Congenital ectopia of the cervix. Cervical ectopia and chronic cervicitis: features of combined pathology What is uterine ectopia

Content:

Cervical ectopia is a displacement of the boundaries of the columnar epithelium onto the vaginal part of the cervix. If the form of cervical ectopia is uncomplicated, no clinical picture may be observed.

If cervical ectopia acquires a complicated form, heavy discharge from the cervical canal in the form of leucorrhoea, sometimes bloody discharge from the vagina, itching and burning in the genital area may be observed. This disease can be detected during a gynecological examination. To accurately establish the diagnosis, an extended colposcopy, cytological examination of scrapings will be required, and sometimes a biopsy is required.

Uncomplicated ectopia of the cervix does not require any treatment, but the complicated form requires etiotropic therapy, destruction of altered foci. Cervical ectopia in medicine is otherwise called pseudo-erosion, glandular-muscular hyperplasia, false erosion, endocervicosis.

In normal condition, the vaginal area of the cervix, which is accessible for inspection in gynecological speculums, is lined on the outside with flat multilayered epithelium. And the inside of the cervical canal is lined with columnar epithelium. If ectopia is observed, the border of the transition of columnar epithelium into flat epithelium shifts to the area of the external pharynx, being located locally or along its circumference.

This disease is typical for 40% of all women, and 11.5% get it from birth. Very often, ectopia is observed in women under 30 years of age. The disease itself is not capable of developing into cervical cancer, but in the presence of ectopia, the likelihood of developing a malignant tumor only increases.

Classification of ectopia

As already mentioned, ectopia can be congenital or acquired. False erosion can become recurrent. According to its clinical form, ectopia can be complicated or uncomplicated. It is worth saying that an uncomplicated form of cervical ectopia in medicine is considered a normal phenomenon and physiological state of a woman. Ectopia can take a complicated form as a result of colpitis and cervicitis, which can be caused by infection.

If there is a violation of the relationship between the stromal and epithelial elements of the cervix, then ectopia is called ectropion.

Based on histological indicators, papillary and glandular ectopia of the cervix, as well as false erosion with squamous metaplasia, are distinguished.

Glandular ectopia is accompanied by signs of inflammation and accumulation of glands with an extensive network of glandular ducts.

Papillary ectopia is accompanied by the proliferation of stromal components and the formation of papillary structures, which are covered with cylindrical epithelial tissue.

The healing process of ectopia involves the reverse replacement of columnar epithelial tissue with cells of mature squamous epithelial tissue. In other words, the so-called transformation zone is formed. Reserve cells also participate in this process, which initially turn into immature and then mature metaplastic epithelial tissue.

You can distinguish between completed and unfinished transformation zones using colposcopy. Cellular metaplasia may break off under adverse influences, which will lead to recurrence of cervical ectopia. If the cells of the mouth of the cervical glands are covered with a metaplastic layer, the formation of a cervical cyst (Nabothian cyst) is possible.

What causes cervical ectopia?

During puberty, as well as in the early childbearing period, ectopia is regarded as a certain functional feature and a completely normal phenomenon. During these periods, cervical ectopia is based on excessive secretion of the hormone estrogen (relative hyperestrogenism). During pregnancy, false erosion is also normal and is explained by changes in hormonal levels and ovarian function.

According to various theories, ectopia of the uterus can occur as a result of inflammatory processes, dishormonal, immunological and traumatic factors.

The occurrence of cervical ectopia as a result of inflammatory processes is explained by recurrent endocervitis and vaginitis, which are caused by streptococci, Escherichia coli, and various STD pathogens (ureaplasmosis, mycoplasmosis, chlamydia, gardnerellosis and others). Abnormal and even pathological discharge that affects the vaginal part of the uterus causes the so-called desquamation of squamous epithelial tissue with the formation of real erosion in its place. In 1-2 weeks, the epithelial tissue of the endocervix spreads to the surface of the erosion, covering it, in place of which an area of ectopia is formed.

