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What are the symptoms of uterine ulcers?
Medical articles
Reviewed by: Dr. Fatima Omar, Obstetrics and Gynecology Consultant

The cervix is ​​a narrow passage that connects the uterus to the vagina. In some cases, its lining erodes, causing ulcers in it. This may lead to severe pain during menstruation or sexual intercourse, and may be accompanied by abnormal bleeding. In this article, we will introduce you in detail to the symptoms of uterine ulcers, the causes of their occurrence, and how to treat them, so read on.

 Uterine ulcer

A cervical ulcer is a health condition in which the lining of the cervix erodes, so it is also known as a cervical ulcer.

Ulcers occur as a result of recurring viral or bacterial infections, taking birth control pills, or due to hormonal changes.

Symptoms of uterine ulcer

Symptoms of a cervical ulcer include:

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding during menstruation.
  • Bleeding between menstrual periods.
  • Persistent white or gray vaginal discharge with an odor.
  • Vaginal cramps and pain in the lower abdomen.
  • Pain during intercourse.
  • Some bleeding after intercourse.
  • Feeling of pressure in the pelvis.
  • Difficulty urinating and feeling an urgent and constant need to urinate.
  • Pain in the lower back.

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Symptoms of severe uterine ulcers

In some advanced cases, symptoms of severe uterine ulcers may appear, which indicate the need to begin to find out the cause of the ulcer and create an organized and effective treatment plan. These symptoms include the following:

  • Vaginal discharge containing pus and blood with a foul smell.
  • Heavy and unexplained bleeding between menstrual periods or after intercourse.
  • Feeling severe vaginal pain during intercourse is the most common symptom.
  • The woman feels sharp pain in the lower abdomen and cramps in the pelvic area.
  • Severe infections of the cervix, causing itching and a constant feeling of vaginal irritation.

Symptoms of malignant uterine ulcer

The symptoms of a malignant uterine ulcer may be similar to the symptoms of a simple uterine ulcer, which makes early diagnosis very important. As the disease develops, symptoms may appear more and be clearer, such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, which occurs after intercourse, between menstrual cycles, or after menopause. The bleeding may be heavy and dark in color. In addition, symptoms of a malignant uterine ulcer may include abnormal vaginal discharge that may be bloody or with a foul odor, and pelvic pain or tenderness.

It is important not to ignore the changes that may occur in your body, especially if the changes are related to the reproductive system or the menstrual cycle. Early detection of cervical cancer in turn increases the chances of recovery, and these symptoms can be signs of conditions other than cancer, so you must consult a specialist doctor to conduct all the necessary tests and diagnose the condition.

Symptoms of uterine ulcers during pregnancy

Some pregnant women complain of symptoms of uterine ulcers during pregnancy, which negatively affect the pregnancy period until premature birth. These symptoms include light vaginal bleeding, which is abnormal during pregnancy, and foul-smelling vaginal discharge, with pain and pressure in the pelvic area similar to labor pain, in addition to cervical inflammation and a burning and irritation feeling during urination.

What are the causes of uterine ulcers?

Infection is the main cause of cervical ulcers, especially if they are recurrent or chronic. The most common are:

  • Chlamydia.
  • Herpes simplex or genital herpes.
  • Trichomoniasis.
  • Gonorrhea.

There are other causes that may cause cervical ulcers, but they are less common, and they include:

Allergy to components of condoms or sanitary pads used during the menstrual cycle.

Constant irritation of the cervix as a result of intercourse, dryness, or using uncomfortable sanitary pads.

Pregnancy is a result of hormonal changes that make the uterine lining more sensitive and fragile, thus increasing the chances of developing ulcers.

Long-term exposure to chemotherapy or radiation to treat uterine cancer.

Uterine ulcers and sexual intercourse

A uterine ulcer is a condition characterized by damage or ulceration in the lining of the uterus. This condition affects intercourse in different ways. Sometimes intercourse in this case leads to increased burning and pain in the uterine area. A uterine ulcer may make a woman less willing to have intercourse due to the discomfort of the ulcer. This depends on the sensitivity of the affected lining. A uterine ulcer causes light to moderate bleeding during or after intercourse. In some advanced cases, intercourse is painful and may be impossible as a result of damage to the uterine lining.

A uterine ulcer may increase the risk of infection of the reproductive system, which requires a period of abstinence from sexual intercourse during treatment for a uterine ulcer. This is why it is important for those with a uterine ulcer to discuss the matter with a specialist doctor to obtain appropriate treatment. Treatment for a uterine ulcer includes the use of topical medications or hormonal treatments. A uterine ulcer can negatively affect the intimate relationship between a woman and her husband, and for this reason a doctor must be consulted for diagnosis and treatment.

