Is cervicitis the same as cervical erosion?

Written by Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 22, 2024
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Cervicitis is a common inflammation of the female lower genital tract. It is often caused by pathogenic infections of the cervix, leading to cervicitis lesions, most commonly presenting symptoms such as purulent vaginal discharge, vulvar itching, bleeding after intercourse, and visible cervical bleeding and edema during gynecological examinations. This condition requires antibiotic treatment. Cervical erosion, strictly speaking, is not a disease. Cervical erosion occurs when glandular epithelial cells from inside the cervical canal grow outward onto the external part of the cervix. Since glandular epithelial cells are thin, they appear bright red, resembling erosion, thus colloquially termed cervical erosion. These externalized glandular epithelial cells are susceptible to viral or bacterial invasion, causing cervical lesions, thus medicinal treatment is also often recommended.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Does cervical erosion hurt?

In most cases, cervical erosion does not cause pain. However, cervical erosion caused by inflammation of the cervix and vagina can result in lower abdominal pain in some patients. The primary reason for this pain is the irritation from the inflammation, which can lead to lower abdominal pain and discomfort in the lower back. Therefore, if a patient experiences pain in the lower abdomen and lower back, it is recommended to visit the gynecology department of the local hospital for a gynecological examination to determine whether there is cervical erosion and chronic inflammation, and to provide timely treatment if necessary.

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Written by Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is cervical erosion cervical inflammation?

Previously, cervical erosion was considered a manifestation of cervicitis. Recent research has proven that cervical erosion occurs when the epithelium inside the cervical canal grows out towards the external os and vaginal portion of the cervix, replacing the original epithelium at these sites. This results in a bright red appearance, visually similar to erosion, hence the term cervical erosion. Since the outward migration of the endometrium is a physiological phenomenon that typically retracts back into the cervical canal as age increases, cervical erosion generally does not require treatment if there is no inflammation.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Does cervical erosion affect pregnancy?

Cervical erosion does not affect pregnancy because cervical erosion itself is not a disease. It is a physiological state where the columnar epithelium is everted due to the high levels of estrogen common in young people, appearing as a bright red state of cervical erosion. However, it is not a disease, but rather an issue with endocrine function, which is normal and a sign of youth. Therefore, cervical erosion does not affect pregnancy, and one should not panic and undergo unnecessary physical treatments.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How does second-degree cervical erosion heal by itself?

In general, if one hopes for cervical erosion to heal on its own, it might take a long time and the effects might not be very clear. Therefore, if cervical erosion is found to be severe, it is recommended that the patient visits the obstetrics and gynecology clinic of the local hospital. If necessary, physical therapy or anti-inflammatory treatment may be needed to treat the cervical erosion. Generally, after clinical treatment, most patients with cervical erosion will receive effective treatment. If cervical erosion repeatedly persists and does not heal, it is advised for the patient to promptly identify the reasons causing it to persist and seek timely symptomatic treatment.

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Written by Tao Zhong E
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Cervical erosion is classified into several grades.

Cervical erosion is generally divided into three grades: Grade 1 cervical erosion refers to erosion covering less than one-third of the total cervical area, which is also called mild erosion. Grade 2 erosion, also known as moderate-to-severe erosion, refers to the erosion covering about two-thirds of the total area, which is considered moderate, being the middle grade of erosion. Grade 3 cervical erosion is the last and most severe grade, also known as severe erosion. In this case, the erosive area exceeds two-thirds of the entire cervical area, and may even involve the entire cervix. This condition is generally more serious and typically requires examination including a TCT (ThinPrep Cytologic Test) and HPV (Human Papillomavirus) co-screening to investigate the possibility of cervical lesions. Further assessments might include a colposcopy or localized treatment, as severe erosion could lead to symptoms like contact bleeding and increased discharge that need to be addressed.