Learn about laser treatment for cervical ectropion

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Doctor Nguyen Thi Man - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vinmec International Hospital Da Nang.
Cervical ectropion is a common benign lesion in the cervix caused by glandular cells in the cervical canal appearing on the outside of the cervix, increasing secretions. Although not life-threatening, the disease causes many inconveniences in daily life. Using laser to treat cervical ectropion is a safe and effective method. So does this measure cause pain or leave sequelae? Let's find out with us in this article.

1. What is cervical ectropion?

Cervical ectropion is an inflammation of the cervix that is exposed. In which:
Cervical ectropion is caused by glandular epithelial cells in the cervical canal that will grow to the outside of the cervix to replace the damaged layer of epithelial cells on the outer surface of the cervix. .
Causes of cervical ectropion can be:
Cervical trauma causing loss of squamous epithelium of the cervix, usually after miscarriage, postpartum, after abortion and neck procedures uterus. Increased ovarian estrogen makes the glands grow strongly, secrete more, easily destroy the squamous epithelium of the cervix. After menopause, the gland often goes away. Congenital leukoplakia, rare, is common in newborn girls because the mother used a lot of estrogen during pregnancy. Because they are glandular cells, they still secrete fluid like when in the cervical canal, causing a lot of vaginal discharge, a favorable factor for infectious agents to easily penetrate and cause cervicitis.

2. Causes of cervical ectropion

The cause of cervical ectropion is usually the cause of vaginitis - cervical:
By bacteria: Streptococcus, staphylococcus, bacilli, E.coli,... Due to parasites : Trichomonas Vaginalis , ... Caused by fungi : Candida , ... Viruses : Herpes , HPV , ...

3. Signs of cervical ectropion

Vaginal discharge is much, the nature of the discharge depends on the cause of the disease. Itching and burning in the genital area. Pain after intercourse. Abdominal pain in the lower abdomen.

4. Treatment methods for cervical ectropion

There are many methods to treat cervical ectropion. Prior to treatment with invasive interventions, vaginal and systemic medications should be administered first. Depending on the cause of the inflammation, your doctor will prescribe medication for you. For example, bacterial causes will use antibiotics, fungal causes will use antifungal drugs.
After treating the infection, invasive methods will be applied to destroy the gland. These are electrocautery, cryotherapy or laser burning.

5. Methods of treating cervical ectropion - Laser burning

What is the effect of laser burning?

If left untreated, the gland will get worse and spread to the outside of the cervix. Laser ablation will destroy the glands that extend to the outer surface of the cervix and facilitate the recovery of the squamous epithelium. Thereby reducing the risk of gynecological infections later.

When to burn laser?

When the patient has been treated for inflammation in the vagina, cervix and 2-3 days after the menstrual period is clear. Cervical ectropion is divided into 4 grades from mild to severe. Electrocautery only applies to route level 3 or higher and depends on the patient's childbearing status. Therefore, you need to be examined and properly assessed the extent of cervical gland lesions before conducting laser burning.

How is laser ablation performed?

Patients will be guided to lie down like a gynecological examination. After stabilizing the patient, the doctor will use an obstetric instrument (speculum) to expose the vagina - cervix. The doctor will observe the lesion and use a laser beam to burn the lesion.

Is laser burning painful?

This procedure is usually painless, only mild burning sensation in the vaginal part.

Follow-up after laser burning?

After the procedure, the patient will be discharged immediately.
During the first month after that, the process of epithelial cell regeneration will cause a lot of vaginal discharge. Therefore, the patient needs to keep the genital area dry during this period. The phenomenon of increased exudation will gradually subside and regenerate into squamous epithelium (no longer exposed) after 6 months.

Conclude

Laser ablation is a commonly used method to treat cervical ectropion. At Vinmec International General Hospital, experienced obstetricians and gynecologists are able to accurately assess the degree of cervical ectropion, simultaneously, and take safe and effective treatment measures. effective.

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