Infection of the uterus can be caused by various birth injuries, mechanical damage to the cervix during abortion, trauma to the uterus when using spermicides and barrier contraceptives.

It is believed that the development of ectopia can also be provoked by ovarian dysfunction. Very often, ectopia occurs in diseases such as endometriosis, uterine fibroid, ovarian stromal hyperplasia, hormonal imbalance and menstrual cycle disruption, and other conditions caused by increased estrogen secretion.

It is believed that decreased immunity can also cause a weakened immune system in the body. Very often, ectopia can be triggered by early onset of sexual activity, frequent changes of intimate partners, diabetes, smoking, multiple births, etc.

Symptoms and diagnosis of cervical ectopia

The uncomplicated form of ectopia of the uterus is not accompanied by any symptoms and is usually detected during a routine examination by a gynecologist. But most often, women experience a complicated form of ectopia (in 80% of cases), which is combined with various inflammatory processes and precancerous changes (cervical polyps, dysplasia, etc.). In the presence of colpitis or endocervitis, discharge of leucorrhoea from the cervical canal, dyspaurenia, itching, and contact bleeding are observed.

Primary disorders that lead to ectopia of the uterus can cause disruptions in the menstrual cycle and even infertility.

Diagnosis of ectopia is possible during a routine routine examination by a gynecologist. The presence of congenital pseudo-erosion is established upon first contact with the gynecologist. If acquired ectopia is diagnosed, its formation on the surface of the cervix, which has never changed before, is taken into account.

A gynecologist can discern ectopia by examining the patient on a gynecological chair. Ectopia is presented in the form of a bright red lesion with irregular outlines in the area of the external pharynx. When false erosion comes into contact with a gynecological instrument, slight bleeding may occur.

If ectopia of the uterus has been detected, the doctor will prescribe an extended colposcopy, which will reveal an atypical area represented by cylindrical epithelial tissue and transformation zones. Very often (in 40% of cases) when performing an iodine test (Schiller test), an abnormal colposcopic picture is observed: puncture, mosaic, leukoplakia, iodine-negative zones. If such signs are detected, a more in-depth examination is required.

Diagnostics involves bacteriological culture, microscopy, and PCR studies. In addition, a cytological examination of the scraping is considered a mandatory procedure. Such a study will reveal the inflammatory process, the presence of cells of cylindrical and flat epithelial tissue. If an abnormal colposcopic and cytological picture is observed, it is necessary to perform a uterine biopsy or separate diagnostic curettage followed by histological examination.

Ovarian function can be studied using special functional tests and hormonal status studies. If any hormonal disorders are detected, a consultation with a gynecologist-endocrinologist is necessary.

Treatment, prevention and prognosis of ectopia

As already mentioned, the uncomplicated form of ectopia does not require treatment. But nevertheless, dynamic observation is necessary, which will allow timely identification of any deviations in the development of false erosion.

Treatment of complicated pseudo-erosion should be carried out taking into account existing changes. As a rule, etiotropic anti-inflammatory and antiviral therapy is prescribed, the correct choice of contraception is carried out, and hormonal and immune disorders are corrected. After these procedures, destruction of pseudo-erosion foci is performed using laser coagulation, cryogenic exposure, chemical coagulation, and radiosurgery. When Nabothian cysts of the cervix are detected, they are opened.

How to prevent the appearance of pseudo-erosion? Firstly, it is recommended to visit your gynecologist as often as possible. The frequency of visits should be at least 2 times a year. Secondly, any sexually transmitted infections should be treated immediately. Inflammatory diseases also require urgent treatment. Frequently changing sexual partners can only provoke the appearance of false erosion; try to avoid sexual contact with different men.

Treatment of pseudo-erosion is carried out for the following purposes:

To eliminate the accompanying inflammatory process;
for the correction of immune and hormonal disorders;
for correction of vaginal microbiocenosis;
for the destruction of pathologically altered uterine tissue.

Hospitalization is indicated only in cases where a cervical biopsy is necessary. You can resume sexual activity after a biopsy no earlier than 4 weeks later.

