Cervical canal lesions are a fairly common problem. So why does endocervicitis occur, what is it and what are its symptoms? What methods does modern medicine use to treat the disease? These questions are of interest to many women.
Endocervicitis: what is it and why does it occur?
This disease is accompanied by damage and inflammation of the mucous membrane of the cervical canal. In fact, there are many factors whose exposure can provoke endocervicitis.
- The causes of the disease quite often lie in the defeat of the reproductive system of a particular infection. In particular, inflammation often develops against the background of gonorrhea and chlamydia.
- On the other hand, endocervicitis can be caused by injuries of the cervix. For example, the cause may be improper installation of the intrauterine device, diagnostic curettage of the uterus, probing, termination of pregnancy, damage caused by pregnancy or childbirth.
- In addition, hormonal disorders also matter. Sometimes the disease occurs against the background of improper use of hormonal contraceptives.
- Risk factors include several other diseases of the reproductive system. Endocervicitis is often associated with erosion of the cervix, endometritis, colpitis, vaginal prolapse.
Endocervicitis: photos and symptoms
Quite often, the first stages of the disease occur without any visible signs. Some women notice the appearance of uncharacteristic secretions - they can be both mucous and purulent, depending on the nature and causes of the inflammatory process.
In the future, other symptoms appear. In particular, some patients complain of itching and burning in the external genitalia and vagina. Often endocervicitis is associated with aching, dull pain in the lower abdomen - their intensity also depends on the severity and form of the disease.
Endocervicitis is clearly visible during a gynecological examination - the doctor observes swelling and redness of the cervix, the presence of small areas of erosion, the presence of purulent discharge.
Chronic endocervicitis: what is it and why is it dangerous?
If untreated, the acute form of the disease quickly turns into a chronic one. Symptoms become almost invisible, as a result of which women decide not to go to the doctor, perceiving the improvement as a full recovery.
Unfortunately, a chronic inflammatory process is much more dangerous than an acute form of the disease. Its result is a change and thickening of the muscle tissue of the cervix, which affects the reproductive function of the body. In addition, over time, the infection can spread to other organs, leading to inflammation of the peritoneum, uterine tissues and ovaries.
Endocervicitis: what is it and how to treat it?
Of course, first of all, it is necessary to find out the cause of the disease and eliminate it. Since most often inflammation is a consequence of the activity of pathogenic microorganisms, laboratory tests are carried out to help determine which infection caused it and which drugs it is sensitive to.
With bacterial endocervicitis, respectively, antibacterial agents are used - it can be vaginal ointments, suppositories or tablets. Betadine, Gipalgin and Terzhinan drugs are considered very effective. If inflammation is caused by the activity of fungi, then for the treatment are used the means "Diflucan", "Fluconazole", "Mikosist". In addition, after therapy, it is necessary to normalize the microflora of the vagina - patients are prescribed “Acylact” or “Vaginorm” suppositories. In some cases, additional immunotherapy is performed.