Is cervical erosion cervical inflammation?

Written by Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 06, 2024
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Previously, cervical erosion was considered a manifestation of cervicitis. Recent research has proven that cervical erosion occurs when the epithelium inside the cervical canal grows out towards the external os and vaginal portion of the cervix, replacing the original epithelium at these sites. This results in a bright red appearance, visually similar to erosion, hence the term cervical erosion. Since the outward migration of the endometrium is a physiological phenomenon that typically retracts back into the cervical canal as age increases, cervical erosion generally does not require treatment if there is no inflammation.

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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 Wang Jing Hua
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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 Zhang Xiu Rong
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Is third-degree cervical erosion severe?

Grade III cervical erosion, if cervical cancer and precancerous lesion screening show no issues, simple Grade III cervical erosion is not severe and not frightening. Normally, cervical erosion is classified by the size of the area into Grade I, Grade II, and Grade III erosion. Grade III erosion is the most severe type among cervical erosions. Patients with cervical erosion typically start by undergoing routine cervical cancer screening at hospitals. This usually involves a TCT (ThinPrep Cytologic Test) and HPV virus testing. Through these two tests, it is possible to preliminarily screen for cervical cancer and precancerous lesions. If these tests show no issues, simple Grade III cervical erosion is not frightening. At this point, treatment can include physical methods such as laser, electrocoagulation, or cryocondensation for symptomatic treatment, or some people may use medication for symptomatic treatment, which is also an option. If the cancer screening shows no problems, Grade III cervical erosion is not severe.

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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 Sun Shan Shan
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How to check for cervical erosion?

Firstly, women who are sexually active and have cervical erosion need to visit a hospital for further examinations such as colposcopy to check for erosion. Cervical erosion is a physiological manifestation, caused by the external migration of columnar epithelium from the cervical canal due to hormonal levels, presenting as an erosion-like appearance. Thus, this condition is also a physiological response. Once sexually active, women who have been sexually active for over two years need to regularly undergo cervical cytology testing using the human papillomavirus (HPV) and liquid-based cytology to see if there are other potential issues. If there are no problems, cervical erosion can be periodically monitored, and it's advised to avoid cold exposure, fatigue, spicy and irritating foods, and maintain cleanliness of the external genital area.