Regular visits to the gynecologist with subsequent examination, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, proper balanced nutrition and a culture of sexual life will allow you to avoid such a disease. Remember that a weakened immune system makes the body vulnerable to all diseases. Therefore, try to consume all the necessary vitamins and microelements, give up bad habits, and limit yourself in drinking alcohol. Have sex with a trusted man, avoid promiscuity. These simple rules will help you avoid many gynecological diseases, including ectopia. Good health to you.

Women often ask questions: cervical ectopia - what is it? What are the symptoms and causes? how to treat this condition? Ectopic cervix is a type of erosive lesion. Now many doctors continue to call ectopia erosion, which is not entirely true, because ectopia is a false erosion in which the inner layer of the cervix grows into its outer part, visible through the vagina.

Cervix

A woman's uterus is pear-shaped, the narrow part of which is called the cervix. The part of this organ that extends into the vagina is examined by a gynecologist during an examination. The cervix opens during childbirth, allowing the baby to pass through the birth canal, so its structure must be elastic.

The human body is covered with skin - epithelium, which has a different appearance in different places (the feet are covered with a thick layer of epithelium - keratinized, and the lips, on the contrary, are covered with a thin layer). The vagina, its inner part, is covered with stratified squamous epithelium (the same skin, but without the stratum corneum). The cervix is also covered with the same multilayered epithelium.

In the middle of the cervix there is a hole - a canal, which is already covered with a completely different layer: columnar epithelium. This epithelium produces mucus, which, when accumulated in the cervical canal, creates a special plug, which is a kind of barrier that prevents infection from entering the genitals. This mucus is called cervical mucus and, in addition to its protective function, it is a conductor of sperm for fertilization.

The cylindrical epithelium should normally be located exclusively in the cervical canal and not extend beyond it. If, during examination by a gynecologist with a special mirror, an overgrown layer of columnar epithelium is observed on the cervix, this deviation is called nothing less than ectopia of the columnar epithelium of the cervix.

Ectopia occurs in almost half of women of reproductive age, while slightly more than 10% of the female population has a congenital form of ectopia.

Classification of ectopia of the uterine cervix

Ectopia is divided into congenital and acquired forms. Congenital ectopia most often develops as a consequence of hormonal imbalance or appears in a girl as a result of a genetic predisposition. Most often this anomaly goes away by the time of puberty, less often it persists until the age of 20 and beyond. Congenital ectopia does not require treatment.

Ectopia can be complicated or uncomplicated, while in the second case it is considered as a natural physiological process that does not require treatment. The complicated form develops against the background of infection, which is associated with the delicate cervical layer of the cervix, which is very easily injured. From a histological point of view, papillary, glandular ectopia, pseudo-erosion with squamous metaplasia are distinguished. As a result of properly selected treatment or with hormonal changes in the body, ectopia is eliminated, as a result of which the columnar epithelium is replaced by flat mature epithelium.

Causes and symptoms

The cause of the development of pathology can be either one factor or several predetermining factors that cause deviations in the growth of the epithelial layer of the cervix. There are several theories that have been developed and proven by doctors from different fields. They talk about the connection between the development of ectopia and certain processes in the body.

Causes of pseudo-erosion of the cervix:

change in hormonal levels;
inflammatory process in the genital organs associated with infection;
traumatic factor;
immunological disorders.

Hormonal levels play an important role in the development of ectopia. Dyshormonal disorders cause the development of congenital ectopia of the cervix; this disorder can also occur during pregnancy as a result of hormonal changes. Dysfunction of the uterine appendages may also be associated with the development of pseudo-erosion. Diseases such as fibroma, endometriosis, diabetes mellitus, etc. can also lead to the development of pathology. This deviation can develop against the background of an irregular menstrual cycle, as a result of the early onset of menstruation.

The inflammatory process in the genitals, associated with infection, changes the flora inside the vagina and uterus, disrupting the functioning of all organs. Thus, cervical ectopia of the cervix can occur against the background of recurrent vaginitis, endocervicitis, caused by streptococci, chlamydia, ureaplasma, E. coli, human papillomavirus infection, etc.

