Causes of cervical erosion

Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 13, 2024
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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.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Does cervical erosion cause itching?

Simple cervical erosion does not cause itching symptoms. Since cervical erosion is not a disease, if itching occurs, there are other problems involved. For example, some people experience itching due to inflammation of the vulva and vagina, which requires routine checks for vaginal bacteriology, classification of inflammation, and selection of targeted medications for treatment; others might have itching due to allergies, such as allergies to underwear, sanitary pads, or even semen; and there are also cases involving issues like vulvar lichen sclerosus.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is cervicitis the same as cervical erosion?

Cervical inflammation is not cervical erosion. Firstly, cervical erosion is merely a physiological phenomenon, where elevated estrogen levels in a woman's body cause the downward and outward movement of the columnar epithelium of the cervix. This condition is mainly seen in women of childbearing age. For instance, postmenopausal women generally have lower levels of estrogen, making cervical erosion less common. For example, during pregnancy, elevated estrogen levels can increase the area of cervical erosion. After childbirth, as estrogen levels gradually return to normal, the area of cervical erosion might reduce and might even become invisible. However, cervical inflammation is caused by pathogenic microorganisms. For example, a common scenario is vaginal inflammation spreading to the columnar epithelium of the cervix in some women. Additionally, some women experience sexually transmitted diseases, like the common infection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which causes inflammation of the columnar epithelium. Therefore, there is a fundamental difference between cervical inflammation and cervical erosion; cervical inflammation is a pathological change, while cervical erosion is a physiological change.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Does cervical erosion hurt?

Cervical erosion is not considered a disease and does not cause pain. If there is pelvic inflammation, some people may experience chronic pelvic pain, a sense of heaviness, or lower back pain. Issues with the cervix generally do not lead to noticeable symptoms. Some may have increased discharge or contact bleeding, which usually indicates a concurrent infection. In such cases, screening for precancerous cervical lesions and bacterial vaginosis tests should be conducted. Treatment should be based on the specific condition to be targeted. Simple cervical erosion does not require any treatment.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How is cervical erosion surgery performed?

The commonly mentioned "cervical erosion" is actually not a disease at all; it is merely a physiological condition that does not require any surgery. Thus, there is no need to discuss whether or how any procedure should be performed. Cervical erosion is primarily due to high estrogen levels in young people, leading to the eversion of the columnar epithelium, which makes the cervical surface appear bright red and eroded. However, this is not a pathological erosion but a physiological phenomenon that will naturally regress over time. The area will eventually be covered by squamous epithelium, leading to a smooth cervical appearance, so there is no need for unnecessary surgery.

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Written by Li Li Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Moderate cervical erosion is what?

Cervical erosion can be classified into mild, moderate, and severe based on the size of the erosion area. Mild erosion occurs when the erosion area is less than 1/3 of the cervical area, and moderate erosion when the area is between 1/3 and 2/3. Severe erosion occurs when the area exceeds 2/3 of the cervical area. Women with moderate cervical erosion often suffer from infertility and miscarriages. More seriously, if moderate cervical erosion is left untreated or persists without healing, it can develop into severe cervical erosion or precancerous lesions, and even cervical cancer. Moderate cervical erosion can affect future normal fertility, so it is crucial to take the disease seriously and undertake preventive measures.