Understanding Cervical Erosion: Degrees and Impacts
Cervical erosion, commonly known in medical terms as cervical ectopy, can be classified into three degrees based on the area of erosion:
Degrees of Cervical Erosion
First degree: This is characterized by erosion affecting less than one-third of the entire cervical area.
Second degree: In this case, erosion covers between one-third and two-thirds of the cervix.
Third degree: This type of erosion involves more than two-thirds of the total cervical area.
Clinical Manifestations of Cervical Erosion
The primary symptom of cervical erosion is increased vaginal discharge. The quantity, nature, color, and odor of the discharge may vary depending on the extent of bacterial infection and inflammation. Discharge can appear as creamy white mucus and, at times, may present as light yellow pus. If polyps form, patients may experience blood-tinged discharge or bleeding after intercourse.
In cases where inflammation spreads from the cervix to the pelvic area, it can result in lower back pain, pelvic heaviness, and dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), which often intensifies during menstruation, bowel movements, or sexual intercourse.
Epidemiology of Cervical Erosion
Cervical erosion is among the most prevalent inflammatory diseases affecting the female reproductive system, particularly in married women. A study conducted in a city in Hubei province revealed that the incidence rate of cervical erosion among employed married women stands at a significant 43.89%. Of these cases, 70.12% were classified as mild, 27.86% as moderate, and 2.02% as severe. Most cases were identified as simple types, accounting for 56.69%, while papillary and granular types comprised 43.31%. Alarmingly, rural women demonstrated even higher incidence rates.
Despite being a localized condition, cervical erosion significantly impacts both physical and mental health. It not only causes discomfort but also poses risks for infertility and cervical cancer, with studies suggesting that the cervical cancer rate is 4.4 times higher in individuals with cervical erosion compared to the general population. The larger the area of erosion, the greater the associated risks, underscoring the importance of prompt treatment.
Correlation Between Cervical Erosion and Sexual Activity
Research indicates a strong relationship between cervical erosion and sexual activity. Unmarried women typically experience less incidence due to the protective barrier of the hymen, which limits outside bacterial invasion. However, once a woman marries and engages in sexual intercourse, the vaginal environment becomes more "open," exposing it to potential pathogens.
It is crucial to note that maintaining good hygiene during sexual activity generally protects against infections. Normal semen contains antibacterial properties that can help disinfect the vagina. Additionally, the vagina has a natural self-cleaning mechanism, which provides a defense against bacterial invasion. Therefore, consistent and careful hygiene practices before sexual encounters can significantly reduce the risk of inflammatory conditions in the reproductive system.
Conversely, neglecting hygiene during intercourse can allow bacteria to infiltrate the vagina. Given the complex branching of cervical glands and the irregular structure of the cervical canal's mucosa, complete eradication of infections can be challenging, further elevating the risk of reproductive tract inflammation. Reports indicate that the highest occurrence of cervical erosion is among women aged 20-30, accounting for 51.71%, followed closely by the 30-40 age group at 44.20%.
Relation Between Cervical Erosion and Menstrual Cycle
Evidence suggests that the occurrence of cervical erosion is closely linked to the menstrual cycle and its duration. Women with a menstrual cycle of 20 days or less exhibit a 81.80% incidence rate, while those with longer cycles demonstrate a 43.81% rate, highlighting a significant disparity. Furthermore, women whose menstrual periods last two days or fewer have a mere 33.33% chance of developing cervical erosion, compared to an alarming 83.33% incidence for those whose periods last eight days or more.
Importantly, childbirth or miscarriage can lead to varying degrees of cervical lacerations, consequently paving the way for bacterial infections. Chronic exposure to inflammatory secretions can further aggravate erosion. Additionally, repeated procedures such as abortions, diagnostic curettage, and cervical dilation can cause cervical damage, ultimately leading to the onset of cervical erosion.
Conclusion
Recognizing and addressing cervical erosion at an early stage is vital for women's health. Adhering to proper hygiene practices and seeking medical care for any concerning symptoms can lead to effective management and prevention of complications related to this condition.