Each representative of the weaker sex should regularly visit a gynecologist and monitor the state of their women's he alth. Various conditions of the cervix can be observed, and one of them is one in which the cervical canal is dilated. It is very important to understand what it says. That is what we will find out in this article. We will find out the causes of this phenomenon, as well as consider diagnostic methods and methods for its treatment. Carefully read the information provided in order to protect and arm yourself as much as possible.
What is the cervical canal
In fact, most women have only a general idea of the structure of their reproductive system. And about what the cervical canal is (whether it is expanded or not, the gynecologist will tell you), most of the fair sex do not even think about it. But this organ of the reproductive system plays in the body veryimportant role.
The cervical cavity has a rather interesting structure. It is a hollow channel, which can be compared to a spindle with two constrictions at the ends. Such a cavity is located in the area of the uterus, and has a length of about four to five centimeters. However, if a woman gave birth or had an abortion, then the cervical canal can be elongated up to seven to eight centimeters. In some cases, it may be extended. The cervical canal is the connection between the uterus and the vagina.
The inner surface of the cavity itself consists of epithelial cells that produce a special mucous secretion. This tissue consists of special receptors that can respond to the level of hormones in the body. That is why the amount and viscosity of menstrual mucus depends on what phase of the woman's menstrual cycle for a given period of time.
As you know, determining pregnancy at a very short time is not always an easy task. However, an experienced doctor will be able to determine this by the color of the mucosa. If fertilization occurs, it usually takes on a bluish tint.
Whether the cervical canal is enlarged or not can only be determined when visiting a gynecologist. The doctor inserts a mirror into the vagina, and thus examines the entrance to the cavity. If the girl has not yet given birth, then the entrance will look like a small dot. But for a woman giving birth, it will turn into a small gap.
What functions does
Sometimes gynecologists say thatthe cervical canal of the cervix is dilated. What this means, you can read on. In the meantime, it is worth finding out what functions this hollow organ performs. Let's take a closer look at each of them.
Barrier and protective function
It is in this place that a special mucus is produced, which serves as an excellent barrier against various bacteria and viruses that enter the body from the outside. Such mucus is able to form a cork that provides reliable protection. At the same time, this cavity has its own unique immune system capable of producing immune cells. It is thanks to the cervical canal that the female reproductive system can be absolutely sterile.
Ensuring Conception
Many patients wonder why the cervical canal is dilated. It is very important to find out if this is normal or pathological in order to understand the state of your he alth.
As you know, in order for conception to occur, it is very important for the sperm to travel a long way from the vagina through the cervical canal. We have already said that a large amount of mucus is produced in this place, which performs a protective function.
However, on certain days of the cycle (before ovulation occurs), the mucus begins to thin, resulting in a more alkaline environment. In order for the sperm to pass to the egg, it is very important that the cervical canal of the cervix is slightly dilated. This is what contributes to the onset of conception. Therefore, if a couple decides to have a child, it is very important to choose the mostfavorable period for this. By the way, the mucus produced by the channel is able to weed out weak and non-viable spermatozoa, so only the strongest and he althiest will move towards their goal.
Output function
Blood and pathological secretions pass through the cervix. If the channel is in a pathological state, then the output of these secretions will be impaired, which means that there is a high probability of inflammatory and infectious diseases.
Birth way
If the cervical canal is dilated throughout, then most often this indicates the onset of childbirth. During the birth process, centralization and shortening of the cervix occurs directly during contractions.
How to understand that the cervical canal is dilated
There may be several reasons for this phenomenon. In a normally developed nulliparous woman, the maximum width of the canal is usually up to eight millimeters. However, if this figure increases, this may indicate the presence of pathology. If the representative of the stronger sex has a pregnancy, then the cervical canal closes. But the expansion is usually observed in such cases:
Internal os expanded to two millimeters. At the same time, the cervical canal is expanded in the middle third
- Slit-like expansion in the upper third may also be observed, which is usually accompanied by active glandular activity.
- Dilations include the case when the cervical canal is dilated along its entire length. At the same time, alsothere is softening of the uterus and shortening of its neck.
- There is also a condition in which the cervical canal is funnel-shaped and the internal os is closed.
Reasons for expansion
In fact, there are a lot of reasons for the occurrence of such a state. If the cervical canal is not dilated, what does this mean? Usually, if it is closed and a mucous plug forms at its end, then this indicates that the woman has become pregnant. However, if the channel is expanded during the pregnancy itself, then this will indicate its interruption.
There are also other reasons for expansion. Consider which ones:
- There are polyps or cysts in the cervical canal. In this case, most often the cervical canal is dilated and anechoic contents are present. This content most often includes liquid or blood.
