Erosion detected during a routine gynecological examination in almost every second woman of childbearing age is nothing more than a violation of the integrity of the epithelium, the outer layer of the mucous membranes of the cervix. The causes of this pathology are most often called by specialists as infectious diseases and inflammations in the woman’s genitals, hormonal imbalances, mechanical and chemical damage to the neck due to the use of syringes, condoms, etc., promiscuous and / or early sexual life, heredity. The presence of erosion on the uterine neck is not accompanied by any symptoms, and a woman learns about the presence of a problem only at an examination by a gynecologist.
Erosion and Pregnancy
It is not pathology itself that is dangerous, but the consequences that its existence can lead to. Especially if we are talking about a condition such as pregnancy. Cervical erosion is in any case a violation of the normal state of things. If the epithelium is damaged, even to a small extent, then any infection can easily penetrate the body and harm the uterus, appendages, tubes.
Moreover, erosion can from the formation of benign develop into a malignant tumor, and this is a direct threat to the life of not only the fetus, but also the pregnant woman herself. Therefore, for each girl and woman planning to have children, it is important even in the absence of any alarming signs to visit a doctor twice a year for a routine examination, and if erosion is detected, treat her immediately.
What to do if the doctor ascertains pregnancy and at the same time detects erosion on the woman’s cervix ? Firstly, it is necessary to conduct an additional examination to clarify the diagnosis. If, with the exception of erosion, the condition of the genital organs is normal, if the risk of developing cancer cells, that is, dysplasia, is absent or its degree is low, no treatment is prescribed to a pregnant woman, limited to colposcopic and cytological studies every 2-3 months.
Possible degrees of risk
In case of severe dysplasia in the pap test (cytological smear), an individual treatment regimen is developed. The patient is prescribed calposcopy, a smear test for cytology, and diagnosis of highly oncogenic types of human papillomavirus (HPV). If it is impossible to take an HPV test, then another vaginal smear is taken for cytology. When dysplastic cells are again detected in it, colposcopy is performed using a special optical device, an analog of a microscope. Additionally, tests of the cervical mucosa are carried out with iodine and acetic acid.
Based on the results of colposcopy, a scheme for further activities is being developed. The result is satisfactory – the treatment of the disease is not carried out, the woman is simply under special supervision until delivery. If the result is unsatisfactory, the patient is sent for a histological examination of erosion – a biopsy (a pinch of cervical tissue). A biopsy allows you to determine the degree of dysplasia and, accordingly, prescribe further treatment for the pregnant woman.
Standard methods for treating cervical erosion during pregnancy are not used. Cauterization with liquid nitrogen, electric current, radio waves or a laser during the period of bearing a child is prohibited and is carried out no earlier than two months after birth.
In the most unfavorable course of events, that is, when cancer cells are detected, further prolongation or termination of pregnancy is decided by a consultation of doctors. The stage of oncological disease, the general state of the woman’s health, and the gestational age are taken into account. An abortion is usually recommended to terminate a pregnancy in the first trimester. After this, the woman becomes a patient of the oncologist and until complete recovery, there can be no talk of any re-conception of the child.