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Cervical Ectopy Treatment

Cervical ectopy refers to a condition in which the lining of the cervix becomes damaged or dissolves. Red, inflamed tissue from the cervical canal, called endocervical tissue, replaces the normal squamous epithelium (cervical lining) and gives the condition its name. Also referred to as cervical erosion or cervical ulceration, cervical ectopy has a number of different causes. The condition may be caused by trauma from intercourse or inserting a tampon or other foreign object. It may be indicative of pre-cervical cancer, or caused by a sexually transmitted disease. Finally, it may be caused by chemicals in douches or spermicides.

  1. Treatment

    • Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the erosion. In some cases, simply avoiding further trauma to the cervix is all that is required to cure the condition. This could mean avoiding exposure to chemicals, refraining form intercourse or not inserting anything into the cervix until it has time to heal, according to Lifespan.org. The body will heal itself and the cervical lining will return. If the condition is caused by an underlying illness---like an STD or pre-cervical cancer, treatment may require treating the underlying cause of the problem.

    Cauterization

    • In some cases, severe cervical ectopy does not clear up on its own. In those instances, a procedure called cauterization may be used to treat the condition. Cauterization involves inserting a small probe into the cervix to administer electrical current to the inflamed endocervical tissue that has invaded the cervix. Once this tissue is destroyed by the electrical current, healthy tissue can grow in its place. Cauterization is generally a painless procedure, done on an out-patient basis.

    Other Treatments

    • Antibiotics may be administered to clear up any underlying infections that are causing the erosion of the cervical lining. An estrogen cream may also be prescribed, which is applied topically to the cervix and vaginal area. The estrogen cream helps to thicken the lining of the cervix. This form of therapy is usually effective at helping to resolve the thinning of the cervical lining and to promote healthy tissue growth.

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