The vast majority of women at the gynecologist's appointment revealed various changes in the cervix, which are benign. A significant part of them is associated with the deformation of the organ. One of these pathologies is the ectropion of the cervix. About him and will be discussed.
Determination of pathology
What is cervical ectropion, and why is this type of change in the organ dangerous?
Ectropion is a pathological defect in which there is an eversion of the mucous membrane of the cervical canal. In this case, it will look like turned inside out.
The mucus secretion performs a protective function in the woman's body, preventing the passage of microorganisms from the vagina into the uterus. But with ectropion, the protective functions of the mucosa are destroyed. This is due to the fact that it enters the acidic environment of the vagina from the alkaline environment. This can lead to infectious diseases,which, in turn, provoke inflammatory processes and more serious and dangerous pathologies. These include true erosion, endometritis and other diseases of the female reproductive system. But the most dangerous consequence of having an ectropion in a woman is cervical cancer.
Basically, this pathology is quite successfully treated. But despite this, there are a number of side effects and complications after undergoing treatment.
Ectropion of the cervix - what is it? The photo is presented in the article.
Innate form
The congenital form of ectropion of the cervix is diagnosed in young women who have just begun to have sex, have not had pregnancies and childbirth. In medical practice, this type is called cervical ectopia. It is believed that this pathology is formed during fetal development under the influence of many adverse factors. It happens that ectopia is inherited. Women with a congenital form of ectropion may be disturbed by hormonal disorders and disruptions in the menstrual cycle. As a rule, if there are no inflammatory processes, this type of pathology does not need treatment. For many, it goes away after the first birth when the hormonal background changes.
Acquired Ectropion
The acquired form occurs due to the influence of certain external factors. These include:
- childbirth, especially those with complications;
- abortion;
- multiple pregnancy or large baby;
- rupture of the cervical mucosa;
- mechanicalimpact;
- rapid labor;
- wrong attempts.
Tears that occur due to these reasons require suturing. After this procedure, a scarring process occurs, in which blood flow and oxygen enrichment of the epithelium are disturbed in the damaged area of the mucosa. All this leads to changes in the cervix, namely, to the eversion of the mucous membrane.
It is not difficult to identify an acquired ectropion if the woman's cervix was previously clean, without pathologies. In the case when the patient has not previously consulted a doctor, it will be very problematic to establish the congenital form.
Ectropion Symptoms
Ectropion of the cervix has no severe symptoms. In most cases, the presence of pathology is detected by chance at a gynecologist's appointment. Obvious signs of the disease appear only when an inflammatory or infectious process is attached. In these cases, a woman may notice the following manifestations in herself:
- menstrual irregularities;
- increased whitish discharge;
- pain in the lower abdomen, which sometimes radiate to the lower back;
- too little or too much menstruation;
- discharge with an unpleasant odor may appear;
- bloody discharge and pain after intercourse;
- appear aching pain in the abdomen;
- woman feels weak and tired.
Possible forms of ectropion
Due to the fact that with ectropion of the cervix, the protectivebarrier, favorable conditions can be created for the development of diseases that can lead to serious complications in a woman. In this regard, the main forms are distinguished, in which it is necessary to start treatment as early as possible. Delay can lead to dire consequences.
Erosed Ectropion
Erosed ectropion of the cervix is a complicated form of erosion. This pathology occurs both with a mechanical injury of the neck, and with hormonal failure. Such a deformation of the organ cannot be ignored, since the consequences of an eroded ectropion can be very severe. Typical symptoms may include:
- drawing pains;
- bleeding during or after intercourse or during a gynecological examination;
- Sometimes minor spotting occurs on any day, regardless of the cycle.
Inflammatory form
Basically, ectropion and erosion are accompanied by an inflammatory process - cervicitis. This disease is characterized by the following symptoms:
- itching, burning;
- discomfort when urinating;
- increase in allocations;
- edema;
- may form cysts;
- when examining the cervix, a whitish coating and redness can be found.
Accurate diagnosis is made after the results of the smear. Symptoms will be more pronounced in the case of an intensifying inflammatory process. Then chills, fever, headache may be added to the symptoms.
Ectropion andkeratosis
In the absence of timely treatment, the tissues of the cervix begin to change and harden. For a long time, a woman may not know about the presence of the disease, since keratosis is almost asymptomatic. They may only occasionally be disturbed by pain during intercourse or small bleeding.
This is a very dangerous form of ectropion, considered an advanced stage. Left untreated, keratosis leads to cervical cancer.
Dysplasia
This is another dangerous stage of ectropion, in which changes occur in the structure of the tissues of the cervix. There is a growth of atypical cells. Symptoms are also not very pronounced. Unpleasant sensations disturb only with the development of the inflammatory process. A woman may be disturbed by pain, itching, milky-white copious discharge, sometimes with streaks of blood.
In this case, treatment should begin as soon as possible, as it can lead to cervical cancer.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of ectropion is not difficult. Performed in several ways.