- Presence of other benign formations in the canal, such as sarcoma or fibroma. However, the occurrence of malignant tumors is not excluded.
Dilation can occur in the presence of pathologies such as endometriosis and adenomyosis, as well as in the occurrence of inflammatory diseases and sexually transmitted pathologies
Women of the fair sex capable of bearing offspring, expansion can be observed after an abortion, childbirth, and also during certain diagnostic procedures. However, the condition soon normalizes, as the body needs restorativeperiod.
When menopause occurs, both expansion and narrowing of the channel can occur. Usually, in postmenopausal women, the cervical canal is not dilated. What does it mean? This suggests that the reproductive age of the woman is over, and the level of female hormones in the body has decreased significantly. The channel can narrow to more than three millimeters. Subsequently, its overgrowing is usually observed.
Where lies the danger
If the cervical canal is enlarged, and the rest of the indicators are normal, then usually this does not pose a mortal threat to the fair sex. However, most often this phenomenon indicates that some pathological processes are observed in the female reproductive system that require diagnosis and selection of the optimal method of treatment.
If the cervical canal expands during pregnancy, then this can be fraught with serious danger. Consider what the possible risks are:
- If a woman is in the early stages of pregnancy, then there is simply a huge risk of spontaneous abortion. When conducting an ultrasound examination, such a phenomenon as uterine hypertonicity is usually also diagnosed.
- There is such a phenomenon as isthmic-cervical insufficiency, which can be diagnosed starting from the second trimester of pregnancy. Usually, this phenomenon leads to its interruption, since the child may be born prematurely.
That is why if a pregnant woman was diagnosed with such a phenomenon asexpansion of the cervical canal, it is very important to carry out all kinds of diagnostic measures in time and urgently prescribe the necessary treatment to the patient.
Performing diagnostic tests
Usually, during the initial gynecological examination, changes can only be noticed if the external os is in an expanded state. But to obtain more accurate results, a diagnostic procedure such as ultrasound is usually performed. The process of measuring the cervix is called cervicometry. The maximum results can be achieved by conducting an MRI of the pelvic organs. Usually, such a procedure is performed if the patient has already been found to have any pathological processes in the reproductive system.
It is also very important to take a swab. With it, you can determine the presence of inflammatory processes, as well as sexually transmitted diseases.
Treatment methods
Depending on why the cervical canal is dilated, and the method of treatment will be selected. If polyps or tumor-like formations were found in it, then in this case, doctors usually resort to surgical intervention. At the same time, the fair sex has the opportunity to preserve the functions of the reproductive system. However, if the formations have become malignant, then in this case a radical intervention should be carried out, which is usually accompanied by the use of radiation and chemotherapy.
In the presence of endocervix cysts, as well as cervicitis, doctors usually prescribe conservative methods of treatment, which includethemselves antibacterial, as well as anti-inflammatory drugs ("Azithromycin", "Cefixime", "Erythromycin", "Doxycycline"). If a woman has been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease, then in this case she must be registered. At the same time, her sexual partner must also undergo a test, and if necessary, begin treatment.
If a woman has been diagnosed with adenomyosis, then in this case a complex conservative treatment is prescribed, in which anti-inflammatory and hormonal drugs are used ("Marvelon", "Dufaston", "Anteovin", "Dysmenorm"). In some cases, doctors also recommend that women undergo additional rehabilitation therapy, which includes the use of vitamin supplements, absorbable medications, and physical therapy. If conservative methods of treatment do not give the proper result, then in this case, the doctors decide to perform a surgical intervention.
If the expansion of the cervical canal was detected during the course of pregnancy, then in this case the woman should be urgently sent for hospitalization, since in this case there is a high risk of miscarriage or premature birth. In this case, the patient is prescribed hormonal medications, antispasmodics, vitamins, and everything possible is done to prevent placental insufficiency. If necessary, suchprotective measures:
- Special sutures to the cervix, which are usually removed at the thirty-eighth week of pregnancy;
- Sometimes a pessary is installed. This procedure involves putting a special latex ring on the cervix, which does not allow it to open. Most often, this method is used on its own, and sometimes in combination with suturing.
Conclusions
Every woman should monitor her he alth, including the he alth of the reproductive system. It is very important to regularly visit a gynecologist for a routine examination. Usually, the expansion of the cervical canal does not occur on its own (unless, of course, this applies to the natural process of childbirth). Most often, it signals that infectious and inflammatory processes, as well as benign or malignant formations, are present in the female reproductive system. Therefore, do not ignore visits to the gynecologist, especially for women during pregnancy. Timely provided diagnostic and treatment measures can protect your he alth, as well as the life of your unborn baby.
Take care of your he alth right now. This will help you eliminate further risks and dangers. Take care of yourself.
