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 Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to treat cervical erosion?

Cervical erosion in women is considered a physiological phenomenon, and it usually does not require special treatment. Treatment is only necessary if the woman experiences contact bleeding or has particularly thick secretions that affect sperm passage. Treatment options include using traditional Chinese medicinal suppositories or physical therapies such as common cervical treatments like microwave therapy, cryotherapy, and electrocautery, all of which are very effective for cervical erosion. If the erosion is extensive, it may be necessary to perform cervical TCT and HPV tests to determine the presence of CRN lesions. If there are CRN lesions, such as middle to high-grade lesions, a cervical conization surgery might be considered.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can cervical erosion lead to natural childbirth?

Women with cervical erosion can also have natural childbirth. Cervical erosion is a physiological phenomenon caused by the downward migration and eversion of the columnar epithelium of the cervix and does not affect the normal elasticity and toughness of the cervix, nor does it impact the dilation of the cervix during labor. As long as the fetal position is normal and the pelvic measurements are normal, natural childbirth is generally possible. In a few cases, women may experience infections on the eroded surface of the cervix during pregnancy, making the surface more fragile and prone to bleeding when touched, which could lead to cervical lacerations during childbirth. Therefore, after delivery, a thorough examination is necessary, and if there are serious lacerations, timely suturing is required.

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Written by Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Cervical erosion

Cervical erosion occurs when the epithelium inside the cervical canal grows outward to the external orifice of the cervix and the cervical part of the vagina, replacing the original epithelium of the external orifice and vaginal portion. The outward-growing epithelium from the cervical canal appears bright red, which visually resembles erosion, hence it is called cervical erosion. As the migration of the endometrium from the cervical canal is a physiological phenomenon, with increasing age, the migrated endometrium gradually retracts back into the cervical canal. Therefore, upon detecting cervical erosion, it generally only requires cytological screening and does not need treatment.

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Written by Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Cervical erosion and cervical hypertrophy, what to do?

Cervical erosion and cervical hypertrophy are two clinical manifestations of chronic cervicitis, which usually results from untreated acute cervicitis or insufficient treatment that transforms into a chronic condition. Chronic cervicitis is often characterized by an increase in vaginal discharge, which appears as mucopurulent, and excessive vaginal secretions can cause vulvar itching. Additionally, postcoital bleeding may occur, and some individuals may experience symptoms such as sacral pain and lower abdominal pain. For cervical erosion and cervical hypertrophy, physical treatments such as cryotherapy, laser treatment, and microwave therapy are commonly used. For cervical hypertrophy, loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) is recommended.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can you swim with cervical erosion?

Cervical erosion can swim because simple cervical erosion is not a disease itself, it does not need to be concerned about, and does not need attention. Since it is not a disease, there are no prohibitions, including no dietary restrictions; you can eat anything and engage in activities like swimming or other aspects of life, such as sexual activity, etc. Because cervical erosion is not a disease, there's no need to worry about it; don't be anxious about whether you have cervical erosion. Routine check-ups for pre-cancerous cervical lesions and checking for any abnormal vaginal discharge are sufficient.