Can cervical erosion lead to natural childbirth?

Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on March 03, 2025
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Women with cervical erosion can also have natural childbirth. Cervical erosion is a physiological phenomenon caused by the downward migration and eversion of the columnar epithelium of the cervix and does not affect the normal elasticity and toughness of the cervix, nor does it impact the dilation of the cervix during labor. As long as the fetal position is normal and the pelvic measurements are normal, natural childbirth is generally possible. In a few cases, women may experience infections on the eroded surface of the cervix during pregnancy, making the surface more fragile and prone to bleeding when touched, which could lead to cervical lacerations during childbirth. Therefore, after delivery, a thorough examination is necessary, and if there are serious lacerations, timely suturing is required.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Causes of cervical erosion

Cervical erosion is considered a physiological phenomenon, not a disease. It is part of the normal anatomical structure of females, characterized by a more apparent red appearance of the columnar epithelium on the cervix. This is due to the relatively high levels of estrogen in young women, which causes the columnar epithelium to evert from the cervical canal, resulting in a vigorous growth of the epithelium, and thus the red, erosion-like appearance. This is normal, and as age increases, the columnar epithelium gradually moves inward and is covered by squamous epithelium, resulting in a smooth appearance of the cervix.

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Written by Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Cervical erosion

Cervical erosion occurs when the epithelium inside the cervical canal grows outward to the external orifice of the cervix and the cervical part of the vagina, replacing the original epithelium of the external orifice and vaginal portion. The outward-growing epithelium from the cervical canal appears bright red, which visually resembles erosion, hence it is called cervical erosion. As the migration of the endometrium from the cervical canal is a physiological phenomenon, with increasing age, the migrated endometrium gradually retracts back into the cervical canal. Therefore, upon detecting cervical erosion, it generally only requires cytological screening and does not need treatment.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can you swim with cervical erosion?

Cervical erosion is permissible for swimming because cervical erosion itself is not considered a disease; it is merely a physiological condition, a normal physiological phenomenon in young women. Cervical erosion is due to high estrogen levels in young people, leading to the proliferation and externalization of columnar epithelium, which is a normal state. It does not affect daily life, including swimming. As long as the water quality in the swimming pool meets health standards and does not lead to infections, normal daily activities can be carried out. Therefore, there is no need to be overly concerned about cervical erosion detected during a physical examination.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is cervicitis the same as cervical erosion?

Cervical inflammation is not cervical erosion. Firstly, cervical erosion is merely a physiological phenomenon, where elevated estrogen levels in a woman's body cause the downward and outward movement of the columnar epithelium of the cervix. This condition is mainly seen in women of childbearing age. For instance, postmenopausal women generally have lower levels of estrogen, making cervical erosion less common. For example, during pregnancy, elevated estrogen levels can increase the area of cervical erosion. After childbirth, as estrogen levels gradually return to normal, the area of cervical erosion might reduce and might even become invisible. However, cervical inflammation is caused by pathogenic microorganisms. For example, a common scenario is vaginal inflammation spreading to the columnar epithelium of the cervix in some women. Additionally, some women experience sexually transmitted diseases, like the common infection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which causes inflammation of the columnar epithelium. Therefore, there is a fundamental difference between cervical inflammation and cervical erosion; cervical inflammation is a pathological change, while cervical erosion is a physiological change.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is third-degree cervical erosion severe?

Grade III cervical erosion, if cervical cancer and precancerous lesion screening show no issues, simple Grade III cervical erosion is not severe and not frightening. Normally, cervical erosion is classified by the size of the area into Grade I, Grade II, and Grade III erosion. Grade III erosion is the most severe type among cervical erosions. Patients with cervical erosion typically start by undergoing routine cervical cancer screening at hospitals. This usually involves a TCT (ThinPrep Cytologic Test) and HPV virus testing. Through these two tests, it is possible to preliminarily screen for cervical cancer and precancerous lesions. If these tests show no issues, simple Grade III cervical erosion is not frightening. At this point, treatment can include physical methods such as laser, electrocoagulation, or cryocondensation for symptomatic treatment, or some people may use medication for symptomatic treatment, which is also an option. If the cancer screening shows no problems, Grade III cervical erosion is not severe.