How to check for cervical erosion?

Written by Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 01, 2024
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Whether there is cervical erosion needs to be assessed through a gynecological examination at the hospital, involving the use of a vaginal speculum, similar to checking for erosion in the right eye. Cervical erosion is physiological, especially during puberty under the effect of estrogen, leading to the enlargement of the cervix. The cervical canal mucosal tissue migrates outward, and the squamocolumnar junction moves outward, resulting in this condition. The surface of the cervix appears granular and pink, similar to what is observed as erosion in the right eye. As estrogen levels decline after menopause, the cervix shrinks and some of the erosions may disappear. It is recommended that women of childbearing age with cervical erosion undergo further cervical cancer screening.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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cervical erosion symptoms

Cervical erosion does not belong to any disease, and therefore, it does not cause any symptoms or consequences. If there are symptoms, then there are other issues. For instance, if there is bleeding, one must consider whether there are precancerous lesions of the cervix, severe inflammation of the cervix, or inflammatory issues of the uterus, among others. If there is abnormal discharge that is excessive, yellowing, itchy, or has an unusual odor, it is necessary to consider the presence of vaginal inflammation or cervical inflammation, rather than cervical erosion. Regular physical examinations and cervical cancer screenings are sufficient.

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Written by Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is cervical erosion prone to pregnancy?

Cervical erosion, if not severe, generally does not affect pregnancy. However, if cervical erosion continues to worsen, leading to chronic inflammation of the uterus, it is likely to result in infertility. Timely treatment can be administered, and once disease symptoms are controlled, it is possible to become pregnant again. Treatment methods such as LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) with blue light can be used to effectively alleviate the symptoms of cervical erosion. Cleansing with traditional Chinese medicine can also have a certain therapeutic effect on alleviating cervical erosion.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How long after cervical erosion surgery should a follow-up be conducted?

Cervical erosion itself is not an indication for surgery, but if surgery has been performed for cervical erosion, a gynecological outpatient follow-up can be done after 2 to 3 months. It is required that within one month, one must be cautious not to take tub baths. If the follow-up examination shows that the surgical site is healing well but there are abnormalities in secretions, tub baths may be taken or vaginal suppositories used under the guidance of a doctor. For cervical erosion, it is advised not to engage in sexual intercourse for three months, as the recovery process takes a considerable amount of time. If it is simply cervical erosion without precancerous lesions of the cervix, then a routine gynecological outpatient follow-up is sufficient without the need for further cytological examination.

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Written by Li Li Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What causes cervical erosion?

Firstly, there are many causes of cervical erosion, some of which are due to congenital factors. Many diseases can also cause cervical erosion, as well as multiple induced abortions. Nowadays, many young women engage in premarital sex and, not wanting children temporarily, end up having multiple induced abortions, which is a major cause of cervical erosion. Other factors include having sex too early and having too many sexual partners. If you do not want children, it is essential to take proper contraceptive measures to avoid harming your body. It is always important to maintain good hygiene habits and pay attention to hygiene before and after intercourse.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Causes of cervical erosion

Cervical erosion is considered a physiological phenomenon, not a disease. It is part of the normal anatomical structure of females, characterized by a more apparent red appearance of the columnar epithelium on the cervix. This is due to the relatively high levels of estrogen in young women, which causes the columnar epithelium to evert from the cervical canal, resulting in a vigorous growth of the epithelium, and thus the red, erosion-like appearance. This is normal, and as age increases, the columnar epithelium gradually moves inward and is covered by squamous epithelium, resulting in a smooth appearance of the cervix.