What is ectopia. Ectopia of the cervix: treatment, causes, symptoms, signs

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

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

Ectopia of the cervix is ​​the gateway for chlamydia, herpes simplex virus and other infections, as well as human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes disease. Ectopia itself does not cause cancer, but it does increase the risk.

Symptoms of cervical ectopia

As a rule, congenital ectopia is found in girls when they first visit a gynecologist shortly after the onset of sexual intercourse. This type of ectopia has no symptoms. The main thing is to regularly come to scheduled appointments to control the situation.

Recurrent cervical ectopia of the cervix at an early stage of development is diagnosed two months after treatment during a control colposcopy. Late - manifests itself six months later with 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 compulsory treatment. The following symptoms appear regularly:

  • pain in the abdomen;
  • dysmenorrhea;
  • problems with conception;
  • bloody discharge, including during intercourse;
  • discharge of changeable intensity, which change color and smell;
  • burning and itching sensation;
  • redness and swelling of the labia.

Treatment of ectopia of the cervix

Ectopia of the cervix is ​​treated with a conservative method using anti-inflammatory drugs and physiotherapy. A number of methods are also used that destroy the ectopic epithelium.

The goal of cervical ectopia treatment 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" the 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 an effect on ectopia with liquid nitrogen, which is supplied through a special cryoprobe. In this case, the doctor acts only on a specific area of ​​the cervix, healthy tissues are 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 site of ectopia undergoes destruction under the action of a laser beam. After laser therapy, no scars are formed on the cervix, but the method is not recommended for 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 ectopia of the cervix is ​​usually painless. Although some women experience pain, this is due to the individual sensitivity of the cervix.

Which doctors should i contact with ectopia of the cervix

Causes of ectopia of the cervix

The causes of ectopia of the cervix are divided into external and internal.

External factors include the following:

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

Among the internal causes of ectopia are:

  • hormonal disorders;
  • decreased immunity;
  • hereditary disposition.

Complications of cervical ectopia

Cervical ectopia of the cervix is ​​dangerous with complications. Sometimes women, due to the absence 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 warts;
  • dysplastic processes.

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

Ectopia of the cervix and pregnancy

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

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

Diseases of the cervix cause the following complications:

  • the threat of termination of pregnancy;
  • premature rupture of amniotic fluid;
  • ruptures of the cervix.

Therefore, if an ectopia is found in the expectant mother, the woman is examined and, if necessary, a course of anti-inflammatory treatment of infections. But it will be possible to treat pseudo-erosion 6-8 weeks after childbirth. Childbirth with ectopia, as a rule, passes through the natural birth canal.

Classification of ectopia of the cervix

There are the following types of cervical ectopia:

Congenital ectopia of the columnar epithelium of the cervical canal

When viewed in mirrors, congenital erosion looks like a rounded formation of bright red color. It occurs in adolescence and adolescence. This is the only type of erosion capable of spontaneous self-healing.

True cervical erosion

Defect of stratified squamous epithelium of the cervix. When viewed with the help of mirrors, a bright red spot up to 1 cm in diameter is visible around the external os of the uterus with clear delimited edges. True erosion lasts 1-2 weeks after which it passes to 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 cylindrical cells. When viewed in mirrors, ectopia looks like a red area located next to the external pharynx, more often on the posterior lip. Pseudo-erosion is not noticed for months and years. As a rule, erosion does not go away without appropriate treatment.

The risk of degeneration of ectopia into oncology is small in the absence of cell atypia. Alertness is caused by patients with the presence of the human papillomavirus HPV (16, 18, 31, 33 types).

Diagnostics of the ectopia of the cervix

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

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

The presence of infections is checked by examining samples taken from the vagina, as well as the cervix. In addition, they do a laboratory test for the presence of sexually transmitted diseases, as well as sexually transmitted diseases.

Differential diagnosis

To diagnose and confirm the diagnosis of cervical ectopia, as well as to differentiate with true erosion and oncological processes, the Schiller test is performed. When the Schiller test is carried out, the ectopic areas are painted in a light brown color. This is done with 3% acetic acid and iodine.

