CERVICAL EROSION

General Information

DEFINITION--A condition in which the lining of the uterus spreads to cover the tip of the cervix. This abnormally placed tissue is more likely to become inflamed or infected. It is not cancerous.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Cervix; uterus lining.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Adolescent and adult females.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• No symptoms (usually).
• Increased mucus discharge from the vagina (sometimes).
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding (sometimes).

CAUSES--Usually unknown, but may accompany pregnancy, childbirth or the use of oral contraceptives. Some women are born with cervical erosion but have no symptoms.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Stress.
• Repeated vaginal infections.
• Obesity.

HOW TO PREVENT--Cannot be prevented at present.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Medical history and physical exam--including pelvic examination--by a doctor.
• Pap smear (See Glossary).

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Doctor's treatment.
• Treatment by local destruction of glandular tissue may involve cauterization, cryosurgery (see both in Surgery section), diathermy or laser treatment.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--None expected.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Disorder is usually curable with treatment. Allow 3 months for the cervix to return completely to normal. Cervical erosion may recur.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Don't douche unless instructed to by your doctor.
• Obtain medical treatment for any vaginal infection you may also have.

MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics or topical antibiotics to apply to the cervix.

ACTIVITY--After treatment (except following a hysterectomy), normal activity and sexual relations may be resumed immediately.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of cervical erosion.
• The following occurs after treatment: Increased discharge. Pain with intercourse or bleeding afterward. Vaginal bleeding between periods.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.