Laser treatment of cervical erosion

Laser treatment of cervical erosion is a modern, painless and effective method of treating the disease. Of course, this method, like the others, has its pros and cons.

Cervical erosion is a well-known female disease that occurs so frequently that it can compete in prevalence with the common cold. For example, every second lady under thirty who has visited a gynecologist can “boast” of such a diagnosis.

Causes of cervical erosion include infections, as well as physical/chemical damage to the epithelium of this part of the organ. It happens that erosion is congenital, but this is not such a common case.

Erosion manifests itself as a defect that occurs on the inner epithelium of the cervix - that part of the organ that protrudes into the vagina. The disease is characterized by a violation of the integrity of the mucous membrane. But in some cases, the term cervical erosion refers to such a concept as ectopia.

Ectopia is the process of replacing healthy cells of the mucous epithelium of the cervix (its vaginal part) with cells that are characteristic of the cervical canal. Let us clarify that the cervical canal connects the uterine cavity with the vagina.

Cervical erosion is not always considered a pathological formation. For example, there are periods when this phenomenon is quite normal and physiological. These include the time of puberty in girls, as well as pregnancy. But if erosion is detected at other times in a woman's life, then it is necessary to begin the process of treating the disease.

Many women ignore the treatment of cervical erosion - it does not bother, does not require antibiotics, does not distract with unpleasant sensations. In general, it does not interfere with life. But it should be remembered that in many cases, cervical cancer began, precisely, with untreated erosion. So it is worth thinking about the question: to treat or not to treat?

In the history of female erosion therapy, there are many methods: from cauterization to radio wave method. One of the most famous and popular methods is considered to be laser treatment of cervical erosion.

The advantages of laser vaporization are as follows:

• No blood or pain.
• High degree of effectiveness, when the disease is eliminated forever with just one procedure.
• A short recovery period.
• Absence of cicatricial deformations of tissue – scars and marks.
• Precision of impact on areas with pathological processes. At the same time, healthy tissue of the cervix is not captured.
• There is minimal risk of any complications.

The disadvantages of laser vaporization include the following:

• High cost of the procedure compared to other treatment methods.
• In some cases, situations arise when the procedure requires repetition due to a relapse.

It is necessary to clarify that any of the methods of eliminating erosion involves two stages: diagnostic and, actually, therapeutic. The same applies to the laser method of exposure to the cervix.

The diagnostic stage is necessary to identify the causes of erosion. And take appropriate measures to eliminate them. Otherwise, even with the most progressive treatment methods, the disease will reoccur, sadly.

Diagnostic methods at this stage include a comprehensive examination of the patient. Professionals advise using all available methods to identify the cause of the disease. These include tests for various infections, hormone tests, colposcopy, taking a smear for cytology, and a biopsy (if necessary).

At the treatment stage, the laser is actually used. But in parallel, auxiliary treatment of erosion is carried out: for example, the infection that could cause it is treated, and so on.

The treatment stage using any of the methods of combating erosion includes the destruction of the disease site. In the laser method, also called laser vaporization, equipment equipped with a laser beam is used for these purposes.

This method of treatment is distinguished by the fact that it can claim to be radical in the fight against the disease. That is, after using the laser, subject to all the conditions for successful treatment, cervical erosion is no longer observed. The laser eliminates all the modified cells, which is a good prevention of cervical disease. Laser vaporization is also distinguished by the fact that it can carefully treat the cervix, leaving no scars that deform the tissue. With properly performed laser treatment of erosion, the pathological focus of the disease completely evaporates, the coagulation film is rejected in the shortest possible time, and the epithelial tissues heal quickly, which minimizes the appearance of scars on the cervix.

It is very important to note that such careful treatment of the epithelium of the uterus and its cervix has a positive effect on the full menstrual, sexual and reproductive functions of a woman. It is no secret that one of the common causes of female infertility is the appearance of cicatricial changes in the cervix. Such problems arise in women due to incorrectly chosen or improperly implemented therapy for the disease.

Indications for laser treatment of cervical erosion

It can be said that there are many more indications than contraindications for laser therapy of cervical erosion. It happens that in some cases several treatment methods are equivalent in indications. That is, you can use, for example, cryotherapy, radio wave surgery, and laser treatment, and this, in principle, is not essential. Since all methods will be effective and will bring the desired result.