A traumatic factor can also cause the development of pseudo-erosion, since as a result of various manipulations (abortion, delivery accompanied by trauma to the cervix, barrier contraception), the inner part of the cervix is damaged, which can provoke the growth of the cervical epithelium beyond the internal part of the organ.

The cause of the development of pathology can be: early onset of sexual activity, early pregnancy, frequent change of sexual partners, the presence of chronic infections, smoking, frequent pregnancy and childbirth (the more a woman gives birth to children, the more her internal genital organs stretch and change).

Symptoms of ectopia most often do not appear clinically, which does not require special treatment. Only periodic monitoring of the condition of the cervix by a gynecologist is indicated. When pseudo-erosion is complicated, changes in the structure of the uterine cervix are observed (leukoplakia, dysplasia, polyps). If ectopia is accompanied by colpitis, white discharge may be observed from the vagina, itching, pain and bloody discharge may appear during sexual intercourse.

Signs of cervical ectopia

Most often, ectopia is detected completely by accident, during a routine examination by a gynecologist. In this way, it is possible to detect both a congenital form of a physiological abnormality and an acquired one, which arose under the influence of unfavorable factors.

Signs of cervical ectopia are visible during a gynecological examination in a special chair, during which the doctor carefully inserts a special mirror into the female vagina, showing the condition of the external cervical os (in pathology, it is surrounded by bright red cervical tissue). This tissue, or epithelial layer, is very delicate, and upon examination, slight bleeding may occur.

If the gynecologist sees signs of pathology, he will recommend additional examinations: extended colposcopy, Schiller test. Smears are necessarily taken, a cytological scraping is done, and in some cases a biopsy is performed. To find out the cause of ectopia, you may need to donate blood for hormones and STIs.

Cervical ectopia in nulliparous women most often does not have serious consequences if the epithelial layer does not grow on the vaginal walls, is in normal condition and does not cause discomfort. It is not recommended to treat cervical ectopia in nulliparous women, since as a result of treatment, the structure of the cervix is often disrupted and scars appear on it, which is undesirable, since the elasticity of this organ is very important during childbirth.

Cervical ectopia is not a dangerous disease, but normally the columnar epithelium should not extend into the inner part of the vagina, where the acidic environment is completely different and there is a high risk of injury. Thus, ectopia can cause infertility, the development of cervical erosion and even cancer, so it is better to start treating this problem.

Treatment of pathology

Treatment of cervical ectopia is to destroy the columnar epithelium extending beyond the cervix and allow stratified squamous epithelium to grow on the outer part of the organ.

Columnar epithelium can be destroyed in several ways. One of these methods is the destruction of the epithelium using a mixture of special acids, which are applied to the area of the required area where its destruction occurs. Subsequently, the unnecessary layer is replaced by the correct epithelium, which, as a result of the procedure, grows quickly and very neatly.

There is also a radio wave method, in which the columnar epithelium is destroyed using a radio wave and a flat layer of tissue subsequently grows. It is possible to treat cervical ectopia using a laser, where an ultraviolet beam burns out an unnecessary layer of epithelium on the inside of the cervix.

The method of cryodestruction is also known, in which a cylindrical layer of tissue is frozen and its subsequent death. It is extremely rare that electric current is used as a treatment for pseudo-erosion.

Carefully performed procedures are generally safe, but if, as a result of the impact on the cylindrical layer of the epithelium of the cervix, the muscle tissue is affected, this may impair the elasticity of the organ, which is undesirable for nulliparous women, since the cervix may simply not open later in the process of childbirth.

For the treatment of cervical ectopia in nulliparous women, it is recommended to use a laser procedure, radio wave method, and exposure of the epithelium to a mixture of acids. These procedures are the most gentle and safe, since during their implementation the destructive effect falls exclusively on the columnar epithelium and does not affect the muscle layer.

