Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Practice Exam

Cervical polyps are often benign growths on the cervix and are not typically considered a differential diagnosis for first-trimester bleeding in the context of potential pregnancy complications. While they may cause bleeding, especially post-coital, they are generally regarded as a less significant concern when compared to other conditions that can lead to a threatened or lost pregnancy.

Threatened miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and anembryonic pregnancy are all conditions that can directly impact a pregnancy and lead to first-trimester bleeding. A threatened miscarriage indicates that a pregnancy is at risk but may still continue. Ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, commonly in a fallopian tube, and can lead to severe complications. Anembryonic pregnancy, or blighted ovum, refers to a situation where an embryo does not develop, resulting in bleeding. All of these scenarios are critical to consider when evaluating a patient with first-trimester bleeding, making cervical polyps a less relevant diagnosis.