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

Prevention of cervical ectopia

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

  • regularly undergo preventive examinations by a gynecologist;
  • monitor the deviations of the hormonal and immune background of the body;
  • treat inflammation, HPV and genital infections;
  • adhere to safe sex;
  • do not use hormone-containing contraceptive drugs and intrauterine devices;
  • strengthening of immunity.

Questions and answers on the topic "Ectopia of the cervix"

Question:Hello! 1.5 years after giving birth, I went to the gynecologist for an examination. Nothing worries me. On examination, a colposcopy was performed and an ectopia of the cervix was revealed. They also wrote to me cervicitis, viral lesion, subclinical HPV infection. I was prescribed to be tested for STIs and HPV and HSV, and then a biopsy and cauterization of the cervix with Surgitron is planned, since, according to the doctor, the ectopia itself will not go away from the pills. But a few years ago I already treated HPV and took tests 2 times and everything was fine, but at the reception at the gynecologist at the clinic she said that the cervix seemed to be normal and there was no inflammation, and my ectopia was congenital and did not need to be treated. So I'm very, very worried, who to believe? I am breastfeeding, maybe this has decreased immunity? How do you recommend whether to cauterize? Can I go to an immunologist? I also found something on the ultrasound in the left adrenal gland, adrenal hyperplasia is questionable. Is it all somehow connected? Where to go, where to start?

Answer: Hello. Pseudo-erosion of the cervix or ectopia of the cervix - externally 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 the inflammatory process. Ectopia of the cervix is ​​a normal physiological state of the cervix, occurs in half of women of reproductive age and does not need treatment. Regular cytological examinations, colposcopy, and immunotherapy (in the presence of a viral infection) are the basis for the prevention of cervical cancer. In this connection, I recommend that you discuss with your doctor the possibility of using the drug Groprinosin, which has immunostimulating and antiviral effects, 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.

Although doctors are trying to replace the term "pseudo-erosion" with more modern "endocervicosis" or "ectopia of the columnar epithelium of the cervix", the disease is still often called the old fashioned way, which gives rise to excessive fears and negative among patients.

You should not be afraid, often the disease does not even need to be treated.

What is it - endocervicosis

The term "ectopia" is used when an organ or tissue is displaced to an atypical place for them.

Normally, the cervix (CM) faces the vagina with a surface covered with squamous epithelium, but with ectopia, the areas around the throat are replaced by cylindrical epithelium, which is in the channel, and not on the surface.

Outwardly, it looks like a red spot.

Increasingly, modern medicine is inclined to consider such physiological manifestations as an ordinary physical state, since around the CM channel, the cylindrical and squamous epithelium periodically displace each other in one direction or in the opposite direction.

Pseudo-erosion up to 25 years of age:

  • girls during puberty;
  • young women when using hormonal contraception;
  • during pregnancy.

In the following video, the gynecologist talks in detail about the ectopia of the cervix:

Differences between true and pseudo-erosion of CM

True and pseudo-erosion of CM are different diseases.

If, with endocervicosis, there is a displacement of the position of the columnar epithelium (the inner membrane of the cervical canal goes beyond its limits without symptoms of inflammation and violation of the integrity of the tissues), with erosion, thinning of the squamous epithelium occurs lining the cervix from the outside, i.e. in the vaginal part of the organ.

Later, cracks and sores appear in these areas.

Endocervicosis can be located not only around the outer os of the cervical canal, but also on the anterior or posterior lip of the cervix, manifesting itself there in various sizes and shapes.

The real one appears only around the external pharynx of the cervix, it is the result of inflammation caused by pathogenic microorganisms such as staphylococci, gonococci, etc.

Prevalence in women

The spread in the prevalence of pseudo-erosion of the cervix is ​​wide - from 10 to 25 percent.

Some sources indicate the appearance of pathology in almost every 2nd woman under 40 years of age.

After this age, endocervicosis does not develop. In 40% of cases, the problem occurs in perfectly healthy women.

Causes

Information about the disease is contradictory.

It is classified as dyshormonal, but the role of estrogens, hormones that contribute to the development of fertility in women, is not fully understood.

The roles of birth trauma and inflammatory diseases of the genitals are also poorly understood.

