In the vast majority of women at the appointment with a gynecologist, various changes in the cervix that are benign are detected. A significant part of them is associated with organ deformation. One of these pathologies is cervical ectropion. This will be discussed.
Pathology definition
What is cervical ectropion, and what is the danger of this type of change in the organ?
Ectropion is a pathological defect in which an eversion of the mucous membrane of the cervical canal is observed. In this case, it will look as if turned inside out.
The mucous secretion performs a protective function in the body of a woman, without passing microorganisms from the vagina into the uterus. But with ectropion, the protective functions of the mucosa are destroyed. This is due to the fact that it enters the acidic environment of the vagina from an alkaline environment. This can lead to infectious diseases, which, in turn, provoke inflammatory processes and more serious and dangerous pathologies. These include true erosion, endometritis and other diseases of the female reproductive system. But the most dangerous consequence of the presence of ectropion in a woman is cervical cancer.
Basically, this pathology is quite successfully treated. But despite this, there are a number of side effects and complications after undergoing treatment.
Cervical ectropion - what is it? The photo is presented in the article.
Congenital form
The congenital form of the cervical ectropion is diagnosed in young women who have just begun to have sex, had no pregnancies and childbirth. In medical practice, this type is called ectopia of the cervix. It is believed that this pathology is formed during fetal development under the influence of many unfavorable factors. It happens that ectopia is inherited. Women with a congenital form of ectropion may be disturbed by hormonal disorders and disruptions in the menstrual cycle. As a rule, if there are no inflammatory processes, a pathology of this type does not need treatment. Many pass after the first birth with a change in the hormonal background.
Acquired Ectropion
The acquired form arises due to the influence of certain external factors. These include:
- childbirth, especially those with complications;
- abortions
- multiple pregnancy or large child;
- rupture of the cervical mucosa;
- mechanical impact;
- rapid delivery;
- wrong attempts.
Gaps for these reasons require suturing. After this procedure, a scarring process occurs, in which the blood flow and oxygen enrichment of the epithelium are disturbed in the damaged area of the mucosa. All this leads to changes in the cervix, namely, inversion of the mucous membrane.
It is not difficult to identify acquired ectropion if the woman’s cervix was previously clean, without pathologies. In the case when the patient has not previously consulted a doctor, it will be very difficult to establish a congenital form.
Symptoms of ectropion
Ectropion of the cervix does not have a pronounced symptomatology. In most cases, the presence of pathology is detected by chance at a gynecologist's appointment. Obvious signs of the disease appear only when an inflammatory or infectious process is attached. In these cases, a woman may notice the following manifestations:
- malfunctions of the menstrual cycle;
- increased whitish discharge;
- pains in the lower abdomen, which sometimes give to the lower back;
- too meager or too heavy menstruation;
- an unpleasant odor may appear;
- after intercourse, spotting is observed and pain is felt;
- aching abdominal pains appear;
- a woman feels weak and tired.
Possible forms of ectropion
Due to the fact that with the ectropion of the cervix, the protective barrier decreases, favorable conditions can be created for the development of diseases that can lead to serious complications in a woman. In this regard, the main forms are distinguished in which it is necessary to begin treatment as soon as possible. Procrastination can lead to grave consequences.
Eroded ectropion
Erosed ectropion of the cervix is a complicated form of erosion. This pathology occurs both with mechanical trauma to the neck, and with hormonal failure. Such an organ deformation cannot be ignored, since the consequences of an eroded ectropion can be very severe. Typical symptoms may include:
- drawing pains;
- blood discharge during or after intercourse or during a gynecological examination;
- sometimes minor bleeding appears on any day, regardless of cycle.
Inflammatory form
Basically, ectropion and erosion are accompanied by an inflammatory process - cervicitis. This disease is characterized by the following symptoms:
- itching, burning;
- discomfort during urination;
- increased discharge;
- swelling
- cysts may form;
- when viewed on the cervix, you can find whitish plaque and redness.
An accurate diagnosis is made after obtaining the results of a smear. Symptoms will be more pronounced in the case of an intensifying inflammatory process. Then chills, fever, headache may be added to the symptoms.
Ectropion and keratosis
In the absence of timely treatment, cervical tissue begins to change and harden. For a long time, a woman may not be aware of the presence of the disease, since keratosis is almost asymptomatic. Can only occasionally disturb pain during intercourse or small blood discharge.
This is a very dangerous form of ectropion, considered a neglected stage. In the absence of adequate treatment, keratosis leads to cervical cancer.
Dysplasia
This is another dangerous stage of ectropion, in which there are changes in the structure of the tissue of the cervix. Atypical cell growth occurs. Symptoms are also not very pronounced. Unpleasant sensations worry only with the development of the inflammatory process. A woman may be bothered by pain, itching, milky white copious discharge, sometimes with streaks of blood.
In this case, treatment should begin as soon as possible, as it can lead to cervical cancer.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of ectropion is not difficult. It is carried out in several ways.
