Cervical Ectopy

The diagnosis of cervical ectopia (pseudo-erosion) is very common today and occurs in almost every second young woman. What is the essence of the disease? For a clearer explanation, consider the structure of the cervix. Uterus is a hollow organ, consisting mainly of muscle tissue and having a pear-shaped form. Its walls are lined with an endometrium that allows the attached fetus to develop in the case of fertilization. The uterus and the vagina are connected by a cervical canal. Inside, it is lined with a single layer of tightly adhering cells of the celindric epithelium. While the outer part of the canal that opens into the vagina and which can be seen during gynecological examination is covered with numerous layers of multi-layered epithelium. It has the same structure as the vaginal mucosa and lining the cervix to the edges of the external pharynx leading to the uterine cavity.

Ectopy of the epithelium of the cervix is ​​the case when a single-layered cylindrical epithelium emerges from within the canal into the vaginal part. When examined, it has a bright red color and stands out sharply. Ectopy is a background character and in itself is not dangerous, but when an infection occurs, there is a risk of complicated ectopia of the cervix, which can lead to such consequences as the degeneration of normal cells into cancerous cells. Most often, the so-called pseudo-erosion occurs in girls of a young age and almost does not occur after forty.

Cervical Ectopy - Causes

1. In 50% of girls, congenital ectopia of the cervix is ​​observed, which is associated with a hormonal outbreak or is a genetic predisposition. The boundary between the two kinds of epithelia shifts and acquires a normal appearance during puberty, but if there is a hormonal failure - the cylindrical cells remain in the vaginal part of the cervix. Such a condition can last up to 25 years and not require a separate specific treatment.
2. The source of ectopia is most often an infection. Staphylococci, ureaplasma, myco-ureaplasma, chlamydia and other microorganisms irritate the mucosa, causing its active reaction and leading to inflammation. The epithelium disappears, exposing the mucous membrane. Erosion is formed, blood vessels are damaged and, as a consequence, the appearance of bloody discharge after sexual intercourse. Such a situation can be triggered by a lowering of the protective level of immunity.
3. Pseudo-erosion can also be caused by cervical injuries due to childbirth or ovaries. There is a shift in the border between the inner tissue of the cervix and its vaginal part. Also, the cylindrical epithelium can come out of the ruptures and scars.

Cervical Ectopy - Symptoms

In most cases, ectopia does not disturb a woman and her existence is recognized only on a gynecological examination. In some cases, pain can occur during sexual intercourse and the appearance of bloody discharge. If an infection occurs, the discharge may be accompanied by an itch and an unpleasant odor.

Cervical Ectopy - Treatment

If the ectopy is not accompanied by an infection, treatment is not required! And to the nulliparous girls, treatment before the birth can cause harm, because, according to the midwives, the degree of opening and passing of the cervix during delivery decreases.

In other cases, several basic treatments are used, the purpose of which is artificial damage affected tissue. In this case, the formed "wound" heals and heals with a healthy tissue of multilayer epithelium.

• cauterization (use of a special device with a heated tip);
• laser coagulation (using a directional beam of powerful light to vaporize damaged cells);
• drug method (erosion of a special drug);
• cryodestruction (freezing the problem area to healthy tissue with ultra-low temperature liquid nitrogen).