The cervix is a very vulnerable place due to its location. Therefore, most gynecological ailments are associated with her condition or have an influence on him. Perhaps a combination of diseases, such as cervical ectopia of the cervix with chronic cervicitis. One of the ailments in the absence of treatment can cause the symptoms of another.
About cervicitis
The internal space of the cervix is called the cervical canal. This is the transitional part of the reproductive system, leading from the vagina to the main female organ. It is covered with a mucous membrane, differing in composition and appearance from those lining both the uterine cavity and its cervical part from the outside.
Cervical canal under certain conditions is prone to inflammation. After all, his task is to prevent further infection. Under the influence of many factors, the protective properties of the organ shell weaken. Then the infection settles in her already, causing a cervicitis.
If it takes an acute form, it is easy to notice the malaise, referring to a specialist and by purely external signs. But many women suffer sickness caused by cervicitis, write off it for colds, are treated themselves. And they translate the disease into a chronic form.
Development and signs of cervicitis in a woman
Symptoms of cervicitis and its effect on the neck
Symptoms of cervicitis in the chronic course are mild, but with the control of well-being are still noticeable:
- Increased vaginal discharge in addition to critical days. If the cervicitis causes a bacterial infection, they will be purulent. When the virus is responsible for the disease, the secretions are transparent. If the cause of mucosal inflammation is a fungal infection, they acquire a lumpy consistency and white color;
- Drawing pains in the pelvic region, slightly palpable. Women may not associate them with a gynecological malaise;
- Changes in menstruation. To the secretions during the death of the former functional layer of the endometrium, the products of vital activity of the pathogenic microflora, settled in the cervical canal, join. This gives them a different color, perhaps brown, diluted red. Monthly can cause exacerbation of cervicitis, which leads to increased pain in the abdomen, general weakness, increased temperature.
Occurring in the cervical canal, especially the long-lasting process, can not leave the outer part of the cervix out of the way. After all, all these are composite and closely located departments of one part of the organ.
The duct epithelium overgrows its usual internal space, covering the vaginal part of the organ.
Simultaneous presence of these pathologies gives also symptoms that can be seen on their own:
- Painful sensations in intimate contact. The site of inflammation comes into contact with the male sexual organ, which causes irritation of the nerve roots;
- The appearance of bloody mucus from the vagina after sex. Cylindrical cells located on the outer part of the cervix are easily damaged with vascular ruptures.
More on ectopia
Normally, the cervix, protruding into the vagina, is covered with a fairly wide layer of flat epithelium. It looks like a pink, shiny and smooth surface, if you examine the organ with a gynecological mirror.
So it is, if the cervical ectopia is not congenital, which also happens. But more often this pathology is acquired and rarely exists alone. The most common accompaniment, more precisely, the reason for occurrence is inflammation of the mucous cervical canal.
Causes of the combined pathology of
Cervical ectopia of the cervix along with chronic cervicitis can have a different nature, arising from the fault:
- of a viral infection. The most dangerous among all is papillomavirus, because it is easily introduced into epithelial cells and causes dangerous changes leading to precancerous conditions, especially of cervical dysplasia;
- Bacterial infections, more often transmitted from a sexual partner. The most common of the causing cervicitis with ectopic lesion of the cervix is chlamydia;
- Inflammation of the vulva and vagina. Vulvites, colpitis, vaginitis easily pass into cervicitis and subsequent ectopy;
- Changes in the microflora of the vagina due to lack of cleanliness. Reproduction of pathogenic bacteria and a decrease in the activity of protective biocenosis lead to a weakening of the mucosa not only of this organ, but also of the cervical canal, and consequently of its external part;
- Incorrect antibiotic therapy. These drugs are also able to negatively affect the microflora of the vagina. The disturbed balance of useful and conditionally pathogenic bacteria reduces the protection of tissues, their proper development;
- Hormonal disorders. Excessive growth of epithelial cells of the cervical canal is caused by a high concentration of estrogens. The cause of this can be and incorrectly selected contraceptive;
- Associated pathologies. This is mainly a disease of the urinary system. Located near the reproductive organs, it easily transmits bacteria to them. The epithelium is also weakened by diabetes mellitus, other systemic diseases that affect the metabolic processes and hormonal background.
Cervical ectopia chronic cervicitis can cause itself if it is congenital. Cylindrical cells are more prone to destruction than flat epithelium. Their presence on the cervix makes it more vulnerable even to the bacteria in the vagina. The onset of sexual activity can also be marked by mechanical damage to the epithelium. Inflammation as a result extends from the outer part of the cervix and passes into the cervical canal.
We recommend reading the article about the cervical cysts. You will learn about the symptoms and causes of the onset of the disease, the dangers of the neoplasm and how to get rid of it.
How dangerous is the long-term presence of cervicitis and ectopia
Simultaneous presence of both pathologies means a change in each other processes of destruction of cells of the epithelium and their regeneration. The first will prevail, and the second will take on a character that can lead to the appearance of other tumors, not necessarily benign. Polyps of the cervical canal and cervix, dysplasia, cancerous tumors are the likely consequences of cervical ectopy and chronic cervicitis, unless seriously treated.
Cervicitis, cervical ectopia in need of treatment. But it is better not to admit diseases by following hygiene, avoiding casual connections, abortions, regularly visiting a gynecologist.