- Gynecological examination. Using mirrors, the doctor is able to discern changes in the cervix - scars, redness, inversion of the mucous membrane, sometimes swelling of the affected organ is visible. It is worth noting that congenital ectropion has a rounded shape, while acquired can vary in shape and size, depending on the reasons for its appearance.
- Taking smears. To identify the causes of the development of pathology, an analysis is taken on the flora, bacterial culture from the cervical canal, tests for STIs and HPV.
- Colposcopy. This diagnostic method is mandatory, since this type of examination best reveals the pathological conditions of the cervix. With the help of colposcopy, the doctor can view the area necessary for the study under magnification, which allows you to accurately determine the degree of damage to the cervix and the location of the folds of the mucosa. With the acquired ectropion, the folds are randomly located, and with congenital - evenly.
- Biopsy and histological examination. If abnormal processes on the cervix are found during colposcopy, the doctor takes the affected area of the mucosa and sends it to the laboratory for further diagnosis.
- Hormonal studies. If, according to the results of colposcopy, the doctor determined the congenital form of the ectropion, an analysis for hormones is prescribed.
Ectropion treatment
Treatment of the cervical ectropion is necessary, since this form of erosion does not pass on its own. The method of treatment depends on the type of disease, its causes and individual characteristics of the patient. With ectropion, drugs are prescribed in a mild form, in a more severe one they are used as an adjuvant for the main treatment, which includes the complete removal of the deformed area.
To eliminate pathology, they primarily get rid of inflammatory processes and infections. After this, the anatomical shape of the cervix is restored. Then they work to normalize the vaginal microflora.
To eliminate deformations, several methods are used. How to treat cervical ectropion, in each case, the doctor decides. Consider the main methods used for treatment.
- Chemical coagulation. This method is used to treat small affected areas. It is used to treat erosion. The bottom line is that acids are applied to the pathological area, which burn it. At this point, a scab remains, separating on its own within ten days. It takes about a month for complete tissue repair. The method is not used for the correction of large areas, as it can lead to a change in the cervix and intoxication of the body.
- Laser vaporization. It is used to treat erosive and simple ectropion. The method is based on the evaporation of pathogenic sections of the cervix. Not applicable in the presence of severe deformities, dysplasia and malignant tumors. The laser is not always able to capture deep scars. After a month, the treated area is covered with a new layer of mucosa.
- Electrosurgery. Treatment takes place with the help of electric current. Due to the fact that after the procedure, deep scars remain that can further interfere with conception, the method is not used in women who are planning a pregnancy. Recovery lasts up to three months.
- Cryosurgery. Treatment with liquid nitrogen. It is used in nulliparous women. Together with the affected area, a small part of healthy tissues is processed. After the procedure, abundant discharge is possible.
- Radiosurgical method. The safest and most gentle. It is used in young nulliparous women. Very short recovery period, lack of scars.
If the disease is detected during pregnancy, an extended colposcopy is performed. In the absence of malignant tumors, treatment begins after childbirth. Taking biopsy material during the gestation period is strictly prohibited.
If the above methods did not help, then surgical intervention is used. To treat cervical ectropion, surgery is performed in the following ways:
- Excision - deep excision of a pathogenic site.
- Conization - the affected area is surgically excised. In this case, a scar remains, a long painful recovery is observed.
The operation is carried out:
- a laser;
- treatment of cervical ectropion with radio waves prevents the risk of bleeding;
- ultrasound - practically not used, since it has many side effects;
- electroconization is the most common method.
For the treatment of cervical ectropion, auxiliary medications are used: antibiotics, antiviral drugs, immunomodulators and hormonal drugs. It all depends on the degree of change and the reasons that caused them.
Reviews about the treatment of cervical ectropion are generally positive. The main thing is the timeliness of its detection, since against the background of this pathology, the occurrence of other, more serious diseases is possible.
Rehabilitation after treatment
After the operation, it is necessary to fulfill a number of conditions:
- to complete healing, abandon sexual activity;
- you can not lift weights;
- you can not engage in heavy physical labor and sports;
- Do not visit open ponds, pools, saunas and baths;
- do not use tampons.
Complications
Cervical ectropion is dangerous because it does not have severe symptoms. In this regard, many women find out late about the development of serious diseases in them. Launched ectropion can lead to cervical cancer, infertility, and inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs.
Prevention
For prevention, a systematic visit to a gynecologist is necessary. It is also required to timely treat all infectious diseases in the body, check the hormonal background and avoid abortion.
Conclusion
The diagnosis of cervical ectropion can be heard by absolutely any woman, regardless of age. Particularly at risk are those giving birth or having an abortion. The disease is fraught with serious consequences, so the timely detection of pathology plays a very important role. In the treatment of the early stage of cervical ectropion, the overwhelming majority of reviews are positive. The longer treatment does not begin, the higher the risk of developing dangerous diseases. You need to carefully monitor your body. If you experience suspicious symptoms, especially regarding changes in secretions or menstrual irregularities, you should contact your gynecologist as soon as possible, who will prescribe the required tests. Based on their results, you should discuss with your doctor the possible methods of treatment and choose the most suitable for you.