Cervical cysts are common, generally benign, fluid-filled sacs that develop on the surface of the cervix. They are often discovered during routine gynecological examinations. A common question is whether they can lead to bleeding. This article explores cervical cysts and their rare connection to vaginal bleeding.
What Are Cervical Cysts?
Cervical cysts are small, typically harmless bumps that form on the cervix, which is the lower, narrow part of the uterus connecting to the vagina. The most common type is a Nabothian cyst, also known as mucinous retention cysts. These cysts arise when mucus-producing glands lining the endocervix become covered by an overgrowth of squamous epithelial cells, trapping mucus inside.
This blockage causes mucus to accumulate, forming a smooth, rounded bump on the cervical surface. Nabothian cysts can range in size from a few millimeters to up to 4 centimeters in diameter. Another less common type, Gartner’s duct cysts, are benign vaginal lesions that develop from remnants of embryological structures.
Do Cervical Cysts Cause Bleeding?
Cervical cysts are generally not associated with bleeding, but there are infrequent circumstances where they might contribute to it. Nabothian cysts are filled with mucus, not blood, so they do not typically cause bleeding. However, if a large Nabothian cyst ruptures, it can release mucus and small amounts of blood, which may be noticed as vaginal discharge. This bleeding is usually light and does not last long.
Bleeding can also occur if cysts become irritated, particularly during sexual intercourse or douching. In very rare cases, a large Nabothian cyst has been reported to cause significant abnormal uterine bleeding. If bleeding is present alongside cervical cysts, it is more likely that another condition, such as an infection, cervical polyps, or other gynecological issues, is the underlying cause.
Other Common Symptoms of Cervical Cysts
Most cervical cysts are asymptomatic, meaning they do not cause noticeable symptoms. They are often discovered during a routine pelvic examination or imaging test, such as an ultrasound or MRI. When symptoms do occur, they do not involve bleeding.
Some individuals might experience a feeling of fullness or pressure in the vagina. Other symptoms include pelvic pain or discomfort during or after sexual intercourse. Changes in vaginal discharge, such as increased volume, a change in color to pale yellow or amber, or a change in odor, can also be associated with cysts.
When to See a Doctor
Any unexplained vaginal bleeding warrants a consultation with a doctor to determine the underlying cause. While cervical cysts are usually benign, bleeding can indicate other conditions requiring medical evaluation. These include infections of the cervix (cervicitis) or uterus (endometritis), uterine fibroids, or cervical or uterine polyps.
Hormonal changes, certain medications, or more serious issues like precancerous conditions or cancers of the cervix or uterus can also lead to abnormal bleeding. A doctor will perform a pelvic exam and may order tests such as a Pap smear, cervical cultures, or a pelvic ultrasound to identify the cause of the bleeding. In some instances, a biopsy of the cyst or surrounding tissue may be necessary to rule out other conditions.