Recognize features

Cervical erosion or ectropion is a common health disorder experienced by young women. Unfortunately, this condition is often neglected because the symptoms that appear tend to be minimal or without symptoms. However, that does not mean you can take them for granted, as the development of cervical erosion can be dangerous to health. Then, what are the characteristics of cervical erosion? Here's the explanation.

What is cervical erosion?

Cervical erosion is a condition in which glandular cells (soft cells) that line the inside of the cervix spread outside the cervix and become inflamed. In fact, on the outside of the cervix consists of squamous epithelial cells which tend to be harder. The area outside the cervix that is in contact with glandular cells from inside the cervix is ​​called the transformation zone.

Cervical erosion can be caused by hormonal changes in the body, generally due to pregnancy or the effects of taking birth control pills. Even though the name is cervical erosion, this does not mean that the cervix is ​​experiencing erosion. It is characterized only by normal squamous cells on the outside of the cervix alternating with glandular cells from inside the cervix that are softer.

The characteristics of cervical erosion that you must know

The most common symptoms or features of cervical erosion are inflammation of the cervix and the zone of transformation. This is because the transformation zone has glandular cells that are red, smooth, and easily eroded. This condition makes it easier for the internal organisms present in the cervix to grow and reproduce. As a result, the cervix looks even more red and inflamed.

Most women do not experience symptoms of cervical erosion, if any, they usually go away on their own without any treatment. However, there are also women who experience mild symptoms to the point of experiencing more discomfort.

The characteristics of cervical erosion that may be experienced by women include:

• Pain during sex.
• Bleeding during or after sex.
• Very much and odorless vaginal discharge. Leucorrhoea tends to smell if the erosion of the cervix becomes infected.
• Abnormal blood spots even though you are not menstruating.
• Pain and bleeding during or after a pelvic exam or pap smear. This usually occurs when a speculum is inserted into the vagina or during a bimanual examination.

However, it should be noted that the above symptoms do not always lead to cervical erosion. If you experience one or more of the symptoms above, it's best to talk to your doctor immediately to confirm the diagnosis.

Is cervical erosion dangerous?

Because cervical erosions often cause no symptoms, most women are unconscious when they experience them. Usually only known after undergoing a pelvic examination by a doctor. Although it tends to be harmless, this condition should not be underestimated. Because cervical erosion can result from other conditions, including:

• Infection
• Fibroids or polyps
• Endometriosis
• Problems with the IUD
• Cancer development, such as uterine cancer or cervical cancer

To confirm the diagnosis, you can consult a doctor for medical procedures that are suitable for your condition. Some of the examinations that may be offered are as follows:

1. Pap smear, which is an examination of cervical cells to see if there are possible changes in cancer or precancerous cells that lead to the HPV virus.
2. Colposcopy, namely by examining the cervix using bright lighting and a magnifying device
3. Biopsy, which is taking a small tissue sample to be tested for suspected cancer cells. This procedure usually makes women feel cramps in certain areas.

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