It is noted that the disease can be either congenital or acquired:

  • the acquired form has many external and internal causes, conventionally they are divided into the consequences of injuries and dysfunction of hormones;
  • associated with abnormalities in the hormonal function of the ovaries.

Uncomplicated pseudo-erosion develops when the mechanism of hormone synthesis in the ovaries changes. The epithelium reacts to this with pseudo-erosion.

Any irritation of the cervix, infection can also be the cause.

Symptoms

Uncomplicated endocervicosis, if they are formed on the unchanged surface of the CM, does not bother women, are asymptomatic, and are detected only during examination.

But if inflammation develops in parallel, it can be accompanied not only by secretions, but also other signs corresponding to the disease that caused the inflammation.

Occasionally, contact bleeding occurs (appearing after vaginal intercourse).

On examination, the ectopia of the cervix looks like a red area located around the exit of the cervical canal. The epithelium in this place seems velvety.

If the problem is accompanied by inflammation, a cloudy yellowish mucus is visible in the vagina or the CMM canal. But with all the external signs, the final diagnosis is made on the basis of a cytological examination.

Methods for the treatment of foci of cervical epithelium

If endocervicosis is small, proceeds without complications, it is not classified as a gynecological disease, but is considered a physiological condition not associated with pathology.

Treatment in this case is not required, it is enough to visit a doctor for an examination once a year. Pathology can disappear as soon as the cause that caused it disappears.

A complicated version of the disease does not go away on its own and, there are many ways.

The choice of the scheme and method depends on the type of pseudo-erosion, the cause that caused it, the type of complications.

If the therapy is selected correctly, the disease is completely eliminated.

The existing methods of treatment are based on elimination of abnormally growing epithelial cells, so that their place is subsequently taken by cells typical of this organ section.

  • helps in 75–90% of cases, but complications appear in 6–40% of cases. This is a violation of the menstrual cycle, exacerbation of inflammation, bleeding at the site of intervention, fusion of surfaces.
  • affects the focus of pathology with low temperatures, the session is carried out painlessly and bloodlessly on an outpatient basis. Recovery - up to 80–95% of cases, but the regeneration is long.
  • does not affect menstrual and reproductive function, therefore it is most often used to treat nulliparous women. The efficiency of application reaches 98%.
  • (the use of an electromagnetic field of ultrahigh frequencies) refers to expensive methods, therefore it is rarely used.
  • Thermocoagulation allows you to get complete epithelization without complications in a month. Efficiency - 92%.
  • Chemical coagulation: electrophoresis with zinc, use of other drugs as indicated.

Is the development of the disease dangerous

The lower part of the CM, protruding into the vagina (ectocervix), is normally covered with stratified squamous epithelium, which protects the tissues from the contents of the vagina, which (even its opportunistic part) is aggressive in the microbiological sense.

If, during pseudo-erosion, any area is replaced by a single-layer epithelium, protection decreases significantly or completely disappears.

This gradually leads to chronic inflammation of the CM of varying severity, affecting not only the outer part of the canal, but also the surrounding space or the inner part.

Later, the inflammatory process can go to the uterus, fallopian tubes, lead to infertility or ectopic pregnancy.

Chronic cervicitis is the cause:

  • miscarriages;
  • premature birth;
  • postpartum inflammation.

After all, the cervix is ​​a barrier to infections, and its inflammation opens the way for all kinds of microbes.

conclusions

Pseudo-erosion is not a dangerous pathology and passes over time, as soon as the cause that caused it disappears.

If the disease is complicated by inflammation, then self-healing is impossible. Depending on the cause of the inflammation, the attending physician draws up an individual therapy regimen and chooses the most effective of the existing methods of exposure.

You can avoid the disease.

Preventive measures:

  • refusal of abortion;
  • choosy sex life;
  • using safe contraception;
  • non-traumatic sex.

Ectopia of the columnar epithelium of the cervix is ​​today considered one of the most common pathological phenomena in gynecology. It is characterized by the displacement of the columnar epithelium, which covers the inner side of the cervical canal, to the vaginal surface of the cervix. Outwardly, it looks like redness.

Pathology is observed in about 40-45% of women of childbearing age, while it does not have the property to form during menopause. More than half of the patients are young, nulliparous women under 25 years of age.

