Medicines for Cervical ectropion

What it is

Cervical ectropion (also, misleadingly, called cervical "erosion" — though nothing is actually eroded) is a common and harmless condition of the cervix (the neck of the womb). The cervix has two types of cell: tougher cells on its outer surface (facing the vagina), and softer, glandular cells that line the canal inside. In cervical ectropion, some of these softer glandular cells are present on the outer surface of the cervix. Because these cells are more delicate and contain glands, this can sometimes cause symptoms — such as an increase in clear or slightly mucousy vaginal discharge, and light bleeding or spotting, particularly after sex (because the delicate cells can bleed easily on contact) or between periods. Many women have no symptoms and it is found by chance during a cervical screening test or examination. Cervical ectropion is more common at times of higher oestrogen — such as during the reproductive years, in pregnancy, and with the combined contraceptive pill. It is not a disease, is not harmful, and is not linked to cervical cancer. However, because symptoms like bleeding after sex or between periods can also have other causes, these should be assessed to confirm cervical ectropion and exclude other causes, including ensuring cervical screening is up to date.

How it is treated

Because cervical ectropion is harmless, it often needs no treatment, and reassurance — once other causes of any symptoms have been considered — is the main part of care. A doctor will usually examine the cervix, and, importantly, ensure that any bleeding after sex or between periods is properly assessed and that cervical screening is up to date, since these symptoms can occasionally have other causes that need excluding. Where cervical ectropion is confirmed and causing no bothersome symptoms, no treatment is needed. Where it is causing troublesome symptoms (such as persistent discharge or spotting that is bothersome), and other causes have been excluded, options can be discussed: sometimes changing a contributing factor helps (for example reviewing the contraceptive pill), and, if symptoms are persistent and troublesome, a simple treatment to the affected area of the cervix (such as cauterisation, which treats the delicate cells) can be carried out to reduce the symptoms. During pregnancy, cervical ectropion is common and usually just monitored, resolving after the pregnancy. The reassuring message is that cervical ectropion is a common, harmless condition not linked to cancer, that often needs no treatment, and that any abnormal bleeding is assessed to be sure of the cause, with simple treatment available if symptoms are troublesome.