With proper treatment, the disease very rarely recurs, but it would be useful to conduct a gynecological examination 2 times a year. If ectopia of the cervix returns again after treatment, then a careful study of its nature is necessary, since most often the pathology can hide a serious disease that is dangerous to the woman’s health. You should be especially attentive to pseudo-erosion that appears at a woman’s late age, since ectopia usually does not appear after 45 years.

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A correct lifestyle and regular preventive examinations will help avoid the appearance of ectopia. If this disorder is diagnosed, do not panic or be afraid, since in general pseudo-erosion is not dangerous and can be successfully corrected in a number of safe ways.

Treatment of pathology with folk remedies is carried out using a mixture of medicinal plants, which are first brewed, infused, after which a tampon is dipped into the infusion and inserted into the vagina.

Another common method is to treat ectopia with sea buckthorn oil, which is introduced into the vagina in the form of vaginal suppositories or using tampons. In general, traditional methods of treatment are safe for the body, but at the same time they are useless if the pathology is caused by an infection or a hormonal disorder.

is a pathological condition in which the cylindrical epithelium extends into the vaginal part of the cervix. Externally, ectopia of the cervix looks the same as erosion, and therefore ectopia is called pseudo-erosion.

The cause of ectopia of the cervix is hyperestrogenism - an increase in the level of female sex hormones, due to which the columnar epithelium creeps onto the vaginal part of the cervix. In women aged 23-45 years, the border of the two epithelia is localized at the level of the external opening of the cervical canal, and after 45 years, it shifts towards the cervical canal.

Cervical ectopia is the entry point for chlamydia, herpes simplex virus and other infections, as well as human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes diseases. Ectopy itself does not cause cancer, but it does increase the risk.

Symptoms of cervical ectopia

As a rule, congenital ectopia is detected in girls at the first visit to the gynecologist, shortly after the start of sexual relations. This type of ectopia has no symptoms. The main thing is to regularly come to scheduled appointments to monitor the situation.

Recurrent cervical ectopia of the cervix at an early stage of development is diagnosed two months after treatment during control colposcopy. Late - manifests itself six months later using the same research method.

If we talk about the uncomplicated form of the disease, then this type of ectopia does not manifest itself in any way, but is detected during a routine gynecological examination.

Complicated ectopia is diagnosed, as a rule, after other diseases and inflammations. Sometimes ectopia is combined with precancerous manifestations and is subject to mandatory treatment. The following symptoms appear regularly:

abdominal pain;
dysmenorrhea;
problems with conception;
spotting, including during sexual intercourse;
discharge of variable intensity that changes color and smell;
burning and itching sensation;
redness and swelling of the labia.

Treatment of cervical ectopia

Cervical ectopia is treated conservatively with the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and physiotherapy. A number of methods are also used to destroy the ectopic epithelium.

The goal of treating cervical ectopia is to remove the columnar epithelium and allow the squamous epithelium to gently return to its place and cover the outside of the cervix. To “destroy” columnar epithelium, use:

Chemical coagulation is used to treat small ectopia (up to 1 cm in diameter). In this case, the surface is treated with special preparations (for example, Solkovagin). The patient undergoes an average of 5 treatment procedures, but this method does not guarantee complete healing.

Cryotherapy is the effect of liquid nitrogen on ectopia, which is supplied through a special cryoprobe. In this case, the doctor acts only on a specific area of the cervix, healthy tissue is not damaged, and scar formation does not occur. Cryotherapy is a gentle and bloodless method of treating ectopia.

Laser therapy is the most effective and safe method of treatment. The ectopic area is subject to destruction under the influence of a laser beam. After laser therapy, scars do not form on the cervix, but the method is not recommended for use on nulliparous women.

Radio wave surgery is a non-contact and painless method of treatment; ectopia is eliminated using radio waves. A scar does not form after radio wave surgery.

The procedure for treating cervical ectopia is usually painless. Although some women experience pain, this is due to the individual sensitivity of the cervix.

Which doctors should I contact for cervical ectopia?

