Cervicitis of the cervix: causes, symptoms, treatment. Cytology of a smear from the cervical canal and the norm of analysis Burning in the cervical canal in women

Patients with various women's diseases come to our clinic. Among them, clinic doctors often diagnose pathologies of the cervical canal of the cervix: polyps, cysts, inflammation, etc.

The main function of the genital organs is reproductive, and it is very important that their diseases cannot lead to infertility or menstrual dysfunction. Therefore, every woman should undergo preventive examinations at least once a year.

Working in the clinic, will help to diagnose and cure the disease in a timely manner. The earlier the disease is detected, the greater the chance of curing it and not turning it into a chronic form.

What is the cervical canal

The internal female genital organs are located in the lower part of the abdominal cavity and consist of the cervix, which is visible when viewed in mirrors, and the body of the uterus, which is located in the abdominal cavity (pelvis). From the uterus (from its corners) the fallopian tubes depart and under the fallopian tubes, on both sides, the ovaries are located. The cervix is ​​either cylindrical or conical.

Nature has thought of a lot and in order to protect the female body from coming from the vagina and to keep pregnancy during gestation, there are 2 narrowings in the cervical canal, the so-called pharynx (internal pharynx and external pharynx). The doctor examines the external pharynx during examination in the "mirrors". Pinpoint pharynx - typical for nulliparous women, slit-like - for those who gave birth or had an abortion.

It is located inside the neck. It is the cervical canal that forms the connection between the external and internal organs. It is through it that an infection from the vagina can enter and spread into the abdominal cavity. During childbirth, the cervix shortens and a baby is born through the flattened cervical canal. The canal, uterus and vagina form the birth canal.

The inner layer The cervical canal is lined with epithelium that produces mucus. The epithelium is hormone-dependent and produces a different secret, depending on the day of the menstrual cycle. It is by the mucus in the cervical canal, in the middle of the menstrual cycle, that the doctor determines the “pupil symptom” - a sign of ovulation. During pregnancy, it is in the cervical canal that the epithelium forms mucus - a plug, the discharge of which is a harbinger of the onset of labor.

When viewed on the mirrors, the doctor pays attention to surface of the cervix. If it is smooth, light pink in color, then there is no problem. The doctor examines the border of the epithelium of the cervix and the epithelium of the cervical canal. If the border of the epithelium is displaced or there is an erosive surface, the doctor describes the location and size of the identified pathology. In addition to a visual examination, the doctor can conduct a Schiller test with staining of the cervical mucosa with an iodine-containing solution. In addition, a colposcopy can be performed.

During postmenopausal, as well as at pregnancy and after childbirth, the cervix undergoes changes. So, during menopause, the mucosa becomes paler, the secret is not produced, dryness in the vagina is noted. The doctor annually conducts scrapings for oncocytology with a special brush from the cervical canal and from the surface of the cervix to the woman in order to detect oncological and pre-oncological diseases in time. During pregnancy, the neck has a cyanotic color.

These are normal physiological changes that occur in a certain period.

The cervical canal does not undergo cyclical changes associated with the menstrual cycle. Only during the period of ovulation does secretion increase.

Pathology of the cervical canal of the cervix

Often, women come to our clinic who complain of increased discharge from the genital tract, their unpleasant odor, bloody discharge after intercourse.

During the examination, the doctor sees only the cervix and the external pharynx of the cervical canal. The main diseases diagnosed in patients on the basis of examination in the mirrors and microbiological examination:

. cervicitis, which is an inflammation of the cervical canal of the cervix (the diagnosis can be made after examination of smears). With prolonged untreated cervicitis, fusion of the walls or infection of the cervical canal may occur. Treatment of cervicitis is reduced to the appointment of anti-inflammatory therapy and local treatment of the cervix and vagina.

. polyps- These are benign neoplasms, the cause of which is the same inflammatory process. The growth of a polyp in the cervical canal can be triggered by hormonal disorders, as well as trauma to the cervix during childbirth or abortion. Our doctors remove polyps surgically. In addition, concomitant therapy is prescribed. Polyps require surgical treatment and after their examination for histology, adequate therapy is prescribed.

