What causes cervical erosion?

Cervical erosion usually refers to ectopic columnar epithelium of the cervix. Since the columnar epithelium is thin, the underlying stroma is red and appears eroded, but it is not the true erosion of epithelial shedding and ulceration referred to in pathology. Therefore, the term cervical erosion was officially cancelled in the textbook "Obstetrics and Gynecology" published in 2008. Ectopic columnar epithelium of the cervix is ​​usually caused by the effect of estrogen. The columnar epithelium at the inner opening of the cervix canal moves outward to the outer opening of the cervix canal. It is a common physiological phenomenon.

Cervical columnar epithelial ectopia rarely occurs before puberty because the ovarian function is not yet complete and the estrogen level is low. Cervical columnar epithelial ectopia may cause an increase in vaginal discharge, which is sticky or purulent, sometimes with a fishy smell. Sometimes there will be blood in the vaginal discharge, and there may even be bleeding during sexual intercourse. With age, especially after menopause, women's estrogen levels decrease, and the columnar epithelium begins to retreat inward and the symptoms disappear.

Cervical columnar epithelial ectopia rarely occurs before puberty because the ovarian function is not yet complete and the estrogen level is low. Cervical columnar epithelial ectopia may cause an increase in vaginal discharge, which is sticky or purulent, sometimes with a fishy smell. Sometimes there will be blood in the vaginal discharge, and there may even be bleeding during sexual intercourse. With age, especially after menopause, women's estrogen levels decrease, and the columnar epithelium begins to retreat inward and the symptoms disappear.

Although cervical columnar epithelial ectopia is a physiological phenomenon, if the erosion appearance is serious or accompanied by symptoms such as excessive vaginal discharge, low back pain, and bleeding after intercourse, it is recommended to seek medical treatment in time. The treatment method depends on the specific condition. For mild cervical columnar epithelial ectopia, drug treatment can be considered, such as progesterone suppositories, potassium permanganate solution sitz baths, etc. For moderate and severe cervical columnar epithelial ectopia, physical therapy can be considered, such as laser therapy, cryotherapy, infrared coagulation therapy, etc. For patients with cervical hypertrophy, a wide range of lesions, and atypical hyperplasia, surgical treatment can be considered, such as cervical conization, Leep knife loop electrosurgical resection, etc.