Causes of cervical ectopia

The causes of cervical ectopia are divided into external and internal.

External factors include the following:

viral and infectious:
- early onset of sexual activity;
- frequent change of sexual partners;
- infectious and inflammatory processes of the genital organs.
traumatic:
- injuries during childbirth or abortion;
- use of barrier or chemical contraceptives.

Among the internal causes of ectopia are:

hormonal imbalances;
decreased immunity;
hereditary disposition.

Complications of cervical ectopia

Cervical ectopia of the cervix is dangerous due to complications. Sometimes women, due to the lack of painful symptoms, do not want to treat ectopia. Then complications are possible in the form of inflammatory processes in the vagina, uterus and appendages, which causes infertility, miscarriage and hormonal disorders.

Against the background of ectopia, the following pathological processes sometimes occur on the cervix:

cervicitis;
leukoplakia;
flat condylomas;
dysplastic processes.

Women are interested in whether it is possible to get pregnant with such a pathology. If ectopia is not complicated by any other inflammation of the genital area, the menstrual cycle is not disrupted, there is no reason for concern: pregnancy will occur without problems.

Cervical ectopia and pregnancy

In a woman's body during pregnancy, changes occur in the cervix. As a result of hormonal changes, the cervix of expectant mothers increases in size, softens, and prepares for childbirth. Against this background, ectopia of the cervix appears.

If pseudo-erosion is small in size and arose due to hormonal changes in the body (there were no other reasons), then ectopia disappears after childbirth on its own. But more often pregnancy occurs with untreated ectopia.

Cervical diseases cause the following complications:

threat of miscarriage;
premature rupture of amniotic fluid;
cervical ruptures.

Therefore, if an ectopia is detected in an expectant mother, the woman undergoes an examination and, if necessary, a course of anti-inflammatory treatment for infections. But it will be possible to treat pseudo-erosion 6-8 weeks after birth. Childbirth with ectopia usually occurs through the natural birth canal.

Classification of cervical ectopia

There are the following types of cervical ectopia:

Congenital ectopia of columnar epithelium of the cervical canal

When examined in a mirror, congenital erosion looks like a rounded formation of bright red color. Occurs in adolescence and young adulthood. This is the only type of erosion capable of spontaneous self-healing.

True cervical erosion

Defect of stratified squamous epithelium of the cervix. When examined using mirrors, a bright red spot up to 1 cm in diameter is visible around the external os of the uterus with clearly demarcated edges. True erosion lasts 1-2 weeks after which it passes into the next stage (type) of the disease - ectopia.

Ectopia (pseudo-erosion)

A pathological change in which the normal stratified squamous epithelium is finally replaced by columnar cells. When examined in mirrors, ectopia looks like a red area located next to the external pharynx, usually on the back lip. Pseudo-erosion goes unnoticed for months and years. As a rule, erosion does not go away without appropriate treatment.

The risk of degeneration of ectopia into oncology is low in the absence of cell atypia. Patients with the presence of the human papillomavirus HPV (type 16, 18, 31, 33) are wary.

Diagnosis of cervical ectopia

When examined by a gynecologist, it is impossible to establish an accurate diagnosis. If bright red spots are detected in the cervical area, the doctor resorts to additional studies.

First of all, this is colposcopy, which helps to differentiate squamous epithelial cells from cylindrical ones. To exclude malignancy, a biopsy is also performed (at the doctor’s discretion) with a cytological examination of the selected material.

The presence of infections is checked by examining a swab taken from the vagina, as well as the cervix. In addition, laboratory tests are performed to check for the presence of sexually transmitted diseases and sexually transmitted diseases.

Differential diagnosis

To diagnose and confirm the diagnosis of cervical ectopia, as well as to differentiate from true erosion and oncological processes, the Schiller test is performed. When performing the Schiller test, areas of ectopia turn light brown. This is done with 3% acetic acid and iodine.

