Endocervicitis is called inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the cervical (cervical) canal of the uterus.
Causes of occurrence
The mucous membrane of the cervix can be affected by pathogenic flora such as gonococci and chlamydia, as well as mycoplasmas, fungi, viruses and other pathogens of infection. Injuries to the cervix of the woman, for example, during childbirth, during
diagnostic curettage, and abortion contribute to the development of endocervicitis. It is impossible to say that this is the main factor, but it is of very great importance in the occurrence of this pathology. There may be a chemical effect on the mucous membrane, including through the introduction of certain drugs.
Endocervicitis, as a rule, is not a separate disease, but is accompanied by other gynecological pathologies of an inflammatory and non-inflammatory nature. Such can be diseases not only of the cervix, but also of the vagina, appendages.
The clinical picture and diagnostic methods
Sick women complain of purulent vaginal discharge. Less often, drawing pains over the bosom can join. Thus, it can be noted that there are no specific symptoms specific to endocervicitis. What does it mean? It is necessary to carefully differentiate with other diseases in order to select an adequate treatment.
What is the main diagnostic method for endocervicitis? That this is an examination of the cervix through the use of
gynecological mirrors, which the doctor conducts, no doubt. During it, puffiness and hyperemia of the mucous membrane, purulent discharge, sometimes erosion are visualized. The same can be detected by colposcopy.
Allocations from the cervical canal are subjected to bacteriological and bacterioscopic studies, due to which the causative agent is identified, the appropriate drug therapy is selected. In addition, a cytological examination of the smear taken from the cervical canal is performed, which allows differentiating this pathology with precancerous and cancerous conditions.
With inadequate treatment, the disease can turn into chronic endocervicitis. Symptoms are the same, but this is an inflammation not only of the mucosa, but also of deeper tissues, leading to the development of cervicitis. Complications of this pathology are erosion, cysts, cervical canal deformation.
Treatment principles
What will be needed if endocervicitis is detected? Treatment. Candles, pills, douching or baths - all this is selected and prescribed by a doctor. But treatment must necessarily be comprehensive. In the acute stage, they resort to antibacterial therapy, depending on which pathogen is identified, and taking into account its sensitivity to antibiotics. For fungal infections, antifungal drugs are used, and for viral infections, antiviral drugs. Equally important is the intake of immunomodulatory agents and vitamins.
Next, treatment is carried out aimed at restoring normal microflora. It comes down to the appointment of eubiotics and a diet that ensures the intake of a large number of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria.
It is necessary to know with the local use of antiseptic and anti-inflammatory solutions through baths and irrigation for the treatment of endocervicitis, that this can only be done in a chronic process. Otherwise, this will only aggravate the situation and lead to the development of an ascending infection.
In the chronic course, the presence of concomitant pathology of the cervix, a change in its anatomical structure after elimination of the infection, surgical treatment is indicated. This can be cryodestruction, laser therapy, conization of the cervix, radiosurgery and other methods.
In order to prevent endocervicitis, timely treatment of infectious diseases associated with the female genital area is recommended.