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 Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can cervical erosion be treated with the nine-valent vaccine?

Whether to get the nine-valent cervical cancer vaccine is unrelated to cervical erosion. The nine-valent cervical cancer vaccine is generally suitable for individuals under the age of 25. Those who are not within this age range cannot receive the nine-valent vaccine. Patients with cervical erosion should first go to the hospital for cervical cancer screening, typically involving a TCT and HPV test. TCT, also known as ThinPrep cytologic test, and HPV, known as the human papillomavirus, are used to preliminarily screen for cervical cancer and precancerous lesions. Therefore, patients with cervical erosion can receive the nine-valent vaccine as long as the cervical cancer screening shows no issues and they are under the age of 25.

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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 Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can you swim with cervical erosion?

Cervical erosion is permissible for swimming because cervical erosion itself is not considered a disease; it is merely a physiological condition, a normal physiological phenomenon in young women. Cervical erosion is due to high estrogen levels in young people, leading to the proliferation and externalization of columnar epithelium, which is a normal state. It does not affect daily life, including swimming. As long as the water quality in the swimming pool meets health standards and does not lead to infections, normal daily activities can be carried out. Therefore, there is no need to be overly concerned about cervical erosion detected during a physical examination.

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Written by Li Li Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Moderate cervical erosion is what?

Cervical erosion can be classified into mild, moderate, and severe based on the size of the erosion area. Mild erosion occurs when the erosion area is less than 1/3 of the cervical area, and moderate erosion when the area is between 1/3 and 2/3. Severe erosion occurs when the area exceeds 2/3 of the cervical area. Women with moderate cervical erosion often suffer from infertility and miscarriages. More seriously, if moderate cervical erosion is left untreated or persists without healing, it can develop into severe cervical erosion or precancerous lesions, and even cervical cancer. Moderate cervical erosion can affect future normal fertility, so it is crucial to take the disease seriously and undertake preventive measures.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is third-degree cervical erosion severe?

Grade III cervical erosion, if cervical cancer and precancerous lesion screening show no issues, simple Grade III cervical erosion is not severe and not frightening. Normally, cervical erosion is classified by the size of the area into Grade I, Grade II, and Grade III erosion. Grade III erosion is the most severe type among cervical erosions. Patients with cervical erosion typically start by undergoing routine cervical cancer screening at hospitals. This usually involves a TCT (ThinPrep Cytologic Test) and HPV virus testing. Through these two tests, it is possible to preliminarily screen for cervical cancer and precancerous lesions. If these tests show no issues, simple Grade III cervical erosion is not frightening. At this point, treatment can include physical methods such as laser, electrocoagulation, or cryocondensation for symptomatic treatment, or some people may use medication for symptomatic treatment, which is also an option. If the cancer screening shows no problems, Grade III cervical erosion is not severe.