My experience with cervical ulcers

My experience with a cervical ulcer was very difficult. I was suffering from bleeding between periods and pain during intercourse. I did not know the cause of these symptoms, and at first I did not give these symptoms any attention, but over time the symptoms became much worse. However, after diagnosis with the doctor and performing all medical tests, the doctor diagnosed me with a cervical ulcer. I felt fear and anxiety at first, but I decided to confront the matter and begin treatment. Praise be to God, my body responded well to the treatment and the symptoms began to disappear gradually, and now I feel better.

When I visited the doctor, the condition was diagnosed as a cervical ulcer. The doctor told me that the uterine ulcer was caused by an infection, and the treatment required the use of topical medications and analgesics to relieve the pain. It was difficult at first, but with adherence to treatment, the condition gradually improved. I learned from that experience the importance of taking care of the health of the cervix and undergoing regular medical examinations.

 Complications of cervical ulcer

Some cases are exposed to complications of cervical ulcers, either due to neglect of treatment, or the presence of another health problem that delays healing, and the most prominent of these complications are:

  • Chronic pain in the lower abdomen and pelvic area.
  • Severe vaginal bleeding, leading to anemia in the long term.
  • Increased risk of pelvic infections due to the spread of infection to the reproductive system.
  • In some rare cases, a cervical ulcer may affect the pregnancy and the mother may experience premature birth.
  • It cannot be said that cervical ulcers cause uterine cancer, but if the infections recur, the risk of uterine cancer may increase. 


Therefore, doctors at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital advise, if symptoms of a uterine ulcer appear, to quickly receive appropriate treatment, and to follow up with doctors until the uterus is completely healed, in order to avoid any serious complications later. 

Does uterine ulcer cause flatulence?

A uterine ulcer is characterized by the presence of ulceration or damage to the lining of the uterus. Although a uterine ulcer causes a group of symptoms such as bleeding during or after intercourse and pain in the pelvic area, in response to the question: Does a uterine ulcer cause abdominal bloating?

Abdominal bloating is also not considered a symptom of a uterine ulcer. If the patient experiences abdominal bloating alongside a uterine ulcer, there is a possibility that the bloating is the result of a cause other than the ulcer. If you suffer from abdominal bloating in addition to the symptoms of a uterine ulcer, it is important to tell the doctor about it so that you can determine the main cause of the problem and to obtain appropriate treatment. If you are complaining of constant abdominal bloating, it is best not to ignore these symptoms and seek help from a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Is there a relationship between uterine ulcers and the menstrual cycle?

Yes, cervical ulcers may increase abnormal menstrual bleeding, and some bleeding may occur between periods as well.

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Does pregnancy occur with an ulcer in the cervix?

No effect Uterine ulcers In fertility and chances of pregnancy, but if the reason behind its occurrence is infection and inflammation, it may cause inflammation of the fallopian tubes, and this may delay the chances of pregnancy, so its cause must be determined accurately to avoid complications.

Is there a relationship between cervical ulcers and cancer?

Cervical ulcers do not lead to cancer, but in some cases, they may be an indication of the presence of cancerous cells in the uterus, especially if they do not respond to treatments. In this case, the doctor requests a sample or biopsy to confirm.

Get to know The relationship between uterine ulcers and sexual intercourse

How is uterine ulcer diagnosed?

Cervical ulcers can be diagnosed by the following tests and examinations:

  • Ultrasound examination of the vagina and cervix: The doctor uses ultrasound to examine the vagina and cervix to find out the cause of bleeding or discharge and the pain associated with it.
  • Cervical smear: The doctor may take a cervical swab to find out what type of fungus, bacteria, or virus is causing the infection.
  • Colposcopy: The doctor uses a light- and camera-equipped instrument known as a colposcope to carefully examine the cervix and locate the chancre.
  • Biopsy: The doctor takes a sample of the ulcer to find out the cause behind it, whether it is an infection or an abnormal problem, such as uterine cancer.

Find out the answer to your question How do I know if I suffer from a stomach ulcer?

Treating uterine ulcers

Treatment of cervical ulcers depends on the cause, for example:

  • If the ulcer is caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy, it usually goes away on its own after giving birth.
  • If the reason is using condoms, vaginal wash, sanitary pads, or taking birth control pills, you must stop using these things and try other alternative types.
  • If the cause is infection, the doctor will prescribe oral and topical antibiotics and antifungals.