. Narrowing, curvature cervical canal - when conducting, the doctor necessarily describes the length and course of the cervical canal, describes the invisible part of the neck. If narrowing, curvature of the cervical canal or partial infection of the canal is detected or suspected, the doctor suggests examining the cervical canal using an optical one. If it is planned to

They are accompanied by uncharacteristic vaginal discharge and discomfort in the lower abdomen. Many of the fair sex ignore such symptoms, attributing them to stress or hypothermia. Among all the pathologies of the female reproductive system, inflammation of the cervical canal occupies an "honorable" place. This is a common disease that responds well to treatment. However, the neglect of the doctor's recommendations for many ladies ends in infertility. What else is dangerous disease?

Essence of pathology

The cervical canal connects the vagina to the uterine cavity. It has the shape of a cone or cylinder, and its length does not exceed 4 cm. It performs two functions: it protects against infections and promotes the advancement of spermatozoa during ovulation. Under the influence of various external and / or internal factors, its mucosa may become inflamed. This disease is called endocervicitis. It does not pose a danger to women's health with timely diagnosis and proper treatment. Otherwise, the pathological process can lead to serious complications.

The main causes of endocervicitis

Inflammation can have an etiology of both infectious and non-infectious nature. In the first case, various pathogenic microorganisms (Candida fungi, streptococci, chlamydia, gonococci, papillomas, and others) act as disease-provoking factors. Most often they enter the body sexually. However, infection is also possible through the digestive tract or lymphatic system. Non-infectious inflammation of the cervical canal in most cases is due to external influences or congenital anatomical defects. This group of causes includes injuries, radiation exposure, tumor formations.

Separately, factors that indirectly affect the development of the inflammatory process should be considered:

• decreased local immunity;
• frequent stress;
• menstruation;
• damage to the tissues of the uterus due to abortion, the installation of a spiral.

Normally, it is always in the lumen of the cervical canal. It protects the uterus from pathogenic flora. Due to various medical manipulations, the cork is deformed, its chemical composition changes. As a result, any infection freely penetrates into the uterine cavity, causing inflammation. Pathogenic flora can also enter the cervical canal along with menstrual blood. Therefore, during this period, it is necessary to pay special attention to the hygiene of the genital organs.

Symptoms and manifestations of the disease

Inflammation of the cervical canal is characterized by a certain clinical picture. First, an unpleasant itching and burning sensation appears in the genital area. Then the symptoms are supplemented by abdominal discomfort and copious discharge. The lack of timely treatment of the acute form of the disease is dangerous by its transformation into a chronic one. In this case, the described symptoms disappear. However, this does not mean that the woman recovered without medical attention. The body thus adapted to the infection, and the disease passed into a latent form. If therapy is neglected at this stage, inflammation can spread to neighboring organs. The prolonged course of the disease leads to changes in the tissues of the uterine canal. As a result, doctors diagnose erosion or dysplasia. The inflammatory process changes the qualitative composition of the mucus produced in the cervix, which threatens infertility.

Establishing diagnosis

Symptoms of inflammation give rise to a diagnostic examination, which allows you to differentiate the pathology from other diseases. What tests need to be done?

1. Bacterial culture from the cervical canal to determine the causative agent of pathology.
2. Colposcopy allows you to assess the area of ​​the lesion.
3. Cytological examination helps to determine the condition of epithelial cells.
4. A smear microscopy is necessary to identify pathogenic flora, assess the inflammatory process (it is confirmed by leukocytes in the cervical canal).

Only after a complete examination of the patient and the identification of the pathogen, the doctor can make a final diagnosis and select therapy.

Drug treatment

The treatment regimen for inflammation depends on its severity and the type of pathogen. Therefore, even at the stage of diagnosis, a bacterial culture from the cervical canal is prescribed. Drug therapy solves several problems at the same time: elimination of pathogenic flora, symptoms of the disease, prevention of relapses. Most often, to eliminate these problems, doctors prescribe the universal antibacterial drug Poligynax.

Additionally, medications are prescribed to restore immune protection. If the cause of the disease is a fungal infection, antibiotics of the tetracycline group (Doxycycline, Monomycin) and macrolides (Erythromycin) are used for treatment. When trichomonas is detected, the use of antiprotozoal agents is considered appropriate. Restoration of the vaginal microflora involves the use of drugs based on lactobacilli. Drugs for treatment and dosage are selected by the doctor, taking into account the state of health of the patient. Self-administration of medications is not recommended. The duration of the course of therapy depends on the neglect of the pathological process.

