Cervical Ectropion

 Cervical Ectropion ( Topic Discussion )

 

How cervical ectropion develops ?

A lot of women and people with a cervix are born with cervical ectropion. It can be caused by hormonal changes. This means they are more likely to have cervical ectropion if they are:

• younger
• going through puberty
• pregnant
• taking the combined contraceptive pill.

Symptoms of cervical ectropion

Most of the time, cervical ectropion does not cause any symptoms. It usually goes away without treatment.

Sometimes, glandular cells can:

• bleed more easily 
• make more mucus. 

This means cervical ectropion may cause:

• light bleeding (spotting), discharge, or pain during or after sex 
• light bleeding or pain during or after cervical screening
• light bleeding in between regular periods
• light bleeding after some exercise, such as running or horse riding
• lots of discharge (fluid) without an infection.

It is important to get symptoms checked out by your GP or practice nurse.

Diagnosing cervical ectropion

In many cases, cervical ectropion is never diagnosed because it doesn’t cause any symptoms.

Cervical ectropion may be diagnosed if:

• you visit your GP surgery with symptoms and they look at your cervix
• it is seen during a standard gynaecological examination or test, such as cervical screening.

Your GP or practice nurse should talk to you about any symptoms and the impact on your life. They can then suggest ways to manage or treat it:

• If it is not causing any symptoms or impact, you do not need management or treatment.
• If it is causing symptoms and you take a contraceptive pill, they may suggest switching to a different type of contraception to help manage it.
• If it is causing symptoms and having an impact, they may refer you for treatment.  

Treating cervical ectropion

If you choose to have treatment, it will usually be in a hospital department called colposcopy. Sometimes treatment may be offered in your GP surgery. A doctor or nurse will take a closer look at your cervix and the cervical ectropion.

You will usually be asked to avoid treatment when you are:

• pregnant
• having a regular period. 

Before treatment

Your doctor or nurse should explain any treatment before you have it.

You will be asked to lie on an examination bed. Your legs will be bent up and supported. 

The doctor or nurse will use a speculum. This is a plastic tube that gently opens your vagina so they can see your cervix. The speculum may feel uncomfortable, but shouldn’t be painful. Here are our tips if you feel worried about the speculum:

• Speak to the doctor or nurse so they can support you.
• Ask to see and hold it before the treatment starts.
• Ask for a smaller size.
• Ask to insert it yourself.

After treatment for cervical ectropion

You should be able to go home about 15 minutes after treatment, if you are feeling well enough. You can drive or take public transport. 

Side effects after treatment for cervical ectropion

It usually takes about 4 weeks to heal after treatment for cervical ectropion. You may have some side effects during this time, including:

• a cramping pain or ache, like being on a period, for up to 2 days. 
• light bleeding 
• watery discharge.

You will need to avoid some things for up to 4 weeks after treatment:

• Do not use tampons.
• Do not have penetrative sex.

When to speak to your GP or doctor

It is not common to have side effects that last for a long time after cervical ectropion treatment. It is important to speak with your GP or doctor if you:

• are in a lot of pain that does not go away after using over-the-counter painkillers
• have heavy bleeding – for example, soaking through a period pad every hour
• have vaginal discharge that smells bad
• feel unwell or have a high temperature (fever).