If the ulcer does not respond to treatment, the doctor may resort to other techniques to treat it, such as:

  • DiathermyIt is a heat-based technique to cauterize and close the ulcer.
  • CryotherapyIt relies on very cold carbon dioxide to freeze the ulcer, which is another type of cauterization.

After treatment, the doctor may recommend stopping sexual intercourse for 2 or 3 weeks until the ulcers completely heal.

Signs of healing from a cervical ulcer

Signs of recovery from a cervical ulcer appear with continued appropriate treatment with the doctor and continuous monitoring of the success of the treatment plan. The most important signs include the following:

  • Disappearance of pain during intercourse.
  • Reduced pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis.
  • The disappearance of itching and redness due to the ulcer.
  • Disappearance of abnormal vaginal discharge.
  • Stops heavy bleeding, especially with menstruation.
  • What confirms complete recovery from cervical ulcers is periodic follow-up with the doctor and performing the necessary tests.

Frequently asked questions

Uterine ulcer, is it dangerous?

In response to this question, the seriousness of a uterine ulcer depends on the type of ulcer and the extent of its progress. In general, a uterine ulcer is not necessarily dangerous, but it can be treated in most cases. There are different types of uterine ulcers, some of which are simple and disappear automatically, while others require medical intervention.

If the ulcer causes disturbing symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, pain during intercourse, or vaginal discharge, it is important to consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment of the condition.

In rare cases, some types of uterine ulcers may turn into cervical cancer, which is why it is important to perform regular examinations for early detection of any malignant changes.

In many cases, uterine ulcers are the result of infection with a tumor virus, and most of the time symptoms result from inflammation of the cervical mucosa, which leads to bleeding during intercourse and pain. Although uterine ulcers are not serious in most cases, it is necessary to treat them quickly and effectively, and this condition, if left untreated, leads to more serious complications, including pelvic inflammation or ectopic pregnancy.

Does ulcer in the uterus prevent pregnancy?

Although the presence of an ulcer in the uterus may cause some discomfort and inconvenience to a woman, a uterine ulcer does not directly affect her ability to reproduce. The ulcer is usually located on the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus and not in the uterine cavity in which the fertilization process occurs. The fertilization process takes place in the fallopian tube and not inside the uterus, so the presence of an ulcer in the uterus does not interfere with that process.

The ulcer may also cause some symptoms, including vaginal discharge and abnormal bleeding. These symptoms affect sexual desire and thus affect the chances of pregnancy. In rare cases, the ulcer may cause infections or chronic infections that affect the health of the female reproductive system, and thus affect fertility.

If you suffer from a uterine ulcer and want to become pregnant, it is important to consult a doctor so that he can evaluate your health condition, examine the ulcer, and provide important advice for a healthy pregnancy. If a uterine ulcer is diagnosed and treated correctly, this does not affect the ability to have children.

Does cervical ulcer cause bad odor?

The presence of a cervical ulcer may be associated with the appearance of an unpleasant odor, but this is not the most common symptom or the only symptom. In some cases, a woman with an ulcer notices abnormal vaginal discharge of a different color or consistency, and may be accompanied by an unpleasant odor. Likewise, the unpleasant odor may be due to other causes, such as bacterial infections or fungal infections. Therefore, the diagnosis of a cervical ulcer requires comprehensive medical examinations to determine the cause of the odor and the accompanying symptoms.

Bad odor results from the entry of bacteria into the vagina, which leads to inflammation and an imbalance in the natural bacterial balance. In some cases, there may be no bad odor at all. If a woman notices the presence of bad odor in addition to the symptoms of a cervical ulcer, she must consult a doctor for diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Bad odor may be a sign of inflammation or imbalance in the vaginal environment, which is why the matter must be dealt with quickly.

Does an ulcer prevent menstruation?

No, a uterine ulcer does not directly prevent menstruation, but in some cases a uterine ulcer may be accompanied by some hormonal changes, which affects the menstrual system and sometimes delays its onset.

Does uterine ulcer cause back pain?

Yes, a uterine ulcer may cause back pain in many cases, but back pain is not a common symptom of a uterine ulcer. Rather, pain in the lower abdomen or in the pelvic area is the most common. 

 

In the end, there is no need to worry about uterine ulcers, as they are not a serious condition and can be treated easily. All you have to do is adhere to the medications prescribed for you by your obstetrician and gynecologist, and carefully follow advice in the event that he resorts to cauterizing the ulcers so as not to cause any complications, such as severe bleeding and unbearable pain.

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