Bruised Cervix: Pain, Symptoms and Treatment Options

What is a Bruised Cervix?

Your cervix is a small, fibromuscular tunnel-like organ that connects the vagina and the uterus. It allows fluids from the uterus to pass into the vagina, protects the uterus from harmful microbes, supports pregnancy and opens during childbirth to allow the baby to come out. 

Some people experience bruising of the cervix, mostly due to deep sexual penetration. Though this condition is not a cause of concern and typically resolves by itself in a few days, it can be very uncomfortable and even painful.

What does a bruised cervix feel like? 

This is what our doctor has to say:

“Pain caused by a bruised cervix is dull and uncomfortable. It feels weird, like an ache deep inside your body. And it worsens during or soon after sex. It can also result in tenderness in the lower abdomen and lower back. It’s not severe, but it is definitely frustrating.” –  Dr Israa Ismail, Senior Ayurveda Consultant at Nirva

Causes of Cervical Bruising

A bruised cervix is more common than you think – typically, a bruised cervix happens due to vigorous sex, when your partner’s penis or other objects bump hard on your cervix, causing damage to the tissues. However, there are other factors that can lead to a bruised cervix. These are:

1. Deep Penetration During Sex:

• Certain sexual positions cause your partner’s penis to directly hit your cervix during intercourse, which may lead to cervical bruising and pain.

2. Use of Sex Toys:

• Sex toys or other devices which are large and rigid can cause cervical bruising if they bump hard against your cervix.

3. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs):

• STIs cause irritation and inflammation of the cervix, making the area more sensitive to injury and bruising.

4. Pregnancy:

• As your baby grows inside the womb, it puts extra pressure on your cervix and surrounding tissues, causing cervical bruising and discomfort.

5. Childbirth:

• Vaginal delivery puts a lot of strain on your cervix, causing bruising of the cervix and pain.

6. Medical Procedures:

• Certain medical procedures that are likely to cause a bruised cervix are:

a) Dilation and curettage (where tissues are removed from inside your uterus through a widened cervix, sometimes done in abortion, to terminate pregnancies in the first trimester).

b) Incorrect or forceful insertion of an Intrauterine contraceptive device can cause cervical bruising. 

7. Medical Conditions:

• Sometimes infections, benign (non-cancerous) growths like cysts or polyps on the cervix or cervical cancers can make the cervix more susceptible to minor trauma and bruising.

Symptoms of a Bruised Cervix

What symptoms does a bruised cervix cause? The pain and discomfort you feel due to a bruised cervix depends on how badly the cervix has been injured. Some might experience just a little bit of discomfort, while in some, it can lead to severe abdominal pain and cramps.

Common symptoms caused by cervical bruising are:

• Pelvic pain and discomfort
• Low back pain
• Abdominal cramps
• Pain during intercourse
• Spotting or light bleeding
• Nausea and vomiting

In some women, a bruised cervix may cause pain or discomfort while peeing or pooping. Cervical bruising does not directly cause painful urination or bowel movements – this happens due to a phenomenon called referred pain (when pain is felt in a different part of the body than the original site of injury or irritation).

There are common nerve pathways that connect your cervix to these areas, so the pain caused by injury to the cervix can feel like urinary pain or pain during bowel movements.

Diagnosing a Bruised Cervix

Though a bruised cervix is not usually a cause for concern, getting it diagnosed is essential to rule out other serious underlying issues that might be mimicking cervical bruising.

Your doctor takes a detailed history, carries out a physical test and may also advise you to undergo other tests and procedures as part of diagnosing a bruised cervix.

Step 1 :  Physical Examination

Your healthcare provider carries out a physical examination to look for signs of a bruised cervix.

This is just like the speculum examination you undergo during routine gynaecological visits – the doctor gently inserts a speculum into the vagina to look for any swelling, discolouration or bleeding from the cervix.

The doctor palpates the cervix to feel for any changes in the shape and size and also to understand how much pain you are in.

A thorough physical examination helps your doctor identify the possible causes of cervical bruising and also exclude conditions like infections, growths and other abnormalities of the cervix. 

Step 2 : Additional Tests and Procedures

Sometimes, it might not be possible to pinpoint the cause of the bruised cervix with just a physical examination. Other tests that may be required are:

1. Pap Smear:

• A procedure where cells from your cervix are collected using a swab and studied under a microscope.

2. Colposcopy:

• Colposcopy is a procedure done to get a magnified view of the cervix in order to examine it for any abnormalities.

3. Biopsy:

• Here, a piece of tissue from your cervix is removed and studied in a lab.

4. Ultrasound:

• A pelvic ultrasound may be done to help visualise the cervix and surrounding tissues to look for any abnormalities that might be causing cervical bruising.

5. Blood Tests:

• In case of infections or inflammation of the cervix, your doctor may also advise you to get blood tests done.

Treatment and Management

A bruised cervix is usually a result of deep penetration during sexual intercourse. This does not require any treatment and will resolve on its own.

How long does a bruised cervix take to heal? A bruised cervix can heal itself in just a couple of days if you avoid penetration and the use of sex toys or other devices.

Here are some expert-recommended methods to treat and manage a bruised cervix:

• Get enough rest – avoid sexual intercourse for a few days till you heal completely.
• Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen can help you manage pain and abdominal discomfort caused by a bruised cervix.
• Applying a warm compress on your abdomen can give relief from abdominal pain or cramps caused by a bruised cervix.
• A gentle massage over your lower abdomen and back using warm sesame oil can help reduce pain and discomfort.
• Avoid sitting on hard surfaces like a wooden chair. Use a soft cushion to sit on – this reduces the pressure on your cervix, helping it heal faster.
• A medicated sitz bath infused with neem leaves can reduce discomfort and help with faster healing.
• Get appropriate treatments for underlying health issues causing cervical bruising, like antibiotics or antifungals for infections.

However, if you experience severe pain or cramps, heavy bleeding, or abnormal vaginal discharge, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Preventative Measures

Can bruising of the cervix be prevented? Absolutely! Practising these easy-to-follow methods can help reduce pressure on your cervix and prevent bruising.

• Do not engage in forceful or rough sex. Try out sexual positions that allow you to take control of the depth and force of penetration.
• Spend enough time on foreplay. When you’re well-aroused, the vagina stretches, pushing the cervix out of the way of penetration, which prevents bruising.
• Use lubricants to reduce friction and irritation during sex.
• Avoid insertion of large and rigid sex toys or other devices into your vagina. These may bump hard on the cervix, resulting in bruising.
• Wear loose clothes made of breathable fabrics. This can reduce the pressure on your lower abdomen and reduce the chances of infections.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals like douches, perfumed washes and hair removal products on your sensitive genital area, as these may cause irritation and inflammation.
• Do not miss your routine gynaecological checkups. Get these exams done on time to catch any hidden health conditions at the earliest.

Wrapping Up

A bruised cervix can cause a lot of discomfort and pain, disrupting your daily life. But this condition is usually nothing serious and resolves on its own in a few days, just like a bruise on our arms or legs, heals without any medical care. 

However, if you observe that the pain is worsening or notice excessive bleeding, abnormal or foul-smelling vaginal discharge, vomiting or chills, you should seek immediate medical help.

You don’t have to stress over a bruised cervix – simple treatment methods and preventative measures explained above can help you manage the pain and discomfort and avoid it from recurring in the future.

If you are experiencing these symptoms or have concerns regarding this, schedule an appointment with Ayurveda and Yoga experts at Nirva Health for professional and personalised care.