Curettage of the cervical canal

Usually, to confirm the inflammatory process in the cervical canal, a vaginal smear is taken from the patient, and then sent for histology. Sometimes the cause of the disease cannot be found. In such cases, a curettage procedure is used, during which the upper layer of the endometrium is removed with a special tool for subsequent examination. Over time, it recovers, so all manipulations are safe for the patient's health. As a rule, curettage of the cervical canal is prescribed for suspected malignant nature of the disease.

Ways to prevent inflammation

To prevent the development of pathology, you should go through twice a year. If any of the listed symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor. Examination and a number of tests can confirm inflammation of the cervical canal. Treatment is prescribed after a diagnostic examination. Only on the basis of the patient's complaints, the doctor cannot confirm the diagnosis and prescribe medications. You can avoid this disease if you follow fairly simple rules:

• use condoms during sexual intercourse;
• do not neglect personal hygiene;
• regularly undergo examination by a gynecologist;
• have one permanent sexual partner.

Under the cervical canal understand that part of the uterus, which is located between the vagina and the uterine cavity and connects them. Inflammation of the canal mucosa is called endocervicitis. Most often this disease affects women of working age.

Causes of inflammation of the cervical canal

The causes of endocervitis are infectious and non-infectious. The first include infection with microorganisms such as gonococci, E. coli, trichomonas, candida, ureaplasma, staphylococcus, herpes and papillomaviruses. Non-infectious causes of inflammation can be trauma, neoplasms, radiation, cervical erosion, cervical prolapse. However, they are quite rare.

Most often, the disease begins with an inflammatory process in the vagina, which then passes to the cervix. Often it is accompanied by colpitis.

But not all women necessarily get endocervitis. There are several factors that are provoking in the development of the disease. These include:

· Deformation of the cervix after abortion, probing of the uterus, insertion of an intrauterine device, trauma during childbirth, diagnostic curettage;

Local or general decrease in immunity after inflammation of the genital organs;

The onset of normal menstruation;

Normally, in the lumen of the cervical canal, there is almost always a mucous plug that protects the uterine cavity from the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms from the vagina. With various medical manipulations, the cork is destroyed, its physical and chemical composition changes, as a result of which the infection can freely enter the uterus through the cervical canal, thereby causing endocervicitis, and then endometritis.

The infection can also enter the cervical canal with menstrual blood. That is why it is during this period that it is especially necessary to remember the rules of personal hygiene.

Symptoms of inflammation of the cervical canal

What are the symptoms of endocervicitis? From the first days in the genital area there is a burning sensation, itching, pain in the lower abdomen of a pulling nature, discomfort during sexual intercourse, discharge is plentiful or in a small amount. If treatment is not started in a timely manner, then the acute period turns into a chronic course.

Complaints, of course, will no longer be, but this does not mean that the woman has recovered. It's just that the disease went into a latent period, and the female body adapted to the infection. If it is not treated, then the inflammation will spread to neighboring organs and complications may arise in the future.

In some cases, endocervicitis is asymptomatic and does not affect the health of a woman, however, the presence of inflammation in the cervical canal can lead to pathological changes in the cervix and serve as a basis for the development of cervical erosion, and then its dysplasia. When the canal becomes inflamed, the composition of the cervical mucus changes, which may subsequently be one of the reasons.

Diagnostics

In order to prevent and diagnose the disease, a woman should visit a gynecologist at least once a year. If you have any complaints, you also need to visit a doctor to identify the nature of the disease and its treatment. The diagnosis is made in the complex, after questioning and examination of the patient.

Typically, women conduct the following studies:

Inspection with the help of gynecological mirrors - in the presence of inflammation, redness and swelling are observed in the area of ​​the cervical canal, purulent discharge;

Smear microscopy - during its implementation, the intensity of inflammation is determined by the number of leukocytes and the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in the canal;

Bacteriological examination of smears, revealing the causative agent of the disease;

Colposcopy - it visually shows signs of inflammation through the use of a special device - a colposcope, with special illumination and optical magnification;

Cytological examination of a smear after colposcopy - in this case, epithelial cells are examined.

Only after a thorough examination and identification of the strain of the pathogen, the doctor makes a diagnosis and prescribes individual treatment. It will depend on the cause of the disease and the duration of its course.