Ectopic columnar epithelium in medical practice is not considered a disease of the cervix, but is recognized as a pathological phenomenon, therefore, it is not included in the International Classifier of Diseases (ICD 10).

Attention! Often, in practice, ectopia is called the familiar but outdated term "erosion". You can also find the names: pseudo-erosion, endocervicosis, glandular-muscular hyperplasia - all this concerns this pathological phenomenon.

How is this pathology classified?

Based on the clinical form, this pathology is divided into:

  • complicated;
  • uncomplicated.

In the form of complications, they mean colpitis and cervicitis caused by infection. However, in many cases, an uncomplicated pathology proceeds, according to which, in the colposcopic nomenclature adopted today, this form of pathology is regarded as a normal physiological state.

Important! Over time, the ectopia heals with the replacement of the epithelium on the cervix of the columnar epithelium with multilayer flat cells (with the help of germ cells). This phenomenon is called squamous cell metaplasia, it is against its background that the development of malignant neoplasms in the organ significantly increases.

According to the histological type, the following forms are distinguished:

  • glandular (differs by the accumulation of glandular structures and inflammatory signs);
  • papillary (characterized by the appearance of papillary growths that cover the columnar epithelium);
  • pseudo-erosion, with onset squamous cell metaplasia.

Almost all cases of the phenomenon are acquired in nature, but there are some congenital. The first ones require compulsory treatment, the second ones are considered a temporary phenomenon and do not need therapy.

What leads to a pathological process

Doctors identify several reasons that can lead to columnar cervical epithelium.

  1. Infections. Pathology often develops against the background of genital infections or inflammatory processes in the genitourinary system, and vaginal dysbiosis is also a danger. Examples include: chlamydia, streptococcus, gardnerella. Human papillomavirus is considered a separate dangerous factor.
  2. Injuries. The penetration of infections and the development of inflammatory processes against the background of tears or injuries caused to the organ by abortion during childbirth are several times higher.
  3. Hormonal Disorders. The conclusion that this pathological phenomenon can provoke hormonal disruptions is explained by the fact that it often occurs against the background of ovarian dysfunction, with fibroma, early menarche and menstrual irregularities, as well as other pathologies caused by hyperestrogenism.
  4. Early onset of sexual activity. The maturation of the mucous membrane of the genital organs is completed only at the age of 20, and earlier it was too sensitive to infections and inflammations. Consequently, with an early onset of sexual activity, ectopia of the columnar epithelium of the cervix cannot be avoided.
  5. Weak immunity of the body.
  6. Frequent changes of sexual partners.

Development symptoms

Ectopia of the columnar epithelium of the cervix with an uncomplicated form does not show any symptoms and is most often detected when a woman undergoes a gynecological examination.

If we are talking about a complicated form and the development of concomitant diseases, then the patients complain about:

  • the appearance of whiter;
  • dyspareunia (painful sensations accompanying sexual intercourse);
  • itching in the genital area;
  • the appearance of blood after intercourse;
  • menstrual irregularities;
  • lack of conception (infertility).

What diagnostic procedures are needed

To prescribe a course of treatment for ectopia of the columnar epithelium, the patient undergoes a number of diagnostic procedures, including:

Separately, it should be noted that special attention is paid to cytological research, and it implies a cytogram of endocervicosis, leukoplakia, inflammatory process, dysplasia, proliferation of epithelial tissue.

For your information! Depending on the peculiarity of the pathology and the complications caused by it, the patient may be shown additional diagnostic procedures.

Modern methods of treating pathology

What treatment of ectopia of the columnar epithelium of the cervix will be shown depends on the results of diagnosis and the type of pathology. If a congenital uncomplicated form is found, then it does not require special therapy, but is subject to constant monitoring. In other cases, one of the modern methods can be chosen:

  1. thermocoagulation;
  2. cryodestruction;
  3. laser coagulation;
  4. radiosurgery;
  5. chemical coagulation.

In many cases of ectopia of the columnar epithelium of the cervix, the patient is shown drug therapy, which is aimed at eliminating inflammation and microbiocenosis, supporting the immune system and correcting hormonal abnormalities.

