Causes of cervical erosion

Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 13, 2024
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Cervical erosion is considered a physiological phenomenon, not a disease. It is part of the normal anatomical structure of females, characterized by a more apparent red appearance of the columnar epithelium on the cervix. This is due to the relatively high levels of estrogen in young women, which causes the columnar epithelium to evert from the cervical canal, resulting in a vigorous growth of the epithelium, and thus the red, erosion-like appearance. This is normal, and as age increases, the columnar epithelium gradually moves inward and is covered by squamous epithelium, resulting in a smooth appearance of the cervix.

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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 Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is cervical erosion surgery painful?

Cervical erosion surgery, if you are afraid of pain, can generally be performed painlessly. The method of cervical erosion surgery depends on the approach used. Methods like laser, electrocoagulation, and cryocondensation typically do not pose major issues. During the surgery, patients may feel discomfort or a burning sensation, but these are generally tolerable and most patients handle them well. For patients with severe cervical erosion, electrosurgical loop excision surgery might cause more significant pain. If worried about pain, patients can opt for a non-invasive loop excision surgery. Therefore, patients who are particularly sensitive to pain can request their doctors to perform a painless surgery, which does not cause suffering, and is generally bearable and free from fear for most patients.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to treat cervical erosion?

Cervical erosion in women is considered a physiological phenomenon, and it usually does not require special treatment. Treatment is only necessary if the woman experiences contact bleeding or has particularly thick secretions that affect sperm passage. Treatment options include using traditional Chinese medicinal suppositories or physical therapies such as common cervical treatments like microwave therapy, cryotherapy, and electrocautery, all of which are very effective for cervical erosion. If the erosion is extensive, it may be necessary to perform cervical TCT and HPV tests to determine the presence of CRN lesions. If there are CRN lesions, such as middle to high-grade lesions, a cervical conization surgery might be considered.

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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 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.