What are the causes and hazards of cervical erosion?

Cervical erosion is a common gynecological phenomenon, usually caused by physiological changes or pathological factors in cervical epithelial cells. In most cases, it is not true "erosion", but the manifestation of the outward migration of cervical columnar epithelium. Its causes include physiological changes, hormone level fluctuations, infection, etc., and in severe cases, it may increase the risk of cervical cancer.

1. Physiological changes

The common cause of cervical erosion is physiological changes, especially when the estrogen level of women of childbearing age increases, the columnar epithelium in the cervical canal moves outward and covers the surface of the cervix, forming an appearance similar to "erosion". This phenomenon usually does not require treatment and is a normal physiological reaction.

2. Fluctuations in hormone levels

Pregnancy, oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy may increase estrogen levels in the body, which may cause the cervical columnar epithelium to move outward. This condition usually does not cause serious health problems, but regular examinations are required to rule out other pathologies.

3. Infection factors

Bacterial, viral or fungal infections may cause cervical inflammation, which in turn may lead to cervical erosion. For example, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is closely related to cervical erosion and cervical cancer. Erosion caused by infection requires timely treatment to prevent the condition from worsening.

4. Trauma or surgery

Childbirth, abortion or cervical surgery may cause damage to cervical tissue, which in turn leads to erosion-like changes. In this case, appropriate treatment methods should be selected according to the degree of damage, such as drug therapy or physical therapy.

5. Pathological factors

Severe cervical erosion may be associated with cervical precancerous lesions or cervical cancer. Long-term untreated erosion may increase the risk of cancer, so regular cervical screening such as TCT and HPV testing is essential.

Treatment

1. Drug treatment

Antibiotics: used to treat cervical inflammation caused by bacterial infection.

Antiviral drugs: For HPV infection, they must be used under the guidance of a doctor.

Topical medications: Such as suppositories or gels, help repair cervical tissue.

2. Physical therapy

Laser therapy: Laser is used to burn damaged tissue and promote the regeneration of healthy tissue.

Cryotherapy: Use low temperatures to destroy abnormal tissues, suitable for mild erosions.

Electrocautery: Burns the affected area with electric current, suitable for moderate to severe erosions.

3. Surgical treatment

Cervical conization: Suitable for patients with suspected precancerous lesions, part of the cervical tissue is removed for pathological examination.

LEEP knife surgery: uses high-frequency radio waves to remove diseased tissue with less trauma.

Total hysterectomy: only considered in cases of severe disease or cancer.

4. Lifestyle Adjustment

Keep your private areas clean and avoid using irritating lotions.

Regular gynecological examinations, especially HPV and TCT screening.

Enhance immunity, eat a balanced diet and exercise moderately.

Although cervical erosion is common, appropriate measures should be taken according to the specific cause and severity. Physiological erosion usually does not require treatment, while pathological erosion requires timely intervention to avoid developing into a more serious disease. Regular checkups and a healthy lifestyle are the key to preventing and controlling cervical erosion.