? I have this. Bleeding after sex and GP said that's what it looked like and then hospital confirmed with a colcoscapy (is that the right word?? Camera view anyway... )

If that is what you have it's totally harmless and they leave it as is generally. I make sure I have my smears but that's it.

I could well imagine it could be missed on sight. Its cells on the outside that should be on the inside and I think it can flare up and be agitated, or not. If it's not been agitated I imagine it would be less likely to spot.

During smears since it was mentioned by the nurse and I had bleeding after. Other smears not mentioned and no bleeding. Just to reiterate, totally harmless, no intervention needed, easy to miss (I imagine). Weird thing to say but I hope this is what you have. It's nothing! I absolutely know the worry as I had all sorts of cancer fears. But the worry was for nothing. As it usually is.

Original poster

Louiseytt · 08/05/2025 18:10

Hey, yes that’s it she said she found a large ectopy and described it as normal and common. I had my smear just a couple of months ago but am now worried something has still been missed :(

As mine was bleeding when she examined she advised she will refer for a Ultrasound and transvaginal scan and also referred to the gynaecologist. This is the first time I have experienced abdominal cramping with a spotting episode triggered by the gym. I guess I’m just really worried did you ever experience stomach pain?

OP posts:

GardensBooksTea · 08/05/2025 18:16

Yes, I have / had a cervical ectropian, with symptoms very much like yours. I've not heard of anyone else spotting after exercise with them until I read your post, but that was exactly what mine did, as well as after sex sometimes. Smears have always been free of HPV for me too. Mine was usually visible, but as they respond to hormones I think, it might depend where you are in your cycle etc how obvious it us. Or it may be that because they're normal and harmless, sometimes it's just not mentioned.

I had two lots of investigations for the bleeding, a few years apart. First time a colposcopy and biopsies taken, concluded nothing going on other than the harmless ectropian. And second time went to colposcopy clinic, after examination the consultant recommended a change of hormonal contraception and was very reassuring about it all. And the change of pill has magically stopped the spotting.

So as the poster above said, while the symptoms are definitely worth getting properly investigated, if it's just an ectropian they are harmless, just a nuisance. Good luck.

PS also completely understand the worry, I was convinced it was cancer for years

GardensBooksTea · 08/05/2025 18:17

PPS I had cramping too. I always thought that I saw a bit of bleeding and then imagined the cramps, but you've made me think maybe they were real.

Nothanks17 · 08/05/2025 18:22

Hi, I am going through something similar.

I was referred on the cancer pathway and she said after looking its more likely ectropium and then another condition (I have other things going on) such as endo. She said I can have it lasered at my colposcopy in a few weeks which should help the pain during and after sex, the lack of periods bar the brown clots, the bleeding after sex etc. I am nervous about it to be honest and scared its going to be painful, but the pain down there is so so bad I know I must try it, and then we are left with the rest and the laproscopy.

Original poster

Louiseytt · 08/05/2025 18:53

GardensBooksTea · 08/05/2025 18:16

Yes, I have / had a cervical ectropian, with symptoms very much like yours. I've not heard of anyone else spotting after exercise with them until I read your post, but that was exactly what mine did, as well as after sex sometimes. Smears have always been free of HPV for me too. Mine was usually visible, but as they respond to hormones I think, it might depend where you are in your cycle etc how obvious it us. Or it may be that because they're normal and harmless, sometimes it's just not mentioned.

I had two lots of investigations for the bleeding, a few years apart. First time a colposcopy and biopsies taken, concluded nothing going on other than the harmless ectropian. And second time went to colposcopy clinic, after examination the consultant recommended a change of hormonal contraception and was very reassuring about it all. And the change of pill has magically stopped the spotting.

So as the poster above said, while the symptoms are definitely worth getting properly investigated, if it's just an ectropian they are harmless, just a nuisance. Good luck.

PS also completely understand the worry, I was convinced it was cancer for years

it is relieving to know I’m not the only one who has experienced the spotting after exercise, yes that could also be true about it being visible at certain times of the month. The thing for me is I’m not on any birth control. So I’m very confused as to how my hormones can be such a mess to cause this as it is usually caused by hormonal changes. I wonder if the gynaecologist would refer me for a colposcopy Eventhough my smear was only four
months ago? I’ve read they usually won’t but I guess it depends what they see down there. Do you think my GP should have referred me there straight away? I’m worried the ultrasound scan and the transvaginal plus the gyn referral will take a while.

OP posts:

Original poster

Louiseytt · 08/05/2025 18:55

Nothanks17 · 08/05/2025 18:22

Hi, I am going through something similar.