Cervical ectopia and chronic cervicitis are one of the most common diseases that are localized in the cervical region. In most situations, these pathologies are diagnosed simultaneously and can accompany each other's development.

The inner surface of the cervical region is called the cervical canal. This intermediate area is a kind of bridge between the vagina and the uterine cavity. From the inside, the cervical canal is lined with a single-layer columnar glandular epithelium, and the vaginal part of the cervix is ​​lined with stratified squamous epithelium. It is the zone of replacement of some cells with others that is the place in which ectopia most often occurs - a partial deformation of the cells.

According to statistics, inflammatory processes often occur in the area of ​​the cervical canal, and over time, the cervix loses its protective properties. After such changes, infection and the development of inflammatory diseases, in particular, cervicitis, most often occur. In most situations, cervicitis develops acutely and is accompanied by a sharp deterioration in well-being. If, at this stage, timely diagnosis is carried out and individual treatment is prescribed, the disease will not become chronic.

Depending on the origin, it is customary to distinguish the congenital and chronic form of ectopia of the cervix. The nature of the course of the disease can be recurrent, and the clinical course - complicated and uncomplicated.

Uncomplicated ectopia of the cervix can be a variant of the physiological norm in women of reproductive and postmenopausal age. In most situations, the complication of the course of this disease is associated with the parallel development of colpitis and cervicitis, the cause of which is an infection. When the relationship between epithelial cells and building elements in the cervical region is disturbed, the disease is usually called ectropion (a complicated form of ectopia).

When conducting a histological examination, it is customary to distinguish the following forms:

Glandular ectopia is characterized by the accumulation of glandular tissue, branching of the network of glandular ducts and the presence of an inflammatory reaction. When a papillary form occurs, the stromal components grow significantly, papillary elements are formed, covered with a cylindrical epithelium.

The repair processes of ectopia are based on the repopulation of the columnar epithelium with squamous cell epithelium cells (a transformation zone is formed). In the progression of this process, reserve cells are involved, which, in the process of maturation, turn from immature into mature metaplastic epithelium.

Thanks to the use of colposcopy, complete and incomplete transformation zones can be identified. Under the influence of unfavorable factors from the outside, a breakdown of cellular metaplasia and a relapse of ectopia of the cervix can occur.

Etiology of combined pathology

Collaboration of cervical ectopia and chronic cervicitis can have many etiological reasons for the development, but the most common are:

  • Viral infection. occupies a leading position due to its danger. Its feature is easy penetration into the epithelial cell and the development of dangerous changes that contribute to the development of precancerous conditions (for example, cervical dysplasia).
  • Bacterial infection. It is often sexually transmitted during unprotected intercourse. Chlamydia is the most common infection contributing to the development of ectopic epithelial lesions.
  • Inflammatory diseases. Inflammation of the vulva, vagina, STDs are the causes of development, which later turns into ectopia.
  • Non-observance of intimate hygiene and imbalance of microflora. The multiplication of pathogenic bacteria and a decrease in protective functions can lead to the development of many diseases.
  • Unjustified use of antibiotics. Due to the effect of these drugs on the vaginal flora, its imbalance and the predominance of opportunistic bacteria occur.
  • The presence of the following diseases:, polyposis,.
  • Hormonal imbalance. Excessive growth of cells of the cervical canal may be due to an increased concentration of estrogen in a woman's body. The cause of this condition may be taking oral contraceptives.
  • The presence of concomitant diseases. Due to the excessively close location of the organs of the urinary tract, the spread of bacteria is possible. The weakening of the epithelium can also be influenced by the presence of diabetes mellitus and other metabolic pathologies.

In the presence of congenital cervical ectopia, chronic endocervicitis may occur against its background. The fact is that the columnar epithelium is less resistant to aggressive influences than the flat one, and the presence of the first mark in the neck area increases its vulnerability to all pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic microorganisms.

Features of the course of combined pathologies entirely depends on the stage of their progression and the strain of pathological disorders. The chronic course of cervicitis is characterized by blurred symptoms. Specific manifestations, as a rule, develop with exacerbations of the disease and the occurrence of concomitant gynecological pathologies.

