What Causes Cervical Ectropion?

Cervical ectropion, also called cervical erosion or cervical ectopy, occurs when the cells (columnar glandular cells) that line the inner part (endocervical canal) of the cervix spread to the outer surface (ectocervix) of the cervix, which normally has different types of cells (called the squamous epithelium).

宫颈外翻是一种良性(noncancerous) gynecological condition that is pretty common among women of childbearing age and is typically nothing to be concerned about. It is not a symptom of another health issue, such ascervical cancer, and it doesn’t causeinfertility. However, in cases with symptoms, doctors may advise some treatment.

Cervical ectropion is mostly asymptomatic and is usually diagnosed by a doctor during a pelvic examination. However, the affected women may experience some symptoms, which include:

• Mucusdischarge
• Spottingbetween periods
• Painand bleeding during or after intercourse

There may bepainand bleeding during or after a pelvic examination. The most prevalent cause of bleeding in the latter months ofpregnancyis cervical ectropion. As the columnar glandular cells are more delicate than the squamous epithelial cells, they produce more mucus and bleed easily.

Even if the symptoms are mild, consulting a doctor for appropriate examination is necessary because similar symptoms are seen in other gynecological problems. Thus, the cause should be ruled out to get proper treatment.

Cervical ectropion is usually diagnosed during a pelvic examination where the cervix appears red and rougher than normal. Some bleeding may be seen during the examination.

APap smearis done to confirm the diagnosis, and it helps rule outcervical cancerorsexually transmitted diseasesbecause they appear similar.

如果症状严重,colposcopyis done by the doctor to study the cervix closely, and even sample tissue could be taken (biopsy) to test for possiblecancercells.

Cervical ectropion may not need any treatment and symptoms resolve by themselves. If the symptoms start duringpregnancy, they resolve three to six months post-delivery. If it is caused bybirth control pills, the doctor may prescribe othercontraceptivepills.

If the symptoms are severe, the doctor may treat the patient with:

• Cryotherapy:Cryotherapy, also called cryosurgery, is where a doctor uses a probe to freeze the cervical cells to stop the symptoms. Studies suggest that this treatment works effectively for women who have a lot ofvaginal dischargefrom cervical ectropion.
• Diathermy:The doctor applies intense heat to the cells to remove them by using a tiny instrument. The patient will be given medication to numb the region first.
• Silver nitrate:Silver nitrate is a chemical that is applied to the cervix by the doctor to seal off the cells that cause bleeding. There would not be any necessity of numbing medication beforehand.

These are small procedures that may be done at the doctor’s office, and people may continue with normal daily activities. However, people may feel some discomfort for a few hours to days, and some patients may have spotting or vaginal discharge for a few weeks.

To prevent infections and to provide time to heal, it is advised to avoid intercourse and using tampons for a few weeks.

后续根据recom医生mendation to check the healing progress or if any possible infections may require immediate medical attention.

Immediate medical attention is required if there are any symptoms, such as:

• Severe pain
• Heavy bleeding
• Smelly vaginal discharge