Postcoital bleeding is a sign that many women easily overlook, assuming it is just a mild inflammation. However, it can be an early symptom of serious illnesses, including cervical cancer – a life-threatening disease if detected late.
Just a few days ago, at a gynecology clinic, a doctor received a patient named Chau (35 years old). Her eyes red and voice trembling, she showed her test results and asked anxiously: “Doctor, I often bleed after intercourse, thinking it was just a mild inflammation. Why did it turn out to be cervical cancer?”. This question left the clinic in silence – as this is not a rare case.
Through Chau’s story, doctors send a warning to women: Do not ignore any abnormal signs from your body, especially when your cervix is trying to “call for help” through clear symptoms.
“Red flags” that are easily overlooked
About half a year ago, Chu began to experience spotting, pinkish or brownish in color, after intercourse. As she did not feel any pain, itching, or discomfort, she assumed it was a minor issue and neglected it, especially since she was very busy with work.
It was only when she started feeling a dull pain in her lower back that she decided to seek medical attention. At the clinic, the doctor discovered a lesion prone to bleeding with a diameter of about 1.5cm on the surface of her cervix. The subsequent biopsy result left her stunned: early-stage cervical cancer.
In fact, the cervix often sends out “distress signals” through obvious symptoms, but many women tend to ignore them, including:
Bleeding after sexual intercourse or a gynecological examination.
Abnormal vaginal bleeding outside of the menstrual cycle.
Increased vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor.
Back pain or prolonged pain in the sacral region.
These seemingly minor signs could indicate an early warning of a serious illness. Therefore, it is crucial to listen to your body and undergo regular check-ups to safeguard your health.
Three common cervical conditions that women should be cautious about
1. Cervicitis – More than 60% of women have experienced it
Cervicitis, or inflammation of the cervix, is a common condition that can be acute or chronic. Typical symptoms include:
Purulent discharge, which may be yellow or green in color.
Mild bleeding during sexual intercourse.
Itching, burning, or discomfort in the vaginal area.
According to experts, acute cervicitis requires treatment with antibiotics. For chronic cases, physical therapy methods such as electrocautery or laser therapy can be combined to control the inflammation.
2. Cervical Polyps – Benign but not to be taken lightly
Cervical polyps are small, usually benign growths on the surface of the cervix, but they can easily cause abnormal bleeding, especially after intercourse.
During a gynecological examination, doctors can detect polyps ranging in size from a bean to a pea. In one case, a 28-year-old patient experienced bleeding after intercourse, and a polyp with a diameter of 0.8cm was found and removed. After a simple surgical procedure, her symptoms disappeared completely.
3. Cervical Cancer – A “Silent Enemy” that develops insidiously over 5–10 years
Cervical cancer often originates from HPV infection (particularly types 16 and 18), and it can take up to a decade to progress to actual cancer. Worryingly, the disease exhibits no obvious signs in its early stages.
Chu’s case is a heartbreaking example: had she been screened earlier, cancer could have been prevented. She once tearfully said, “If only I had gotten checked two years earlier, would things have been different?”
Advice from experts:
Women aged 21 and above should undergo regular cervical screenings.
Early-stage cervical cancer has a cure rate of over 90%.
Do not neglect gynecological examination packages and HPV testing offered by many healthcare facilities.
The cervix acts as a “silent guardian” of reproductive health. When you pay attention to even the slightest abnormal signs, you are taking proactive steps to protect yourself from potential serious illnesses.
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