- Gynecological examination. With the help of mirrors, the doctor is able to see changes in the cervix - scars, redness, eversion of the mucosa, sometimes swelling of the affected organ is visible. It is worth noting that congenital ectropion has a rounded shape, while acquired ectropion may differ in shape and size, depending on the reasons for its appearance.
- Taking smears. To identify the causes of the development of pathology, an analysis is taken for the flora, bacterial culture from the cervical canal,STI and HPV testing.
- Colposcopy. This diagnostic method is mandatory, since this type of examination best reveals the pathological conditions of the cervix. With the help of colposcopy, the doctor can view the area needed for examination under magnification, which allows you to accurately determine the degree of damage to the cervix and the location of the mucosal folds. With acquired ectropion, the folds are located randomly, and with congenital - evenly.
- Biopsy and histological examination. If colposcopy reveals abnormal processes on the cervix, the doctor takes the affected area of the mucosa and sends it to the laboratory for further diagnosis.
- Hormonal studies. If, based on the results of colposcopy, the doctor determined the congenital form of ectropion, an analysis for hormones is prescribed.
Ectropion treatment
Treatment of ectropion of the cervix is mandatory, since this form of erosion does not go away on its own. The method of treatment depends on the type of disease, its causes and the individual characteristics of the patient. With ectropion, drugs are prescribed for a mild form, in a more severe form they are used as an adjunct to the main treatment, which includes the complete removal of the deformed area.
To eliminate the pathology, first of all, they get rid of inflammatory processes and infections. After this, the anatomical shape of the cervix is restored. Then they work on normalizing the microflora of the vagina.
To eliminatedeformations using several methods. How to treat ectropion of the cervix, in each case, the doctor decides. Consider the main methods used for treatment.
- Chemical coagulation. This method is used to treat small affected areas. It is used to treat erosion. The bottom line is that acids are applied to the pathological area, which cauterize it. A scab remains in this place, which separates on its own within ten days. It takes about a month for complete tissue repair. The method is not used to correct large areas, as it can lead to changes in the cervix and intoxication of the body.
- Laser vaporization. It is used to treat erosive and simple ectropion. The method is based on the evaporation of pathogenic areas of the cervix. It is not used in the presence of severe deformities, dysplasia and malignant tumors. The laser is not always able to capture deep scars. A month later, the treated area is covered with a new layer of mucous.
- Electrosurgery. Treatment occurs with the help of electric current. Due to the fact that deep scars remain after the procedure, which can further prevent conception, the method is not used in women who are planning a pregnancy. Recovery takes up to three months.
- Cryosurgery. Treatment with liquid nitrogen. It is used in nulliparous women. Together with the affected area, a small part of he althy tissue is processed. After the procedure, abundant discharge is possible.
- Radiosurgical method. The safest and most gentle. Used in young nulliparouswomen. Very short recovery period, no scarring.
If the disease is discovered during pregnancy, an extended colposcopy is performed. In the absence of malignant tumors, treatment begins after childbirth. Taking biopsy material during pregnancy is strictly prohibited.
If the above methods did not help, then surgical intervention is applied. For the treatment of ectropion of the cervix, the operation is performed in the following ways:
- Excision - deep excision of the pathogenic area.
- Conization - the affected area is cut out surgically. At the same time, a scar remains, a long painful recovery is observed.
Operation in progress:
- laser;
- treatment of cervical ectropion with radio waves prevents the risk of bleeding;
- ultrasound - practically not used, as it has many side effects;
- electroconization is the most common method.
For the treatment of ectropion of the cervix, auxiliary medications are used: antibiotics, antiviral drugs, immunomodulators and hormonal drugs. It all depends on the degree of change and the reasons behind it.
Reviews on the treatment of cervical ectropion are generally positive. The main thing is the timeliness of its detection, since against the background of this pathology, the occurrence of other, more serious diseases is possible.
Rehabilitation after treatment
After theoperation, a number of conditions must be met:
- until complete healing to give up sexual activity;
- no heavy lifting;
- do not engage in hard physical labor and sports;
- do not visit open water, swimming pools, saunas and baths;
- do not use tampons.
Complications
Ectropion of the cervix is dangerous because it does not have severe symptoms. In this regard, many women find out late about the development of serious diseases in them. Running ectropion can lead to cervical cancer, infertility, and inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs.
Prevention
For prevention, a systematic visit to a gynecologist is necessary. It is also required to treat all infectious diseases in the body in a timely manner, check the hormonal background and avoid abortions.
Conclusion
The diagnosis of ectropion of the cervix can be heard by absolutely any woman, regardless of age. Particularly at risk are those who have given birth or have had an abortion. The disease is fraught with serious consequences, so the timely detection of pathology plays a very important role. In the treatment of the early stage of ectropion of the cervix, the reviews are overwhelmingly positive. The longer treatment is not started, the higher the risk of developing dangerous diseases. You need to carefully monitor your body. If suspicious symptoms occur, especially regarding changes in discharge or menstrual irregularities, it is necessary to contact a gynecologist as soon as possible, who will prescribe the required tests. ByAs a result, you should discuss possible methods of treatment with your doctor and choose the most suitable one for you.