I was referred on the cancer pathway and she said after looking its more likely ectropium and then another condition (I have other things going on) such as endo. She said I can have it lasered at my colposcopy in a few weeks which should help the pain during and after sex, the lack of periods bar the brown clots, the bleeding after sex etc. I am nervous about it to be honest and scared its going to be painful, but the pain down there is so so bad I know I must try it, and then we are left with the rest and the laproscopy.

Hi sorry to hear you’re going through this too and sorry to hear about the pain. How did you get referred down the cancer pathway if you don’t mind me asking was this due to other symptoms or an abnormal smear?

OP posts:

Original poster

Louiseytt · 08/05/2025 18:57

SummerHouse · 08/05/2025 17:53

An ectropion cervix? I have this. Bleeding after sex and GP said that's what it looked like and then hospital confirmed with a colcoscapy (is that the right word?? Camera view anyway... )

If that is what you have it's totally harmless and they leave it as is generally. I make sure I have my smears but that's it.

I could well imagine it could be missed on sight. Its cells on the outside that should be on the inside and I think it can flare up and be agitated, or not. If it's not been agitated I imagine it would be less likely to spot.

During smears since it was mentioned by the nurse and I had bleeding after. Other smears not mentioned and no bleeding. Just to reiterate, totally harmless, no intervention needed, easy to miss (I imagine). Weird thing to say but I hope this is what you have. It's nothing! I absolutely know the worry as I had all sorts of cancer fears. But the worry was for nothing. As it usually is.

Hey, yes that’s it she said she found a large ectopy and described it as normal and common. I had my smear just a couple of months ago but am now worried something has still been missed :(
As mine was bleeding when she examined she advised she will refer for a Ultrasound and transvaginal scan and also referred to the gynaecologist. This is the first time I have experienced abdominal cramping with a spotting episode triggered by the gym. I guess I’m just really worried did you ever experience stomach pain

OP posts:

Nothanks17 · 08/05/2025 20:43

Louiseytt · 08/05/2025 18:55

Hi sorry to hear you’re going through this too and sorry to hear about the pain. How did you get referred down the cancer pathway if you don’t mind me asking was this due to other symptoms or an abnormal smear?

Show quote history

Hey, because of a multiude of symptoms and how my cervix presented in addition to the growth, I had normal smear, but was HPV positive. I didn't catch the vibe in my appointment and felt chuffed I was being refferred to gynae to see whats going on then she called me and said that I should get an appointment call through within a short time frame for suspected cancer. I'm not managing to do any day to day activties my back is also very bad. I am under gastro as well and msk. Just want to be able to manage to like go to the supermarket, load my own dishwasher ... I am in my 20s.

Try not to worry. I am waiting for the results back from gynae but from looking she said she doesn't think its cancer, and I am not worried.The smear, you can for peace of mind have done again or go private. Either way during your colposcopy they will look at the cells and can then and there laser them away. Its your choice x

They can be caused by a build up of estrogen, from what she told me, I have been on combined pill for a long long time

BrizzleMaverick · 08/05/2025 21:26

I have this, it was first discovered during my first pregnancy when I kept having on & off bleeding. After a few different people taking a look 🙈 they settle on an ectropion and said nothing to worry about.

Said that I’ve probably always had it, which made sense as before to my pregnancy I alway had to go for repeat smears due to blood being in the sample.

The hospital said that the pregnancy hormones could have just made it more sensitive so it was bleeding.

Is there a pattern to your bleeding could it be link to certain days in your cycle, maybe when hormones or high/low?

I never had an issue in subsequent pregnancies and all smears samples have been fine first time.

Just the wonders of the female body eh!

neverbeenskiing · 08/05/2025 21:38

I was told I had this but turned out to be incorrect. To cut a very long story short, after some post-coital bleeding and pelvic pain I was referred for a colposcopy and biopsy via the 2 week wait cancer pathway. They said they found nothing of note and that it was "probably breakthrough bleeding from being on the pill". This was despite me having explained that I'd come off the pill and was still having problems. Post coital bleeding continued and got worse, so I went back to the GP and I was misdiagnosed with an ectropian, eventually it turned out to be Endometriosis which was only picked up because I pushed for an ultrasound scan.
TLDR, ask for an ultrasound scan!

HappySeven · 08/05/2025 21:59

I had this 30 years ago. Treated with iodine pessaries and no issues since.

Original poster

Louiseytt · 08/05/2025 22:48

Nothanks17 · 08/05/2025 20:43

Hey, because of a multiude of symptoms and how my cervix presented in addition to the growth, I had normal smear, but was HPV positive. I didn't catch the vibe in my appointment and felt chuffed I was being refferred to gynae to see whats going on then she called me and said that I should get an appointment call through within a short time frame for suspected cancer. I'm not managing to do any day to day activties my back is also very bad. I am under gastro as well and msk. Just want to be able to manage to like go to the supermarket, load my own dishwasher ... I am in my 20s.

