Cervical ectropion, sometimes called a cervical ulcer, is a common condition where cells from inside the cervix appear on its outer surface; learn about causes, symptoms like unusual discharge and spotting, diagnosis, and available treatments.
Okay, so have you heard about cervical ectropion, or, as some people call it, a cervical ulcer? It’s pretty common, and um, yeah, it can be a little concerning when you first hear about it.
We’re going to take a closer look at this today.
- Causes of Cervical Ectropion
- Symptoms of Cervical Ectropion
- Methods of Diagnosing Cervical Ectropion
- Treatment of Cervical Ectropion
- Prevention of Cervical Ectropion
Cervical ectropion is when the glandular cells from inside the cervical canal spread to the outer surface of the cervix.
Causes of Cervical Ectropion
There are several potential causes of cervical ectropion, and we’ve found that some are more common than others:
- Hormonal changes are a big one! Think puberty, pregnancy, or even using birth control pills. These changes can affect the cells of the cervix, leading to ectropion. This area, by the way, is super sensitive.
- Certain types of vaginal infections can also irritate the cervix, causing ectropion.
- Multiple childbirths or procedures on the cervix can sometimes contribute to it. For example, having several kids might be one reason why you develop cervical ectropion.
- Using some types of birth control, like those that affect estrogen levels, could also be a factor. We’ve noticed that some women on the pill seem to be more prone to it.
You should know that some types of cervical ectropion caused by infection, if left untreated, can potentially progress to cervical erosion due to changes occurring in the cells, resulting in infections.
Symptoms of Cervical Ectropion
Sometimes, you might not even know you have cervical ectropion unless a doctor spots it during a routine pelvic exam. I mean, you might not have any symptoms at all! But, for many women, cervical ectropion can cause some noticeable issues, such as:
- Unusual vaginal discharge that’s not your typical color, consistency, or amount. Sometimes, there might even be some spotting or bleeding.
- Spotting after intercourse is another common symptom. The cervix gets a little irritated, and boom, you’ve got some bleeding.
- Pain, in general, due to the infection reaching the nerves, and that’s one of the less fun symptoms of cervical ectropion.
Cervical ectropion can sometimes cause unusual discharge, which might make intercourse a little uncomfortable because of the discharge present during intercourse. It could also potentially affect conception and cause issues in fertilization.
But, it’s important to remember that cervical ectropion typically doesn’t cause major problems with pregnancy. However, it might make it a little harder to conceive or lead to some minor discomfort during pregnancy.
Methods of Diagnosing Cervical Ectropion
Diagnosing cervical ectropion usually involves these steps:
- An ultrasound can help detect cervical ectropion. It can be detected through a colposcopy.
- Taking a sample of cervical cells to examine can help detect it.
- Doing a culture of cervical secretions to identify the type of bacteria causing the infection.
- Examining the cervix closely with a speculum allows the doctor to see if there’s any unusual irritation.
- A cervical biopsy.
Treatment of Cervical Ectropion
The treatment for cervical ectropion can vary. Here’s the gist of it:
- If the ectropion is caused by normal physiological or hormonal changes, especially after childbirth, it often resolves on its own. You might just need to wait it out, or stick with natural remedies.
- If it’s caused by chemicals, it’s important to stop using vaginal douches.
- If it’s due to infections, antibiotics and topical treatments might be prescribed.
However, in persistent cases where there’s continuous bleeding or infections in the cervix, or if natural treatments aren’t helping, it might be treated with cauterization, or freezing. This involves applying a cold probe to the cervix at about 80 degrees below zero, and new cells will then grow.
Prevention of Cervical Ectropion
There are ways to lower your chances of developing cervical ectropion, including:
- Avoiding recurrent vaginal infections through proper hygiene and treatment.
- Maintaining good personal hygiene.
- Avoiding excessive douching, as that might be harmful.
- Regular pelvic exams and Pap smears are essential for detecting any issues early on, including cervical ectropion.
Key takeaways
- Cervical ectropion is a common condition where cells from inside the cervix appear on the outside.
- Hormonal changes, infections and even childbirth can be causes.
- Most of the time it isn’t serious but symptoms can include unusual discharge and spotting.
FAQ, Myth & Facts
Is cervical ectropion cancer?
No, cervical ectropion is not cancerous. It is a benign condition where the cells from the inside of the cervix are present on the outside surface.
Can cervical ectropion affect fertility?
In most cases, cervical ectropion does not significantly impact fertility. However, in some instances, it may cause increased mucus production, which could potentially interfere with sperm movement. Consulting with a healthcare provider is recommended for personalized advice.
Is treatment always necessary for cervical ectropion?
Not always. Mild cases of cervical ectropion may not require treatment, especially if there are no bothersome symptoms. Treatment is typically recommended when symptoms are present or if complications arise, such as persistent bleeding or recurrent infections.
After experiencing some spotting after intercourse, I was really worried. My doctor explained that it was cervical ectropion and that it’s actually pretty common. Knowing that it wasn’t something serious really put my mind at ease.
I had a lot of discharge and discomfort. Turns out, it was because of cervical ectropion. The treatment wasn’t too bad, and I felt so much better afterward.
During a routine check-up, my doctor found cervical ectropion. I didn’t even know I had it because I didn’t have any symptoms! Regular check-ups are so important.
So, I guess what I’m trying to say is, don’t freak out if you hear about cervical ectropion, but def check with your doc if you have concerns.
