Cervical erosion or ectropion is a health disorder commonly experienced by young women. Unfortunately, this condition is often overlooked because the symptoms that occur tend to be minimal or asymptomatic. However, this does not mean that you can take it for granted, because the development of erosion of the cervix can endanger health. Then, what are the characteristics of cervical erosion? Here is the explanation.
What is cervical erosion?
Cervical erosion is a condition in which the glandular cells (soft cells) that line the inside of the cervix spread outside the cervix and become inflamed. In fact, the outside of the cervix is made up of squamous epithelial cells that tend to be harder. The outer area of the cervix that comes into contact with glandular cells from the inside of the cervix is called the transformation zone.
Cervical erosion can be caused by hormonal changes in the body, generally due to pregnancy or the effect of taking birth control pills. Although the name is cervical erosion, it does not mean that the cervix is eroding. This is marked only by normal squamous cells outside the cervix alternating with glandular cells from the softer cervix.
Characteristics of cervical erosion that you should know
The most common symptom or characteristic of cervical erosion is inflammation of the cervix and the transformation zone. Because the transformation zone has glandular cells that are red, smooth, and easily eroded. This condition makes the internal organisms in the cervix grow and multiply more easily. As a result, the cervix appears redder and more inflamed.
Most women have no symptoms of cervical erosion, even though they usually go away on their own without any treatment. However, there are also women who experience mild symptoms until they experience more severe discomfort.
Characteristics of cervical erosion that women may experience include:
- It hurts during intercourse. Bleeding during or after intercourse.
- Lots of vaginal discharge and no smell.
- Leukorrhea tends to smell if the cervical erosion is infected.
- Spotting of blood that is not normal despite not having a period.
- Pain and bleeding during or after a pelvic exam or Pap test.
- This usually happens when a speculum is inserted into the vagina or during a bimanual exam.
However, it should be noted that the above symptoms do not always lead to erosion of the cervix. If you experience one or more of the above symptoms, it’s best to talk to your doctor right away to confirm the diagnosis.
Is cervical erosion dangerous?
Because cervical erosion often causes no symptoms, most women don’t know when they have it. It is usually only known after a pelvic examination by a doctor. Although it tends to be harmless, this condition should not be underestimated. Because cervical erosion can be the result of other conditions, such as:
- Contamination
- Fibroids or polyps
- Endometriosis
- Problems with IUDs
- Development of cancer, such as uterine or cervical cancer
To confirm the diagnosis, you can consult a doctor to undergo a medical procedure that suits your condition. Some of the tests that may be offered are:
- The Pap smear, which is the examination of cervical cells to detect the possibility of changes in cancerous or precancerous cells that lead to HPV.
- Colposcopy, specifically examining the cervix using bright light and a magnifying device Biopsy, which takes small samples of tissue to check for suspected cancer cells.
- This procedure usually causes women to feel cramping in certain places.
Cervical erosion, also known as ectropion, is treated with a variety of methods depending on the severity and cause of the condition. Some common treatments include:
Medication: Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat any infections that may be contributing to the condition.
Hormonal treatments: Hormonal treatments, such as the birth control pill, can help regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce the risk of cervical erosion.
Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy is a procedure that uses extreme cold to remove abnormal tissue, including cervical erosion.
Laser therapy: Laser therapy uses a focused beam of light to remove abnormal tissue and promote healing.
Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove the affected tissue and repair the cervical tissue.
Cervical erosion treatment can be uncomfortable, but it is usually not painful. The level of discomfort experienced during treatment will depend on the specific treatment used, as well as the individual’s own pain tolerance. In general, minimally invasive procedures such as cryotherapy or laser therapy are less likely to cause discomfort, while surgery can be more uncomfortable. Your healthcare provider can discuss the potential risks and benefits of each treatment option with you to help you make an informed decision.
Originally published 11-26-2020 12:12:08.
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