Depending on the condition of the woman, she is prescribed appropriate drug therapy, which can be supplemented with immunostimulating therapy to maintain immunity. After treatment, antifungal therapy is carried out, the restoration of the vaginal microflora. After recovery, to confirm the result, the woman is recommended to re-take tests after a while.

Endocervitis can be avoided if you follow simple and effective rules: be confident in your sexual partner or always use condoms, observe intimate hygiene and undergo an annual preventive examination by a doctor with mandatory testing. All this will help a woman to be always confident in her health!

Expert editor: Mochalov Pavel Alexandrovich| MD therapist

Education: Moscow Medical Institute. I. M. Sechenov, specialty - "Medicine" in 1991, in 1993 "Occupational diseases", in 1996 "Therapy".

Cervicitis (from Latin cervix - neck) is an inflammatory disease of the outer or inner part of the cervix. As a rule, it develops together with inflammation of the uterus and vagina, since all these structures are closely interconnected. The disease occurs in women of reproductive age and in the postmenopausal period. Often, cervicitis causes an infection that is sexually transmitted, especially if it is viruses,. An unpleasant feature of the disease is frequent chronicity and an imperceptible course, which leads to a belated diagnosis. Why is cervicitis dangerous and what consequences await a woman?

What is cervix?

The cervix or cervix is ​​the narrowest part of the organ, a kind of entrance to the uterus. The uterus is a hollow muscular organ, which can be imagined as a bag, turned upside down. Its lower part looks like a dense tube several centimeters long - this is the neck. Inside it passes a narrow cervical canal, normally tightly closed and filled with mucus.

The cervix canal opens into the vagina - this is the vaginal portion or ectocervix. She is seen by a gynecologist when examining the patient's vagina. A woman herself can feel it with her fingers when inserting a hygienic tampon, vaginal suppository or cervical cap. The ectocervix looks like a pale pink disc with a hole or a small gap in the center.

During pregnancy, the cervix contracts tightly and holds the fetus with amniotic membranes and water in the uterus. Just before the birth, it softens and relaxes, and directly in the process of giving birth, the cervical canal expands up to 10 cm in order to let the baby out. Dysfunction of the cervix leads to miscarriage, violation of the biomechanism of childbirth.

The function of the cervix is ​​​​a safe communication of the uterine cavity with the vagina. On the one hand, the cervical canal freely passes spermatozoa and menstrual blood, on the other hand, it reliably protects against the penetration of pathogenic microbes. It is filled with mucus, which is produced by the glands of the epithelium of the cervix. The consistency of mucus changes throughout the menstrual cycle. It is most fluid during the period of ovulation, in order to freely skip sperm and facilitate conception. Closer to menstruation and immediately after it, the mucus is dense, thick and contains a large amount of protective antibodies. Thus, it prevents the infection from being thrown from the vagina into the uterus and above.

The immediate causes of cervicitis in most cases are bacteria, viruses and protozoa:

• gonococci;
• trichomonas;
• genital herpes virus;
• human papilloma virus;
• streptococci;
• staphylococci;
• mycoplasmas;
• chlamydia;
• ureaplasma;
• mycobacterium tuberculosis;
• pathogenic fungus candida.

Of all these bacteria, only gonococcus is aggressive enough to penetrate the cervical mucus into the cervix and cause inflammation in it. Most other pathogens require additional factors to undermine the immune system and reduce protection:

• childbirth, abortion, miscarriage;
• surgery, endoscopic examination of the uterus, appendages;
• HIV infection;
• malformations of the reproductive system;
• chronic infectious and somatic diseases;
• hormonal imbalance;
• menopause;
• prolapse of the uterus and vagina;
• traumatic sexual intercourse;
• the use of irritating compounds for personal hygiene and contraception (one of the exotic methods is douching with lemon juice).

Immunity cells completely or partially eliminate the pathogen. In the first case, the disease completely disappears, and in the second it passes into a chronic stage. Some microorganisms are able to hide for years inside the cells of the epithelium and periodically cause an exacerbation of the disease.

The outcome of inflammation is the complete restoration of the cervix or excessive growth of connective tissue in it with the formation of adhesions. Prolonged cervicitis can lead to thickening of the cervical epithelium and blockage of the mouths of the mucous glands in its thickness. In this case, the secret accumulates inside the gland, gradually stretching it, which eventually forms a cyst. Such cervicitis is called cystic (follicular).

