What is erosion? This is the most common disease in gynecology. Doctors from all over the world record this diagnosis annually in several million women's medical records. So in fact, what is uterine erosion, why does it occur and how is it treated? In order to better understand the causes and mechanism of occurrence, you should familiarize yourself with the structural features of the cervix itself and its changes throughout the entire menstrual cycle.
The structure of the normal cervix
So, the uterus is a hollow organ, the bulk of which belongs to muscle tissue. From the inside, this unusual organ is lined with a special tissue - endometrium, which can easily change and help the fertilized cell develop. The shape of the uterus is very similar to a fruit - an inverted pear. Her body and vagina are connected by a neck - a special channel. Inside, everything is lined with a special fabric - a soft cylindrical epithelium, the cells of which are tightly pressed against each other and are always located in only one layer.
Exiting into the narrow lumen of the vagina, its outer part is covered with a strong multilayer epithelium (its cells form thin numerous layers). It is the same in structure as the vaginal mucosa, and completely covers the cervix right up to the edges of the outermost opening - the pharynx of the cervix. It is there that it merges with another type of epithelium - cylindrical. It covers the inside of the canal leading deep into the uterine cavity, the cervix itself. Normally, transitions from one type of epithelium to another occur gradually. The cylindrical epithelium in the cervical canal secretes a special mucus, which changes its usual protective properties under the action of ovarian hormones. Cervical mucus towards the middle of the normal menstrual cycle has the largest amount of fluid - water, it is the least viscous during this period and is good for sperm penetration.
Why do the mucous membranes of the cervix change
The trigger mechanism from which erosion develops is most often an infection. It can be staphylococci, and Escherichia coli, and streptococci, and enterococcus, and pathogens belonging to the category of "infections that are transmitted exclusively through sexual contact": ureaplasma, gardnerella, mycoplasma, chlamydia. Various tears, microtrauma during childbirth, cervical trauma during medical abortions, as well as inflammatory processes in the vagina and uterine appendages contribute to a healthy cervical infection.
The local inflammatory process of the mucous membranes is accompanied by the formation of whites - increased secretion. This leads to additional irritations and violations of the normal structure of the mucous membranes of the cervix. This epithelium disappears, the surface of the shell itself is exposed. She bleeds quite easily, without resisting, "perceives" the infection. In this case, blood vessels are also damaged, up to bloody discharge after sexual intercourse. That's what erosion is. That is how it arises. Its symptoms are irregular shape, bright red color, bleeding when touched. After 1-2 weeks, true erosion itself disappears, or most often passes into the so-called "cervical pseudo-erosion."
The true causes
The first thing a doctor does when answering the question “What is erosion?” Is to get acquainted with the causes of its occurrence. Firstly, these are genital infections, inflammatory diseases in the female genital area, and vaginal dysbiosis. Mycoureaplasma and chlamydia, as well as other microorganisms are constantly located and storm the mucous membrane. The result is her reaction - increased activity.
Secondly, too early onset of sexual intercourse. The mucous membrane in the female delicate genitals finally matures somewhere in the 20-22 years. That is, if the infection interferes with this rather delicate process, then pseudo-erosion is almost impossible to avoid.
And, thirdly, these are various injuries that happen to the cervix. The main reason for such injuries is childbirth and abortion. After all, the cervix has to skip the baby’s head. Therefore, it is not surprising that it is often torn.
It is also possible the occurrence of pathologies of the cervix, even with a decrease in the protective function of the immune system.
So, now you know what erosion is and the main causes of its occurrence. Take care of yourself!