First, acetic acid is applied to the epithelium of the cervix so that the vessels narrow and the doctor sees the processes on the cervix. After this, the epithelial cells are stained with iodine solution. In this case, pathologically changed cells will not be stained. Only through extended colposcopy can an accurate diagnosis of erosion or pseudo-erosion (ectopia) be made and inflammatory or oncological diseases of the cervix refuted.

Prevention of cervical ectopia

It is much easier to prevent cervical ectopia than to treat and eliminate the consequences of the disease.

undergo regular preventive examinations with a gynecologist;
monitor deviations in the body’s hormonal and immune levels;
treat inflammation, HPV and sexually transmitted infections;
practice safe sex;
do not use hormone-containing contraceptives or intrauterine devices;
strengthening the immune system.

Questions and answers on the topic "Cervical ectopia"

Question:Hello! 1.5 years after giving birth, I went to the gynecologist for an examination. Nothing worries me. During the examination, colposcopy was performed and ectopia of the cervix was detected. They also wrote me cervicitis, viral infection, subclinical HPV infection. I was prescribed a test for STIs, HPV and HSV, and then a biopsy and cauterization of the cervix with Surgitron are planned, since according to the doctor, the ectopia itself will not go away with pills. But several years ago I was already treated for HPV and had tests done 2 times and everything was fine, but at an appointment with a gynecologist at the clinic, she said that my cervix seemed normal and there was no inflammation, but my ectopia was congenital and did not need to be treated. So I’m very, very worried, who to believe? I'm breastfeeding, maybe this has reduced my immunity? Do you recommend cauterization? Should I contact an immunologist? An ultrasound also revealed something on my left adrenal gland; adrenal hyperplasia is in question. Is this all connected somehow? Where to go, where to start?

Answer: Hello. Pseudo-erosion of the cervix or ectopia of the cervix - outwardly looks like a red spot around the external opening of the canal, which is often interpreted by doctors as erosion of the cervix, while the latter is extremely rare and is a defect in the epithelium due to an inflammatory process. Cervical ectopia is a normal physiological state of the cervix, occurs in half of women of reproductive age and does not require treatment. Regular cytological studies, colposcopy, as well as immunotherapy (in the presence of a viral infection) are the basis for the prevention of cervical cancer. In this regard, I recommend discussing with your doctor the possibility of using the drug Groprinosin, which has an immunostimulating and antiviral effect, in the complex therapy of human papillomavirus infection (HPV infection). Treatment must be carried out under the supervision of a physician. Self-medication is unacceptable.

The cervix is a very vulnerable place due to its location. Therefore, most gynecological ailments are associated with or have an impact on her condition. A combination of diseases is also possible, such as cervical ectopia of the cervix with chronic cervicitis. One of the ailments, if left untreated, can cause symptoms of the other.

Read in this article

About cervicitis

The interior of the cervix is called the cervical canal. This is the transitional part of the reproductive system, leading from the vagina to the main female organ. It is covered with a mucous membrane that differs in composition and appearance from those that line both the uterine cavity and its cervical part from the outside.

The cervical canal is susceptible to inflammation under certain conditions. After all, his task is to prevent further infection. Under the influence of many factors, the protective properties of the organ membrane are weakened. Then the infection settles in it, causing.

If it takes an acute form, it is quite easy to notice the malaise by contacting a specialist and based on purely external signs. But many women suffer from poor health caused by cervicitis, attribute it to a cold, and treat themselves. And the disease becomes chronic.

Development and signs of cervicitis in women

Signs of cervicitis and its effect on the cervix

Symptoms of cervicitis in a chronic course are mild, but when monitoring your well-being, they are still noticeable:

Intensified from the vagina in addition to. If cervicitis is caused by a bacterial infection, they will be purulent. When a virus is to blame for the disease, the discharge is clear. If the cause of inflammation of the mucous membrane is a fungal infection, they acquire a lumpy consistency and a white color;
Pulling, weakly perceptible. Women may not associate them with gynecological ailments;
Changes in the characteristics of menstruation. The waste products of pathogenic microflora located in the cervical canal are added to the secretions during the death of the former functional layer of the endometrium. This gives them a different color, perhaps a diluted red. Menstruation can cause exacerbation of cervicitis, which leads to increased abdominal pain, general weakness, and increased temperature.