Types of pathology

Cervicitis is an extensive pathology, so doctors divide it into various types for convenience and understanding of the causes of the process. According to the duration of the flow, there are:

• acute - lasts no more than 6 months;
• chronic - lasts more than six months.

Depending on the cause, cervicitis can be:

• specific - it is caused by pathogenic bacteria (gonorrheal, viral, chlamydial, ureaplasma);
• nonspecific - develop under the influence of conditionally pathogenic microorganisms (staphylococcal, streptococcal, candidal). Often, an association of bacteria becomes the cause of inflammation - several of their species are isolated at once.

Nonspecific cervicitis is a consequence of a violation of the hormonal balance or the immune defense of the body. Specific, on the other hand, can develop against the background of complete health, if the pathogen is aggressive enough and enters the vagina in large quantities. Candidal cervicitis develops only against the background of severe immunodeficiency, for example, in women infected with HIV. Cervicitis is often observed during pregnancy.

In women during menopause, atrophic cervicitis develops, associated with a decrease in the concentration of estrogen in the blood. The secretory epithelium of the cervical canal produces an insufficient amount of mucus and becomes thinner, which leads to persistent sluggish inflammation.

The nature of the inflammation can be distinguished:

• purulent cervicitis - the cervical canal is filled with pus, the cause is usually gonococcus and opportunistic microflora;
• productive - healing processes predominate through excessive formation of connective tissue - scars, partitions;
• proliferative - chronic inflammation leads to the growth of the epithelium of the cervical canal with the formation of polyps.

Occasionally, cervicitis is allergic in nature. An inflammatory reaction can develop to latex, spermicidal agents, intimate lubricants.

How does the disease manifest itself?

The symptoms of cervicitis are so non-specific and blurred that often the patient does not pay attention to them and misses the acute stage of the disease. It may appear:

Signs of chronic cervicitis are quite difficult to track. It proceeds through the stages of complete calm and exacerbations, and inflammation during activation of the disease is expressed very moderately. The main symptoms of ill health that attract attention are vaginal discharge - cloudy, mucous, white or yellowish in color, practically odorless. There may also be pain during friction during sex.

Occasionally, a long delay in menstruation develops if the walls of the cervical canal are completely fused with each other. Chronic cervicitis is usually found during a screening examination, as it is not uncommon for a woman to have no signs of the disease.

How does inflammation affect pregnancy?

The cervical canal passes directly into the uterine cavity, as a result of which it is in close contact with the developing child, its membranes and waters. At a short gestational age, an ascending infection from the cervix can lead to damage to the embryo, its death and miscarriage.

At a later date, pregnant women also remain at risk of infection of the fetus, due to which it may lag behind in development or even die. In addition, there is a risk of developing cervical insufficiency. Thinned by years of inflammation, the cervix is ​​not able to withstand the pressure of a growing child and opens ahead of time. This leads to premature birth and often to the loss of the baby.

Is it possible to get pregnant with cervicitis if the inflammation of the cervix lasts a long time? With intact patency of the cervical canal, there are no obstacles for the passage of spermatozoa and pregnancy can occur naturally. If the processes of formation of adhesions, scars predominate, or there is a complete fusion of the walls of the cervix, then the woman becomes infertile. Such infertility is considered reversible: restoration of cervical patency is performed surgically.

How is cervicitis diagnosed?

The diagnosis is established by a gynecologist based on the examination of the woman, the collection of anamnesis and familiarization with the symptoms of the disease. The fertile age of the patient, frequent change of sexual partners, neglect of condoms, and a recent sexually transmitted disease speak in favor of cervicitis. Moderate pain syndrome or its complete absence, unusual vaginal discharge also indicate inflammation of the cervix.

When examining on a chair, the doctor examines the vagina and cervix using a mirror. He sees inflammation of the vaginal portion of the cervix as an erosion of a bright red color on its surface. Unlike true erosion, the cause of which is a change in the type of epithelium on the cervix, cervicitis leads to the appearance of pseudo-erosion. It is inflammatory in nature, but the epithelium remains the same - flat multi-row.

