Should Cervical Erosion Be Treated: Ectopia or Pathology?

Cervical erosion is a common issue that many women wonder whether it needs treatment. It’s important to understand that cervical erosion can be both a normal condition or a sign of pathology. In this article, we will explore what cervical erosion is, how to distinguish it from natural changes, and when treatment is necessary.

What is Cervical Erosion?

The term "erosion" refers to damage or injury to the cervix. It can occur due to mechanical damage, infections, or inflammations, and may also result from prolonged chronic inflammation in the vagina.

What is Ectopia?

Cervical ectopia is a normal condition where the cylindrical epithelium (cells of the cervix) extends to its outer surface. This is quite common in younger women and does not require treatment, as it is a natural state.

When Does Cervical Erosion Require Treatment?

If you are constantly told that you have cervical erosion, it may actually be ectopia, in which case no treatment is required. However, it is important to monitor the state of the cervix, as in rare cases, cervical cancer can develop due to the human papillomavirus (HPV).

The Impact of Human Papillomavirus

For cervical cancer to develop, infection with oncogenic types of HPV is necessary. If your HPV test is negative and cytology is normal, interventions like cauterization are not needed. Even if HPV is present, cervical cancer does not develop immediately but rather after a long process, beginning with dysplasia.

Prevention Recommendations

• Regular check-ups: Visit your gynecologist and have pap smears to detect any potential changes.
• HPV testing: Be sure to check for HPV, especially for high-risk types.
• Colposcopy: Undergo colposcopy when indicated to assess the condition of the cervix.

When No Treatment Is Needed for Erosion?

If ectopia is found on the cervix, no treatment is required. Interventions like cauterization can be harmful if ectopia is a normal condition, as they can damage the cervical tissues. Always consult your doctor to clarify whether treatment or intervention is necessary.

Conclusion

Cervical erosion is not always a pathology. It’s important to distinguish natural changes from diseases. Regular gynecological check-ups, pap smears, and HPV testing can help detect problems early and prevent serious diseases. Don’t rush into treatment until you have a precise diagnosis from your doctor!

Take care of your health and stay alert to any changes!