What is cervical erosion?
During a physical examination, I was told that I have cervical erosion, and I'm very scared. I would like to ask, what exactly is cervical erosion?
Doctor's answer (1)
Cervical erosion, also known as cervical ectopia, is a physiological phenomenon rather than a pathological change.
During puberty, hormonal changes occur due to body development; during pregnancy, hormone levels also change to support fetal development; and when using oral contraceptives, hormone levels are similarly affected. In these situations, elevated estrogen levels can cause the columnar epithelial cells within the cervical canal to extend outward toward the cervical os, covering areas previously lined with squamous epithelial cells, resulting in an appearance similar to inflammatory erosion.
Cervical erosion is classified into physiological and pathological types. Physiological changes usually present no obvious symptoms and require no special treatment. In contrast, pathological changes may be associated with infections or inflammation, and may present symptoms such as increased vaginal discharge, abnormal color or odor, and a feeling of pressure or fullness in the lower abdomen.
It is important to maintain good personal hygiene and avoid unclean sexual practices. Regular gynecological examinations are also recommended, and any abnormalities should be evaluated by a healthcare professional promptly.
