Cervical Ectropion

Who is the information for? What is its aim?

This page is for you if you have been informed that you have a condition called cervical ectropion (previously known as cervical erosion or ectopy). This page explains what the condition is, the treatments available and will give you contact numbers if you have any queries.

What is cervical ectropion?

It is a normal occurrence in which the delicate, glandular cells that line the cervical canal spread out onto the surface of the cervix. It appears red because the glandular cells that line the cervical canal are thinner compared to the thicker squamous cells that are on the outside of the cervix.

Cervical ectropion is related to the hormone oestrogen and is therefore common in younger women, pregnant women and those taking the oral combined contraceptive pill.

It is not linked to the development of cervical cancer or any other condition that causes cancer.

Signs and symptoms

For the majority of women, cervical ectropion does not cause any problems and may resolve on its own over time. However, in some women it may cause an increase in vaginal discharge or unexpected vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods or after sexual intercourse.

There may be bleeding at the time of a cervical cytology test (smear) if you are eligible for this.

Treatment

Before undertaking treatment it is important to rule out infection, inflammation and any possibility of abnormality. This may include swabs being taken and occasionally a cervical biopsy may be taken.

After investigations, you may be offered treatment if your symptoms are troublesome. A decision to treat your ectropion will depend on any tests that have been performed recently by your GP or any investigations performed in clinic.

Treatment is not always necessary as symptoms may resolve by themselves. How long this takes is variable. You may therefore continue to have symptoms but can be reassured that you will come to no harm. It is important that you attend for cervical screening within the recommended screening

Sometimes switching from combined oral contraceptive pill to a different contraception (under medical review) can help to resolve a cervical ectropion.

The ectropion can easily be treated with cautery; either using;

• Diathermy (under local anaesthetic)
• Silver Nitrate

For all treatments you will be placed on a couch with your legs supported and an instrument called a speculum is inserted into the vagina to allow us to visualise your cervix.

The type of treatment performed will be discussed with you by your practitioner prior to the procedure.

Cautery using diathermy

Local anaesthetic is injected into the cervix. An instrument called a coagulation ball which uses an electric current is used and the top layer of cells on your cervix are cauterised.

Aftercare
You may have a slight bloody, watery discharge for up to two weeks. It is advisable to use pads and not tampons during this time to help reduce the risk of infection. You may wish to avoid sexual intercourse until the discharge has settled. You may experience ‘period’ type pain after the treatment once the local anaesthetic has worn off. You may take whichever pain relief you normally use, such as paracetamol.

Cautery using silver nitrate

Silver nitrate is a chemical stick that is applied to the ectropion and cauterises the area. It takes approximately one to two minutes. It is not used on large areas. Local anaesthetic is not required.

Aftercare
You may get some watery, black discharge for up to one week. This will stain your underwear. It is advisable to use pads and not tampons during this time to help reduce the risk of infection. You may wish to avoid sexual intercourse until the discharge has settled. If you do have intercourse, it is advisable to use a condom as the silver nitrate on the cervix may burn your partner.

Benefits
Treatments are effective in helping to improve your symptoms.

Risks / side effects
In some cases the treated cervix may become infected and if the discharge becomes particularly heavy with an offensive odour you should contact your own GP for investigation and treatment if needed. A minority of women have no improvement in their symptoms and may require further assessment. There is a small risk of bleeding, which may occur during the procedure and is easily controlled.

If you have any concerns after having treatment, please :

• Contact or visit your GP
• Or, phone Emergency gynaecology assessment unit (Clinic 24) 01223 217636 Monday to Friday 08.00 – 20.00 Weekends 08.30 – 14.30, Closed Bank holidays

Useful Websites:

• Cancer Research UK
• NHS Population screening programmes
• The British Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology
• The Eve Appeal

References / sources of evidence

• Cervical screening (NHS website) (opens in a new tab)
• Shafi M, Nazeer S (2012). Colposcopy a Practical Guide; Second Edition. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

Privacy and dignity

We acknowledge that the procedure can be embarrassing or distressing. Every effort will be made to ensure your privacy and dignity throughout.