What are the harms of cervical atrophy?

Jan 19, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lv Aiming

Introduction

The hazards of cervical atrophy include abnormal cervical function, cervical pain, infertility, preterm birth, and an increased risk of cervical laceration. One of the main functions of the cervix is to protect the uterus from infection. Cervical shrinkage and atrophy can narrow the cervical canal, making it prone to cervical dysfunction, such as cervical incompetence, instability, or weakness.

In general, the adverse effects of cervical atrophy include abnormal cervical function, cervical pain, infertility, preterm birth, and an increased risk of cervical laceration. The details are as follows:

1. Abnormal Cervical Function

One of the main functions of the cervix is to protect the uterus from infection. Cervical shrinkage and atrophy can narrow the cervical canal, potentially leading to abnormal cervical function such as cervical incompetence, instability, or weakness.

2. Cervical Pain

Cervical atrophy may cause cervical pain, including persistent or intermittent discomfort, painful intercourse (dyspareunia), and pelvic discomfort, which can negatively affect a woman's quality of life and sexual health.

3. Infertility

Structural changes in the cervix may reduce the tightness of the cervical canal and impair the ability of the cervical os to remain closed. This can hinder sperm entry into the uterus and compromise pregnancy stability, increasing the risks of infertility and miscarriage.

4. Preterm Birth

The normal cervix helps maintain the fetus in a stable position within the uterus. However, when cervical atrophy occurs, the length and tone of the cervical canal decrease, which may lead to premature cervical dilation and result in preterm birth.

5. Increased Risk of Cervical Laceration

Structural changes due to atrophy may make cervical tissues more fragile and prone to tearing during childbirth, thereby increasing the risk of severe postpartum hemorrhage and other postpartum complications.

If symptoms are severe, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly to avoid disease progression. Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits in daily life is beneficial for overall health.

Related Articles

View All

What causes slight bleeding in the third trimester of pregnancy without abdominal pain, and what should be done?

In late pregnancy, slight bleeding without abdominal pain may be caused by factors such as bloody show, cervical polyps, placenta previa, early placental abruption, or vaginitis. Symptoms can be managed through symptom observation, bed rest, medication, and medical monitoring. If bleeding increases or abdominal pain occurs, immediate medical attention is required. In late pregnancy, the cervix matures, and the fetal membranes near the internal cervical os may separate from the uterine wall.

View Full Answer

What does iodine test staining mean?

In general, the iodine test staining refers to a diagnostic method in gynecological examinations where the doctor applies an iodine solution onto the surface of the cervix or vaginal mucosa and observes the tissue's staining reaction to assess potential abnormalities. After the examination, it is important to maintain external genital hygiene and avoid sexual intercourse and tub bathing on the same day to prevent bacterial infection. If sampling was performed during the examination, slight vaginal bleeding may occur.

View Full Answer

How long after anesthesia for abortion can one sleep normally?

If local anesthesia is used for the abortion procedure, the anesthetic acts only on the cervix and has minimal effect on consciousness. After the procedure, the patient remains awake and may experience only mild abdominal discomfort. If there are no abnormalities such as dizziness, fatigue, or nausea within 1–2 hours after the procedure, the patient can sleep normally according to their usual routine. No special monitoring is required during sleep; simply maintain a comfortable sleeping position.

View Full Answer

Are there any vaginal discharge symptoms during the first week of pregnancy?

During the first week of pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone levels begin to rise slightly in the body, stimulating the cervix and vaginal mucosa to secrete more mucus, resulting in a slight increase in vaginal discharge compared to usual. At this time, the discharge is typically clear or milky white, thin in consistency, and without significant odor, itching, burning, or other discomfort in the vulva. This is considered a normal physiological change and one of the ways the body prepares for ongoing pregnancy.

View Full Answer

Can contractions every five minutes dilate the cervix?

Whether contractions occurring every five minutes will dilate the cervix depends on the strength, duration, and stage of labor. Regular and sufficiently strong contractions may be accompanied by cervical dilation, whereas weak or irregular contractions typically do not lead to cervical opening. During labor, it is important to monitor the frequency, intensity, and duration of contractions, avoid excessive anxiety, and conserve energy.

View Full Answer

Is drinking honey water before childbirth effective for faster cervical dilation?

If a pregnant woman does not have gestational diabetes and is in the early stages of labor (cervix dilated 1–3 cm) with normal gastrointestinal function, drinking warm honey water in moderation can help replenish energy and fluids, alleviate fatigue caused by contractions, and conserve strength for subsequent labor. However, honey water does not contain ingredients that directly promote cervical dilation and cannot shorten the time required for cervical dilation.

View Full Answer

Do I still need cervical cancer screening after a hysterectomy?

If the entire uterus (including the cervix) is surgically removed, and preoperative cervical cancer screening results are normal with no history of precancerous lesions or cervical cancer, then after surgery—due to the absence of cervical tissue and lack of a foundation for cervical cancer development—routine cervical cancer screening is generally no longer necessary. Regular gynecological follow-up examinations should still be performed, focusing on the health of the vaginal cuff and other relevant areas.

View Full Answer

At 39 weeks, does having contractions during fetal heart monitoring mean labor is near?

If contractions gradually become regular, with intervals shortening from several minutes to 5–10 minutes and duration extending to over 30 seconds, accompanied by symptoms such as pelvic pressure, backache, slight vaginal spotting, or rupture of membranes, and examination reveals cervical effacement and dilation of the cervix, this indicates the onset of labor, with delivery likely occurring within 1–2 days. It is important to go to the hospital promptly to prepare for childbirth.

View Full Answer

Your trusted source for health information and wellness guidance.

Quick Links

Resources

Connect

© 2024 HealthPortal. All rights reserved.