Try not to worry. I am waiting for the results back from gynae but from looking she said she doesn't think its cancer, and I am not worried.The smear, you can for peace of mind have done again or go private. Either way during your colposcopy they will look at the cells and can then and there laser them away. Its your choice x

They can be caused by a build up of estrogen, from what she told me, I have been on combined pill for a long long time

Show quote history

Praying for you and that everything comes back normal which I am sure it will. Thanks for your reply it is much appreciated

OP posts:

Original poster

Louiseytt · 08/05/2025 22:52

neverbeenskiing · 08/05/2025 21:38

I was told I had this but turned out to be incorrect. To cut a very long story short, after some post-coital bleeding and pelvic pain I was referred for a colposcopy and biopsy via the 2 week wait cancer pathway. They said they found nothing of note and that it was "probably breakthrough bleeding from being on the pill". This was despite me having explained that I'd come off the pill and was still having problems. Post coital bleeding continued and got worse, so I went back to the GP and I was misdiagnosed with an ectropian, eventually it turned out to be Endometriosis which was only picked up because I pushed for an ultrasound scan.
TLDR, ask for an ultrasound scan!

Interesting that most people are referred for a colposcopy straight away, is that the same level of urgency as being referred to a gynaecologist? I wonder why I wasn’t referred to a colposcopy. However I was referred for an ultrasound and trans-vaginal ultrasound which is relieving considering that your situation actually turned out to be endometriosis, I’m sorry that happened endo needs to be more looked into as it is often missed. Wishing you good health and thanks for your reply!

OP posts:

Original poster

Louiseytt · 10/05/2025 16:56

BrizzleMaverick · 08/05/2025 21:26

I have this, it was first discovered during my first pregnancy when I kept having on & off bleeding. After a few different people taking a look 🙈 they settle on an ectropion and said nothing to worry about.

Said that I’ve probably always had it, which made sense as before to my pregnancy I alway had to go for repeat smears due to blood being in the sample.

The hospital said that the pregnancy hormones could have just made it more sensitive so it was bleeding.

Is there a pattern to your bleeding could it be link to certain days in your cycle, maybe when hormones or high/low?

I never had an issue in subsequent pregnancies and all smears samples have been fine first time.

Just the wonders of the female body eh!

I think it definitely could be linked to time of cycle which looking back on my app to track periods might provide me with more insight, I did start my periods pretty early too I was 14 so I wonder despite me not being on the pill, my hormones have possibly been out of whack for quite some time. I will put an update into the app I have my first investigation which is the bloods on Wednesday so let’s see if it picks up any imbalances which could further explain!

OP posts:

Happymomoftwo · 10/05/2025 17:09

Been there, got the T-shirt! I’ve had two ectropians. The first one would cause bleeding after sex, after sneezing or coughing. I was referred to gynae and had cryotherapy to freeze off the sensitive cells. Then, about ten years later I started getting the cramps and spotting again. This time it was an ectropian again in a different spot (the dr could see the scar from the freezing). I had a special nitrate solution painted on and it made my cervix shed the cells. I’ve not had any issues since.

Please be reassured that this is nothing sinister, just another annoying thing that happens to us women!

Original poster

Louiseytt · 11/05/2025 01:14

.

OP posts:

Original poster

Louiseytt · 11/05/2025 01:17

Happymomoftwo · 10/05/2025 17:09

Been there, got the T-shirt! I’ve had two ectropians. The first one would cause bleeding after sex, after sneezing or coughing. I was referred to gynae and had cryotherapy to freeze off the sensitive cells. Then, about ten years later I started getting the cramps and spotting again. This time it was an ectropian again in a different spot (the dr could see the scar from the freezing). I had a special nitrate solution painted on and it made my cervix shed the cells. I’ve not had any issues since.

Please be reassured that this is nothing sinister, just another annoying thing that happens to us women!

The sneezing and coughing wow that’s a new one must’ve been annoying! I have spotting after sex and exercise which honestly is such a pain as I exercise 4 times a week and, with the cramps developing in the last week or so with the spotting it really makes my workouts more difficult. Hoping the cramps subside at least as I never usually used to get them. This is very reassuring that the treatment worked and you are not having issues, hope it’s the same for me!

OP posts:

Original poster

Louiseytt · 13/05/2025 10:57

Update so far- swabs have come back as thrush, again! So I’ve been given a pessary and the cream, apparently it’s not an urgent gynaecologist referral so can take some time, waiting list :( and the ultrasound scan has also been put through, blood test tomorrow let’s see where that gets me!

OP posts:

hollygoolightly · 11/05/2026 13:31

How did everything turn out OP?