Gonorrheal lesion manifests itself clearly: the cervix is ​​swollen, bright red, pus oozes from the cervical canal. Trichomonas infection is characterized by a granular appearance of the ectocervix, outwardly it resembles a strawberry. Herpetic cervicitis occurs with severe inflammation: the cervix is ​​red, a focal erosive process develops on its surface - an analogue of vesicles with fluid in herpes of a different localization. Bacterial cervicitis, caused by nonspecific microflora, also leads to the development of obvious inflammation with swelling and redness of the cervix.

Acute cervicitis leads to pain during the doctor's manipulations with the cervix, so taking a smear can be unpleasant and painful. A gynecologist with a special small brush scrapes epithelial cells from the cervical canal, the analysis of which provides rich information. The resulting material is used for microscopy - a cytogram of cervicitis is compiled. It is dominated by inflammatory cells (leukocytes), destroyed or modified epithelial cells.

The smear is also sown on nutrient media to grow bacterial or fungal colonies. Then they are examined to determine the microflora and its sensitivity to drugs. It takes at least 3-5 days before the results are obtained, therefore, with their help, the previously prescribed therapy is usually corrected.

With a persistent chronic course of cervicitis, a small piece of tissue is taken for analysis - a biopsy. The material is examined under a microscope and in special analyzers. A sign of chronic inflammation is lymphocytic cervicitis, in which the submucosal layer is filled with immune cells (lymphocytes).

Treatment of pathology

Treatment of cervicitis allows you to eliminate the cause of the disease, stop the inflammatory reaction, and restore the reproductive function of a woman. It is carried out on an outpatient basis, hospitalization and sick leave are usually not required. If an STI pathogen is detected, both partners should be treated.

Treatment regimen for different types of cervicitis:

• for bacterial infections - treatment with antibiotics (candles Neomycin, Metronidazole), combined anti-inflammatory and antibacterial drugs (Terzhinan). After sanitation, suppositories with useful lactobacilli are prescribed to restore normal microflora (Acilact);
• with fungal infection - use antimycotics: inside Fluconazole, in the vagina - Natamycin tablets, suppositories with econazole;
• with chlamydial infection - a combination of several antibiotics (Tetracycline + Azithromycin) is prescribed for a period of at least 21 days;
• with atrophic inflammation, the introduction of suppositories, creams, gels containing estriol (Divigel) into the vagina helps.

Cysts, adhesions, adhesions, polyps of the cervical canal are surgically removed to restore the patency of the cervix.

Since cervicitis and erosion (pseudo-erosion) are essentially the same disease, after treatment, a woman needs to be seen by a gynecologist and go through. The inflammatory process on the cervix increases the risk of developing cancer, but a thorough examination using colposcopy allows you to identify it in its earliest stages and successfully eliminate it.

The cervical canal is located in the cervix - the gynecological organ that connects the uterine cavity and the vagina. The cylindrical epithelium covering this organ forms a canal, the internal inflammation of which is called endocervicitis, and with the involvement of surrounding tissues in the process, cervicitis. Exocervicitis is an inflammatory process of the cervix in the vaginal part.

The disease in a mild form can be asymptomatic, and in an acute form it is quite painful. If the inflammation of the cervical canal is not treated, its symptoms are smoothed out, and the disease becomes chronic.

Causes of inflammation of the epithelium of the cervical canal

Cervicitis can cause the following reasons:

• Diseases of the genitourinary system of various etiologies- colpitis, cervical erosion, cystitis, endometritis, adnexitis;
• venereal infections- the most dangerous is the introduction of gonococci and Trichomonas;
• Nonspecific infections that appear during the introduction of the intestinal flora or staphylococci and streptococci by lymphogenic and hematogenous routes;
• Diagnostic procedures and surgical interventions
• The use of medicines- contraception using spermicides that disrupt the balance of the vaginal flora;
• Age changes- decrease in estrogen levels, prolapse of the vagina and cervix;
• Frequent change of sexual partners- albeit healthy - if barrier contraception is not used, due to a change in the quality of the flora.

The development of the inflammatory process occurs against the background of a decrease in the immune status.

Pregnancy can provoke inflammation of the cervical canal, since during it the hormonal background changes, the nature of the secretion produced and immunity decreases - otherwise the body rejects the embryo and prevents it from gaining a foothold in the endometrium of the uterus.

