Cervical ulcers are one of the common health problems that affect women in the fertile and childbearing age. Where do they come from? What are the signs of recovery?
Where do cervical ulcers come from?
Cervical ulcer is a type of infection that affects the cells of the uterus, which leads to the proliferation of the soft cells lining the cervix to the outer surface of the cervix.
The area of cell proliferation appears outwardly as if it is eroded, because the color of the cells tends to be dark red, different from the natural color of the cells of the surface of the cervix.
The term uterine ulcer also refers to an ulcer of the cervix.
There is a link between the occurrence of cervical ulcers and an increase in the hormone estrogen, and its level is high during adolescence, during pregnancy, and during the ovulation period, which increases the risk of cervical ulcers.
Possible causes of cervical ulcers
- An infection in the reproductive system that leads to infections in the vagina and cervix.
- Birth control methods, such as hormonal birth control pills.
- Injuries to the cervix resulting from multiple births.
- Hormonal disturbance during the menstrual cycle.
- Having allergies;
- Lack of personal hygiene and care.
- Uterine cancer.
- Chronic cervical infections.
- Immune disorders.
- Extreme friction during marital relations.
Read also: What are the symptoms of uterine ulcers?
Symptoms of severe uterine ulcers
In most cases of cervical ulcer, no obvious symptoms appear, and the doctor discovers the shape of the cervical ulcer during the examination by chance.
But there are some symptoms that appear in severe cases, for example:
- Heavy vaginal discharge containing blood or mucus.
- Feeling pain during and after marital relations.
- Bleeding after intercourse.
- Pain in the pelvic or abdominal area.
- Vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods, especially after strenuous physical exertion.
- Frequent urination and a feeling of pain and difficulty during it.
Book your consultation now at Women's Health Center At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital
What does a cervical ulcer look like?
The appearance of a cervical ulcer appears during a vaginal examination in the form of a bright red spot that is noticeable from the color of normal uterine cells in the cervical area, and bleeding may occur during the examination.
The color of the blood of the uterine ulcer
Vaginal discharge appears mucous or mucus with blood spots or purulent mucus in the cervical area.
Uterine ulcers and sexual intercourse
Having a uterine ulcer directly affects marital relations.
Doctors advise against having sexual intercourse during the treatment period for uterine ulcers, in order to avoid deterioration of the condition and the occurrence of some complications, for example:
- Increased bleeding during intercourse.
- High chances of bacteria entering the uterus and causing infection.
- Increased risk of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.
You may be interested to know: What is the relationship between uterine ulcers and sexual intercourse?
How do I know that I have a cervical ulcer?
There are two ways to detect a cervical ulcer:
- First: the apparent symptoms
Symptoms cannot be relied upon in the first stage of infection;
While symptoms appear in the late stage of infection, the diagnosis can be confirmed later by examination.
- Second: examination and x-rays
Cervical ulcers are diagnosed in several ways, including:
- Pelvic examinationThe gynecologist examines the pelvic area to look for any tumor or pain. Bleeding may occur after the examination in the event of a cervical ulcer.
- Vaginal ultrasound: This is to examine the cells of the vagina and cervix, and in this case the appearance of a cervical ulcer appears in the form of a red spot that is brighter in color than the surrounding cervical lining.
- Pap smear: Using a small cotton swab, the doctor takes a sample of vaginal and cervical secretions for examination in the laboratory and examination of cervical cells.
Does a uterine ulcer go away without cauterization?
Before answering this question, it is worth noting that uterine ulcers do not require treatment in most cases.
After knowing the cause of the ulcer and preventing it, the symptoms disappear. In cases of pregnancy, the ulcer heals and the symptoms disappear 3 to 6 months after birth.
In cases where the infection was due to the use of hormonal contraceptives, the doctor changes the type of contraceptive method or prescribes another type of pill.
The doctor may resort to treating uterine ulcers in late cases of infection, or when the symptoms pose great inconvenience to the patient or the possibility of complications is great.
Returning to the answer to the question: Does a uterine ulcer go away without cauterization?
Treatment with cauterization for cervical ulcers is one of the main and effective treatment methods. Treatment with cauterization includes 3 methods, as follows:
Heat ironing
The doctor uses a small instrument that generates heat and directs it at the outer layer of the cervix in the area of the ulcer to remove it.
After the heat cauterization process, some women may feel pain similar to menstrual pain for two weeks and some watery secretions mixed with blood.
Cold ironing
The doctor uses an instrument that generates intense cold that freezes the cervical cells at the site of the ulcer.
After undergoing the cryocautery procedure, it is normal for some women to notice copious watery secretions, and a doctor must be consulted immediately if these secretions become yellow in color or have a foul odor.
Ironing with silver nitrate
The doctor uses cauterization with silver nitrate to remove the ulcer, and it is normal for black, watery secretions to appear for a week after undergoing the operation.
It is worth noting that the cauterization process is performed in the clinic, and the doctor uses only local anesthesia during the procedure, and the patient does not need to stay in the hospital.
There are some tips that must be followed after undergoing the cauterization procedure to treat a cervical ulcer, for example:
- Not having sexual intercourse for a month after the operation;
- Do not use tampons for at least 4 weeks after the operation;
Find out the answer to the question: How do I know that I have a uterine ulcer?
Signs of healing from a cervical ulcer
- Lack of vaginal discharge: These secretions disturb women, especially during sexual intercourse. One of the most important first signs of recovery from a cervical ulcer is a lack of secretions.
- Disappearance of symptoms: The disappearance of symptoms of bleeding from the vagina between menstrual cycles, the disappearance of mucous vaginal discharge, and also pain in the pelvic area during urination or sexual intercourse are signs of complete recovery from a cervical ulcer.
- Improved appearance of the cervix: The bright red spot that appears during vaginal examination disappears and the cervical cells return to their normal color.
In conclusion, cervical ulcers are not worrisome and do not show symptoms in the first simple cases, and they are not contagious in themselves.
But if the form of cervical ulcer is diagnosed during examination or symptoms appear in severe cases, it must be treated immediately.
If you are suffering from any symptoms of a cervical ulcer, you can book a consultation immediately at Al-Mousa Hospital, where we provide excellent care with the latest advanced devices and methods. For more information about the available treatment methods, you should contact…