Among the manifestations of cervical ectopia and chronic cervicitis, it is customary to distinguish:

Visible manifestations of diseases can be detected during a gynecological examination, since the low intensity of the pathological process contributes to the development of cervical tissue hypertrophy. The epithelium of the cervical canal gradually goes beyond its limits and spreads to the vaginal part of the cervix. It is the above processes that lead to the formation of cervical ectopia, the course of which is complicated by chronic cervicitis.

Diagnostics of gynecological pathologies

At the moment, absolutely all gynecologists are convinced that it is the timely detection of cervical pathology that is the key to successful treatment. The diagnosis of the patient should begin with the collection of complaints and anamnestic data.

A clinical diagnosis is made after a thorough examination of the patient in mirrors and a series of tests. When conducting research, a specialist should pay attention to the presence of hyperemia, discharge from the vagina with a mucous or purulent character. To confirm the alleged diagnosis and determine the true cause of the development of the disease, additional types of diagnostics may be required:

Each patient needs a blood and urine diagnosis.

Taking a biopsy is carried out with ambiguous results of cytological diagnostics and colposcopy. After examining the biopsy, the doctor can assess the nature of the epithelial changes and their similarity with dysplasia and cervical cancer.

At the moment, in gynecological practice, the combination of cervical ectopia and chronic cervicitis is a dangerous pathology. In the absence of timely therapy, formidable complications can arise, consisting in the proliferation of benign and malignant neoplasms, infertility and it is impossible to carry a fetus.

The organization of the prevention of the above-described diseases is of great importance. To ensure the prevention of the development of the above-described pathology and other gynecological diseases, each woman is advised to observe the rules of intimate hygiene, to avoid the constant change of sexual partners, unwanted pregnancies ending in abortions, and any other surgical interventions. All diseases of the reproductive system require timely diagnosis and. To do this, you need to conduct a systematic annual medical examination.

When uncomplicated congenital ectopia of the cervix is ​​detected, etiological and pathogenetic treatment is not performed. For patients, systematic observation is established in dynamics, which helps to timely notice deviations during the identified pathology.

The appointment of therapy for complicated forms of ectopia is selected taking into account the existing disorders. The use of etiotropic antiviral treatment and anti-inflammatory therapy is carried out in parallel with the choice of contraceptives, correction of immune and hormonal changes.

To prevent the development of the infectious process, destruction of ectopic foci is carried out due to cryogenic exposure, laser coagulation or chemical exposure. Borovaya uterus can be used to reduce the inflammatory response.

Prevention of gynecological diseases and prognosis

The best option for preventing the development of ectopia of the cervix is ​​a perfect passage of a preventive gynecological examination. In parallel with this, the correction of disorders in the work of the hormonal and immune systems, the simultaneous treatment of inflammatory diseases and the prevention of accidental sexual intercourse should be carried out.

When diagnosing pseudo-erosion, to reduce the likelihood of developing pathological precancerous conditions, systematic colpocytological control is shown. With ectopia of the cervix, the prognosis is favorable.

The main thing is to remember that the development of any disease is easier to prevent than to treat it later. Therefore, each patient must independently take care of her well-being and health, so that in the future it will be possible for her to become pregnant and bear a child. A systematic annual gynecological examination is the key to the timely detection of precancerous conditions of the female reproductive system.

Video: how to treat ectopia of the cervix

Video: ectopia of the cervix

Video: The concept, causes and methods of treatment of ectopia (erosion) of the cervix

Video: signs and treatment of chronic cervicitis

Video: treatment of colpitis, cervicitis and erosion with natural suppositories

Modern doctors often fend off with such a term as pseudo-erosion or false erosion, which affects the reproductive system of a woman. This pathological process is diagnosed in 4 out of 10 women and, according to statistics, 11% of pathologies are congenital. We will talk about it further.

Cervical ectopia is a gynecological pathology that is characterized by a displacement of the layer of the cylindrical type of epithelium lining the cervix into the lumen of the vagina itself.

Quite often it is called pseudo-erosion, although it has nothing to do with true erosion, since the integrity of the tissues in this case is not violated. Although on the other hand, the epithelium lining the cervical canal extends to the very outer part of the cervix, and goes beyond physiological norms.

Causes

Gynecologists talk about the following root causes that can provoke a pathological process.