Another factor influencing the occurrence of the disease is menstruation. Menstrual blood is thrown into the cervix, and if personal hygiene rules are violated - a rare change of tampons or pads - pathogenic microorganisms begin to develop in a favorable environment, causing an inflammatory process.

Symptoms of cervicitis

Against the background of chlamydia, the disease most often occurs without pronounced symptoms, most acutely with the introduction of gonococci. The patient experiences severe suffering with acute inflammation of the cervical canal, and moderate - with chronic.

Common signs of cervicitis, as well as endocervicitis and exocervicitis.

1. Allocations of a different nature - from abundant mucous to purulent, foamy.
2. Itching or severe burning in the vagina, heaviness in the lower abdomen.
3. Frequent urination.

The temperature may rise, bleeding may appear after intercourse. Exacerbation of the disease is observed after the next menstruation.

In chronic cervicitis, the cervix thickens, small cysts form on it - if erosion was one of the symptoms of the disease.

Self-medication only suppresses the inflammatory process, in order to eliminate it, you should definitely contact a gynecologist to find out the causes that caused inflammation in the cervical canal and eliminate them with targeted actions.

Diagnosis of cervicitis

The clinical picture of inflammation of the cervical canal of the cervix is ​​quite typical and the doctor can see it during a gynecological examination. But it must be said that many female diseases cause visually similar symptoms, therefore, without laboratory and some hardware examinations, the diagnosis is not established.

During the examination, the doctor takes smears:

• on the flora - a diagnostic measure in which the nature of the flora that inhabits the vagina and cervical canal is clarified;
• for cytological examination- to detect rebirth at an early stage at the cellular level.

If the initial diagnosis is confirmed, the vaginal microflora is cultured to determine sensitivity to antibacterial drugs, an ultrasound examination with an intravaginal sensor is prescribed, and a urine test is taken.

In addition, you may need to know the result of the blood test for the presence of antibodies to hepatitis, HIV infection, Wasserman reaction.

If inflammation of the cervical canal is accompanied by erosive damage, endoscopy is done. If cervicitis is chronic, then it is necessary to take tissue for a biopsy - this examination is carried out immediately after the next menstruation.

Treatment of inflammation of the cervical canal

Since the disease can be caused by various causes, the therapeutic regimen is prescribed taking into account the already discovered factors. They try to start treatment in the acute phase, when the symptoms are most pronounced, preventing the transition to a chronic process.

To eliminate pathogenic bacteria, systemically antibacterial, antiviral or hormonal drugs are used systemically. If a concomitant disease is a urinary tract infection or human papillomavirus, then cytostatics are included in the therapeutic regimen. The use of topical drugs in the acute form of the infection is considered ineffective and even dangerous - this can provoke the spread of infection into the uterus in an ascending way.

During menopause, in the absence of severe symptoms, treatment with hormone replacement therapy may be required.

If the cause of the infection is a fungal flora, then antifungal drugs are used, with an exacerbation of herpes - antiviral drugs.

If inflammation of the cervical canal causes erosion, then it is impossible to get rid of the disease without surgical measures.

In this case, erosion can be eliminated by cauterization in various ways:

1. liquid nitrogen - cryotherapy, exposure to low temperature;
2. radio wave method;
3. radio currents;
4. laser exposure.

If the erosions are small, then the doctor applies a chemical to the surface of the wounds, causing the appearance of crusts and scarring, for large erosions, tissue excision and, later, a histological examination of the sample may be required.

After treatment of the disease, agents are prescribed that restore the microflora of the vagina - acidophilus bacteria or bifidumbacterin in various forms. Vitamin preparations and immunomodulators are necessarily introduced into the therapeutic regimen to restore the immune status.

What medications to use for each form of the disease, the doctor must decide. Self-medication is extremely dangerous - a disease that becomes chronic makes it difficult to conceive, and pregnancy against the background of cervicitis will not proceed well.

Cervicitis and pregnancy

During pregnancy, inflammation of the cervical canal can be a serious problem. It is very dangerous if pathogenic microorganisms rise in an ascending way and penetrate into the uterine cavity, causing infection of the fetus.

The earlier the inflammatory process begins, the more dangerous it is. Pathogenic microorganisms can cause:

• violation of the formation of the body of the unborn baby;
• stop the development of pregnancy;
• provoke an early miscarriage.

At a later date pregnancy introduction of infection.