Cervical erosion

Written by Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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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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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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Does cervical erosion affect pregnancy?

Cervical erosion does not affect pregnancy because cervical erosion itself is not a disease. It is a physiological state where the columnar epithelium is everted due to the high levels of estrogen common in young people, appearing as a bright red state of cervical erosion. However, it is not a disease, but rather an issue with endocrine function, which is normal and a sign of youth. Therefore, cervical erosion does not affect pregnancy, and one should not panic and undergo unnecessary physical treatments.

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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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Is cervical erosion serious?

Cervical erosion is actually a physiological phenomenon and is not alarming. It is caused by the increased levels of estrogen in the body, which causes the columnar epithelium inside the cervical canal to descend and evert. During gynecological examinations, this part of the cervical canal appears red and granular, like eroded protrusions, as if it has decayed. However, this is not the case. When the estrogen levels in a woman's body decrease, this tissue will retract back into the cervical canal and will no longer be visible. In most cases, treatment is not necessary. Treatment is only required if the erosion is combined with an infection, or if there is bleeding after intercourse, or if there is an increase in thick, sticky vaginal discharge that affects sperm passage. Additionally, some women may have cervical cancerous changes that also appear as erosive growths. Therefore, when a woman notices cervical erosion, it is advisable to undergo a TCT screening to rule out the possibility of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and precancerous lesions of the cervix.

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How to check for cervical erosion?

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.