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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Symptoms of cervical erosion

Most patients with cervical erosion do not exhibit symptoms. Those with symptoms largely display an increased amount of vaginal discharge, which is mucopurulent. Vaginal secretion can stimulate itching and burning sensation in the vulva. Additionally, symptoms may include bleeding outside of menstruation periods and post-coital bleeding. If combined with a urinary tract infection, symptoms can include urgency to urinate, frequent urination, and painful urination. Gynecological examination may reveal congestion and edema of the cervix, mucosal eversion, and mucopurulent secretions attached or even flowing out of the cervical canal. The cervical canal mucosa is fragile and prone to bleeding. If infected with Neisseria gonorrhoeae, due to the involvement of paraurethral and vestibular glands, congestion and edema of the urethral and vaginal openings may be observed, along with a copious amount of purulent discharge.

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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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How to check for cervical erosion?

Firstly, women who are sexually active and have cervical erosion need to visit a hospital for further examinations such as colposcopy to check for erosion. Cervical erosion is a physiological manifestation, caused by the external migration of columnar epithelium from the cervical canal due to hormonal levels, presenting as an erosion-like appearance. Thus, this condition is also a physiological response. Once sexually active, women who have been sexually active for over two years need to regularly undergo cervical cytology testing using the human papillomavirus (HPV) and liquid-based cytology to see if there are other potential issues. If there are no problems, cervical erosion can be periodically monitored, and it's advised to avoid cold exposure, fatigue, spicy and irritating foods, and maintain cleanliness of the external genital area.

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Is electrocauterization good for cervical erosion?

Cervical erosion electrocautery is a treatment method used in the past. Nowadays, most cases can generally be treated through physical methods like laser, electrocoagulation, and cryocondensation. After electrocautery, the cervical tissue typically becomes harder, which can result in cervical lacerations during childbirth for patients who plan to conceive in the future. Therefore, electrocautery is rarely used now, and most treatments currently employ laser or electrocoagulation methods. Patients with cervical erosion should first visit a hospital for cervical cancer screening, which generally involves TCT and HPV testing. If these tests show no cervical cancer or precancerous lesions, simple cervical erosion is generally not a serious issue. At this time, topical medications or some physiotherapy treatments can also be used for symptomatic treatment. (Please undergo medication under the guidance of a professional doctor, and do not medicate blindly.)

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What should I do about cervical erosion?

Cervical erosion is not considered a disease. Simple cervical erosion is merely a physiological condition in young women. If cervical erosion is present, there is no need for special treatment, but it is routine to first perform screening for precancerous cervical lesions. The key is to check for any precancerous lesions or cervical cancer, and also to examine the condition of secretions. If the secretions are normal and there are no symptoms of inflammation, then it’s not a concern, and there is no need for any medication, various physical treatments, or even surgical treatments aimed at the cervical erosion; continuing regular physical examinations in the future will suffice.