  1. Inflammation caused by infection sexually transmitted - pathogenic or specific microorganisms and bacteria.
  2. Frequent change of sexual partners and ignoring the use of contraception - this creates the prerequisites for contracting STDs, pregnancy or infertility.
  3. Mechanical injury... Frequent abortions and surgical interventions, difficult childbirth and trauma - all this leads to the development of a pathological process.
  4. Hormonal imbalance also negatively affects the general state of the woman's reproductive system, provoking a pathological change in the epithelial layer.
  5. Sexual life too early, like early childbirth, can also cause injury to tissues, the epithelium lining the cervix, which has not yet formed and is an immature system.


Often, cervical ectopia can be multifactorial in its manifestation, becoming the cause of the development of pseudo-erosion.

Symptoms

If a gynecologist diagnoses an uncomplicated form of ectopia, there is no manifestation of certain symptoms. In this case, women can talk about insignificant discharge of mucus from the vagina, as a result of the functioning of the epithelial glands.

But 8 out of 10 cases of pathology are not only acquired, and complicated by certain diseases. Quite often, an inflammatory process develops simultaneously, accompanied by characteristic symptoms.


The clinical picture can show itself as the following symptoms:

  • profuse discharge.
  • itching in the area of ​​the external genital organs.
  • burning sensation when using the toilet and urinating.
  • bouts of pain of varying intensity, localized in the lower part of the peritoneum.

If the focus is large, bloody discharge may appear after sexual contact with a partner. If ectopia appears after childbirth, it does not have any specific symptoms and is most often diagnosed on examination by a gynecologist as part of a routine examination.

How does ectopia affect future pregnancy?

The cervical type of ectopia does not affect future pregnancy and does not lead to menstrual irregularities. If there is a violation of the menstrual cycle due to hormonal disruption, doctors can diagnose a woman with an acquired type of infertility.

Cervical ectopia: a chronic form of the disease

When a chronic form of cervical ectopia occurs, most of it is diagnosed by chance, during a routine examination by a gynecologist. This form may not manifest itself for a long time and may not show characteristic symptoms.


As a result, in the absence of treatment, it develops into a chronic course.

In the reproductive age, such a disease can cause infertility if it is provoked by hormonal imbalance.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of a pathological condition provides for the following methods:

  1. Examination of the patient on the gynecological chair using a system of mirrors, which allows you to identify the red focus of the pathological process.
  2. Cytology- taking a smear and laboratory study of a biopath. This will identify a malignant or benign neoplasm.
  3. Colposcopy- using a colposcope, the doctor examines the mucous layer of the uterus and cervical canal.

If the pathological process is complicated by concomitant diseases, or there is a suspicion of oncology, a biopsy is performed.

Also, in addition, the doctor can refer a woman to such studies:

  • delivery of a smear on microflora.
  • bacteriological culture.
  • PCR analysis for the detection of genital infections.

If a malfunction of the menstrual cycle is diagnosed, the female type of infertility - the patient is sent to determine the level of hormonal status, as well as an ultrasound scan.

Treatment

If a complicated form of cervical ectopia is diagnosed, one of several treatment options is used, taking into account the nature of the complication. At the very beginning, anti-inflammatory compounds are prescribed, a contraceptive is selected individually. When diagnosing hormonal abnormalities, they are treated.


Also, as part of the treatment of ectopia, doctors can apply a variety of therapies:

  1. lazarotherapy.
  2. cryotherapy.
  3. radio wave surgery.
  4. diathermocoagulation, which stops the inflammatory process in the cavity and cervix.

If we talk about the treatment of an uncomplicated form of ectopia, the latter does not need treatment, since it can often go away on its own. In this case, the woman is registered with a gynecologist and is constantly monitored by a specialist.

Prophylaxis

As part of the preventive measures of ectopia, the main thing is to timely diagnose the pathological process and undergo a course of treatment. Therefore, it is so important to regularly undergo a gynecological examination, where the correction of the hormonal background and the strengthening of immunity are no less important.

For her part, a woman should always adhere to the culture of sexual relations, not often change sexual partners and always use contraception, which will eliminate unwanted pregnancy and subsequent abortions, STDs.

Video: cervical ectopia of the cervix what is it?

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