If not treated early and promptly, cervical ectropion may lead to many serious consequences, such as: causing abnormal fetal development, miscarriage in the first 3 months, premature birth, or difficulty in labor.
1. Cervical ectropion during pregnancy
Cervical ectropion during pregnancy is a common phenomenon in pregnant women in the first 3 months or last 3 months of pregnancy with symptoms of abnormal vaginal discharge such as increased vaginal discharge, green or yellow vaginal discharge with an unpleasant fishy smell. Cervical ectropion can be cured if detected early and treated promptly at a reputable medical facility. On the contrary, if women are subjective, disregard, and delay in examining and treating cervical ectropion, it can cause complications such as blocked fallopian tubes, endometritis, pelvic inflammatory disease... even infertility.
2. Causes of Cervical Ectropion During Pregnancy
- Unprotected sexual intercourse during pregnancy
- Untreated gynecological infections prior to pregnancy or poor hygiene in the genital area
- Moist and excessive discharge in the genital area, allowing bacteria and viruses to penetrate the cervix, causing infection
- Frequently wearing tight, snug underwear that doesn’t allow the genital area to stay dry and ventilated
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy
- Women who have had a miscarriage, abortion, or preterm birth without proper care
- Excessive use of cleansers or feminine hygiene products that disrupt the pH balance, creating conditions that allow bacteria to enter
3. Impact of cervical ectropion during pregnancy
If not treated early and promptly, cervical ectropion may lead to many serious consequences, such as: causing abnormal fetal development, miscarriage in the first 3 months, premature birth, or difficulty in labor
- Grade 1 cervical ectropion: Only 1/3 of the cervical area is infected and has symptoms of increased vaginal discharge, yellowish vaginal discharge accompanied by an itchy and uncomfortable feeling
- Grade 2 cervical ectropion: More than half of the cervix is swollen and has signs of ulceration, pus, and bleeding
- Grade 3 cervical ectropion: More than 2/3 of the cervical area is red, swollen, and inflamed, and if not completely treated, this phenomenon can cause cervical obstruction, miscarriage premature birth, and infertility later. At that time, cesarean section was the preferred method to ensure safety. Doctors believed that any severe infection could lead to placental infection, causing the baby to be born with eye, skin, and respiratory diseases. Therefore, when abnormalities in the genital area are detected, early treatment will help the birth process go smoothly.
About two-thirds of pregnant women experience vaginal bleeding, so women should not be overly stressed or worried but should visit a specialized clinic for examination and advice. In addition to maintaining good hygiene in the genital area, pregnant women should pay special attention during the first and last three months of pregnancy. It is advisable to avoid sexual intercourse and swimming to prevent external bacteria from attacking and worsening cervical inflammation.
Pregnant women diagnosed with cervical ectropion during pregnancy are generally not advised to use methods like electrocauterization due to concerns about the impact on the fetus. Instead, anti-inflammatory medications may be used, and treatment will continue after childbirth.
After examination and ultrasound, the doctor diagnoses a threatened miscarriage and prescribes anti-contraction and pregnancy-preserving drugs. Mothers need to rest, and avoid stress and heavy activities during this time.
Currently, Vinmec International General Hospitals nationwide apply the Laser burning method to treat cervical ectropion. Laser burning will destroy the glands that extend to the outer surface of the cervix and create conditions for the squamous epithelium to recover. Thereby reducing the risk of gynecological infections later.
When treating cervical ectropion at Vinmec, patients are directly examined by experienced obstetricians and gynecologists who can accurately assess the level of cervical ectropion, and at the same time, perform treatment measures safely and effectively.
To arrange an appointment, please call HOTLINE or make your reservation directly HERE. You may also download the MyVinmec app to schedule appointments faster and manage your reservations more conveniently.
