Cervical erosion in pregnancy

Unfortunately, cervical erosion is often detected during pregnancy. This happens because the latent course of erosion does not allow a woman to suspect something is wrong and consult a doctor before pregnancy. And a thorough examination of a pregnant woman by a gynecologist leads to the fact that various pathologies of the cervix and other parts of the genital area can be detected.

What to do in such a situation? How does erosion affect pregnancy? Should it be treated now or should we wait until the baby is born? Lots of questions, aren't they? We'll try to answer some of them today.

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Causes of cervical erosion during pregnancy

It is extremely important to consider the causes of cervical erosion during pregnancy so that the treatment process for the disease is as effective as possible, with the elimination of the main provoking factor that caused the pathology. Doctors dwell on the following series of possible causes of the disease:

• abrupt changes in the balance of hormones in a woman's body;
• diseases caused by sexually transmitted infections (papillomatosis, gonorrhea, ureaplasma, chlamydia, urogenital trichomonas, genital herpes);
• long-term use of hormonal medications even before conception (including contraceptives);
• starting sexual activity too early;
• repeated artificial termination of pregnancy;
• inflammatory diseases in the genital area;
• low hormonal levels in the body;
• oncology of the reproductive system;
• a sharp decrease in immune protection;
• too frequent and rough sexual contacts;
• physical or chemical trauma to the mucous membranes (incorrect douching, incorrect placement of the IUD, rough sexual contact using a condom or dildo);
• frequent and deep stress, worries.

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Symptoms of cervical erosion during pregnancy

The main reason for late detection of erosion is its latent course: the disease often occurs without any symptoms, and is discovered accidentally during a routine or preventive visit to the doctor. Often, symptoms of cervical erosion only manifest themselves when pregnancy occurs, when the disease is aggravated by the increasing level of hormones in the body. It is during this period that some suspicious symptoms most often arise, forcing a woman to be wary and consult a doctor:

• bloody discharge from the vagina after sexual intercourse;
• pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse;
• the appearance of purulent or mucous discharge;
• itching and burning sensation in the vagina;
• painful sensations in the lower abdomen.

The listed signs are not specific for erosion, but they allow you to suspect the presence of some disease and consult a doctor. The diagnosis of erosion can only be confirmed after examining the patient.

Diagnosis of cervical erosion during pregnancy

Methods for diagnosing cervical erosion during pregnancy are determined by a doctor.

One of the first and most significant procedures is the examination of the cervix in mirrors. During this examination, a clear epithelial defect can be detected, which looks like a defined red spot of varying size.

In order to determine the density of the affected tissue, a Krobak test is performed – probing of the erosive tissue.

The next step is laboratory tests. As a rule, the doctor takes a smear directly from the erosion and from the cervical canal, after which a smear cytology is performed, including bacterioscopic and bacteriological analysis.

A colposcopic examination helps establish a final diagnosis. The doctor should see clearly defined damage to the cervical epithelium with a visible stromal zone. True erosion is characterized by a low bottom level - it should be in the layer of cylindrical or flat multilayered epithelium. To clarify the diagnosis, a test is performed using a 3% vinegar solution: it is applied to the erosion area, the bottom should turn pale.

If there is a suspicion of a malignant process, the doctor takes a piece of erosive tissue for a biopsy (to detect atypical cells in the tissue).

It should be understood that only a comprehensive approach to diagnostics will help subsequently determine the necessary and effective treatment regimen.

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Treatment of cervical erosion during pregnancy

Treatment of cervical erosion during pregnancy requires a special approach. Such common methods of erosion therapy as cryodestruction, laser therapy and diathermocoagulation can be carried out after childbirth. And during gestation, only gentle and supportive therapy is used.

Treatment should be as careful as possible, aimed primarily at slowing down the erosive process and preventing the development of an inflammatory reaction.

The use of drug treatment is complicated by the fact that not all medications can be used during pregnancy. Therefore, many specialists, in the absence of complications, prefer to simply observe the erosion and control its development right up until the birth.

