What describes a friable cervix?

A friable cervix is characterized by tissue that is easily irritated and prone to bleeding. This can occur due to various conditions, including infections or inflammatory processes affecting the cervix. When the cervical tissue is friable, even mild trauma, such as a pelvic exam or sexual intercourse, can lead to bleeding or spotting. This condition is important for healthcare providers to recognize, as it can indicate underlying issues such as cervicitis or cervical pathology.

In contrast, healthy and firm cervical tissue is not associated with friability and is usually indicative of a normal examination. Thickened cervical tissue often signals infection or other abnormalities but does not specifically highlight the bleeding tendency associated with friable tissue. Additionally, tissue showing no signs of irritation would not align with the definition of friability, as it does not describe any abnormal sensitivity or response to irritation.