What happens in the cervical canal, especially a long-lasting process, cannot leave the outer part of the cervix aside. After all, all of these are composite and closely located departments of one section of the organ.

Constant inflammation of the canal mucosa leads to its hypertrophy. The shell becomes larger and thicker, so that it does not have enough space in it. The mucosa, consisting of cylindrical cells, covers a large area. This is cervical ectopia of the cervix, combined with chronic cervicitis.

The epithelium of the canal outgrows its usual internal space, covering the vaginal area of the organ.

The simultaneous presence of these pathologies also gives symptoms that can be noticed independently:

Painful sensations during intimate contact. The area of inflammation comes into contact with the male genital organ, which causes irritation of the nerve roots;
The appearance of bloody mucus from the vagina after sex. The cylindrical cells located on the outer part of the neck are easily damaged with vascular ruptures.

More about ectopia

Normally, the cervix, which protrudes into the vagina, is covered with a fairly wide layer of squamous epithelium. It appears as a pink, shiny and smooth surface when examined with a speculum.

The presence in this area of unusual cylindrical epithelial cells of the cervical canal gives the mucous membrane of the outer part of the cervix redness, swelling, and a type of inflammation.

This is what it is if cervical ectopia is not congenital, which also happens. But more often this pathology is acquired and rarely exists alone. The most common accompaniment, or rather, the cause of its occurrence, is inflammation of the cervical canal mucosa.

Causes of combined pathology

Cervical ectopia of the cervix together with chronic cervicitis can have a different nature, arising due to:

Viral infection. The most dangerous among all is the papillomavirus, because it easily invades epithelial cells and causes dangerous changes leading to precancerous conditions, primarily;
Bacterial infections, most often transmitted from a sexual partner. The most common cause of cervicitis with ectopic lesions of the cervix is;
Inflammation of the external genitalia and vagina. , colpitis, easily turns into cervicitis and subsequent ectopia;
Changes in vaginal microflora due to lack of cleanliness. The proliferation of pathogenic bacteria and a decrease in the activity of the protective biocenosis leads to a weakening of the mucous membrane of not only this organ, but also the cervical canal, and therefore its external part;
Incorrect antibiotic therapy. These drugs can also negatively affect the vaginal microflora. The disturbed balance of beneficial and conditionally pathogenic bacteria reduces the protection of tissues and their proper development;
. Excessive growth of cervical canal epithelial cells is caused by high concentrations of estrogen. The reason for this may also be an incorrectly chosen contraceptive;
Associated pathologies. These are mainly diseases of the urinary system. Located close to the reproductive organs, it easily transmits bacteria to them. Other systemic diseases that affect metabolic processes and hormonal levels also weaken the epithelium.

Cervical ectopia can cause chronic cervicitis itself if it is congenital. Columnar cells are more susceptible to destruction than squamous epithelium. Their presence on the cervix makes it more vulnerable even to bacteria present in the vagina. The onset of sexual activity can also be marked by mechanical damage to the epithelium. As a result, inflammation spreads from the outer part of the cervix and passes into the cervical canal.

How dangerous is the prolonged presence of cervicitis and ectopia?

The simultaneous presence of both pathologies means the replacement of each other by the processes of destruction of epithelial cells and their regeneration. The first will predominate, and the second will take on such a character that it can lead to the appearance of other neoplasms, not necessarily benign. Polyps of the cervical canal and cervix, dysplasia, cancerous tumors are the likely consequences of cervical ectopia and chronic cervicitis if they are not seriously addressed.

When this line of defense of the reproductive system against infections is damaged, the uterus also becomes more susceptible to disease. Negative processes can affect it, leading to infertility and a threat to life.

Cervicitis and cervical ectopia require treatment. But it’s better to prevent diseases by keeping an eye on them, avoiding casual relationships, and regularly visiting a gynecologist.