If a woman experiences discomfort, a burning sensation, or is bothered by discharge (especially bloody discharge), the doctor may prescribe the following medications:

• - methyluracil (vaginal suppositories) – twice a day (morning and night) for 10-14 days;
• - suppositories with sea buckthorn (sea buckthorn oil) – from one to two times a day for 8-15 days;
• - if inflammation occurs – antiviral agents and antibiotics on an individual basis and depending on the results of bacterial culture.

Some women prefer to turn to folk medicine, but the vast majority of traditional medicine specialists do not welcome such treatment, especially during pregnancy. Folk methods of therapy usually include the use of herbal ointments, tampons, and douching. Pumpkin pulp, celandine, aloe juice, oak bark decoctions, calendula, chamomile flowers, as well as propolis, natural honey, and mumiyo are used as a basis. We do not recommend using folk treatment during pregnancy without first consulting a specialist!

Prevention of cervical erosion during pregnancy

Prevention of cervical erosion during pregnancy is very important, because it is much easier to prevent the disease than to treat it. In order to reduce the risk of the disease, you should follow simple and accessible rules:

• undergo preventive examinations by a gynecologist at least 1-2 times a year to ensure timely detection and treatment of the problem;
• observe the rules of personal hygiene - take a shower every day and wear clean underwear, change hygiene products on time during menstruation;
• it is desirable to have one permanent sexual partner;
• If you are planning casual sex, do not forget to use condoms;
• If you do not plan to become pregnant, use contraception, as any artificial termination of pregnancy is a significant trauma to the genitals and the entire body as a whole;
• Any inflammatory diseases of the genital area should be treated promptly.

And one more thing: if you have any suspicious symptoms (discomfort, discharge, burning sensation, nagging pain), you should see a doctor. This applies to all women without exception, including pregnant women.

Prognosis of cervical erosion during pregnancy

Why do many doctors advise against pregnancy with untreated cervical erosion? What is the prognosis for cervical erosion during pregnancy?

The fact is that erosion increases the risk of developing complications during pregnancy, such as spontaneous termination of pregnancy (miscarriage), premature labor, early rupture of the placenta and premature rupture of membranes.

Rupture of tissue damaged by erosion during labor is much more likely to occur than with a healthy cervix.

Erosion can become a source of infectious and purulent complications in the postpartum period.

Of course, one should not always expect a negative prognosis. Regular monitoring and preventive conservative treatment of the disease allow many women to fully carry a pregnancy and give birth to a healthy child. Therefore, cervical erosion during pregnancy is allowed, although it requires constant medical supervision.

Pregnancy after cervical erosion

Is pregnancy possible after cervical erosion? Of course, it is possible: the theory about possible infertility after cauterization of erosion has not been confirmed. So before planning a pregnancy, it is very important to undergo a full course of therapy. Of course, erosion itself may not affect conception in any way, but in the presence of an erosive surface, an ideal environment for the growth and reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms is formed, which, in turn, can provoke various inflammatory diseases.

Usually, if there are no complications and the healing process is normal, you can plan a pregnancy a month after treatment. If the treatment of erosion was complicated, or the erosive surface was of significant size, conception will have to be postponed for up to six months, depending on the doctor's decision.

If erosion is not treated, the consequences for pregnancy may be negative:

• inflammatory diseases of the genital organs;
• spontaneous termination of pregnancy;
• malignancy of the erosive process;
• premature birth;
• premature rupture of the amniotic sac.

Doctors agree that cervical erosion before pregnancy should be treated, if not surgically, then conservatively. If the disease is detected during pregnancy, it is recommended to postpone treatment until the postpartum period, but without ceasing to monitor the erosion. Since there is a risk of erosion developing into a malignant disease, you should regularly consult a gynecologist during pregnancy.

Large erosions or erosions that have already become inflamed require mandatory treatment, even during pregnancy.