But it happens that there are indications for the use of laser vaporization, when other methods are undesirable.

Indications for laser treatment of cervical erosion are as follows:

• The presence of cervical dysplasia of grade 1 or 2 (actually erosion of this part of the organ).
• Changes in the tissue of the cervix with scar formations.
• The presence of leukoplakia is a lesion of the mucous membranes of the organ with the presence of keratinized areas of the epithelium.
• Parallel presence of retention cysts, the so-called Nabothian cysts.
• The presence of endometriosis in parallel with cervical erosion, as well as polyps that “affect” the lower third of the cervical canal.
• Cervicitis accompanying cervical erosion in the chronic stage of the disease - in the absence of effectiveness of conservative treatment.

Preparation for laser treatment of cervical erosion

There is no specific or complicated preparation for laser erosion removal. Although there are some recommendations that need to be followed to enhance the effectiveness of the “magic beam”.

Let's look at these tips in more detail:

• The first phase of the menstrual cycle is the most optimal for laser vaporization. This is due to the fact that the tissues of the uterus and its cervix are most capable of regeneration during this period. If you set the right time for this procedure together with a specialist, the tissue healing process will be faster.
• Seven days before the start of the laser therapy procedure, the cervix should be treated with special compounds to improve the effectiveness of the procedure.
• Specialists should inform patients that after using the laser, vaginal discharge with blood impurities is possible. This is considered normal, so there is no need to worry.
• At the same time, specialists should warn patients that in the case of heavy bleeding from the vagina, they must definitely see a doctor, since this is not the norm.
• The period of return to active life after laser vaporization is one week.
• At the same time, specialists need to mention that the full recovery period after laser treatment of erosion takes two months. During this time, it is worth refraining from sexual contact with a partner. In addition, visiting pools and swimming in open water, as well as taking baths should also be prohibited.
• Four to five weeks after the procedure, a repeat colposcopic and cytological examination is required. It will determine the effectiveness of the therapy.

Preparation for laser treatment of cervical erosion is most likely carried out in the correct diagnosis of the causes of the disease, which was described in detail above.

How is cervical erosion treated with laser?

Many patients ask specialists how laser treatment of cervical erosion is performed?

Laser treatment of cervical erosion is performed without hospitalization of the woman, under local or general anesthesia (if indicated). Although, usually, patients do not need anesthesia.

The procedure takes from fifteen to forty-five minutes.

The correct time to perform laser vaporization is between the fourth and tenth day after the end of menstrual discharge from the vagina.

The laser vaporization procedure itself is as follows. The specialist inserts the laser tip into the vagina and directs the light beam precisely to the affected area. At this time, the pathologically altered cells evaporate, and the small capillaries are “sealed”, which prevents bleeding.

The laser therapy procedure uses a CO2 laser _, which performs several tasks at once:

• Destruction of the pathological focus of erosion.
• The appearance of a coagulation effect, that is, coagulation or thickening of pathological tissue.
• Stimulation of tissue regeneration processes in the cervix.
• Helps improve blood circulation in the area where laser exposure occurs.
• Normalizes oxidation-reduction processes at the site of treatment of the erosion focus.
• It has an anti-inflammatory effect on the epithelium during disease therapy.

Such multifunctional treatment promotes the fastest recovery of a woman. Already a week after the laser vaporization procedure, ladies can lead an active lifestyle and forget about the problem forever.

The use of CO2 _laser allows to make the laser vaporization procedure more perfect, which is manifested by:

• in controlling the depth of beam penetration,
• in the possibility of influencing only pathological areas of the epithelium,
• complex effect on the mucous membrane, which was mentioned above.

Contraindications to laser treatment of cervical erosion

Each method of treating cervical erosion has its own indications and contraindications. In some cases, instead of laser treatment, specialists may resort to chemical coagulation, radio wave surgery, cryotherapy and diathermocoagulation. There are also cauterizations with current and argon.

Such recommendations may arise in the following cases when laser treatment is impossible. Contraindications to laser treatment of cervical erosion arise in the following cases:

• in case of bleeding,
• for infections affecting the cervix and other genital organs,
• in acute inflammatory diseases of the female genital organs,
• for cervical cancer,
• in other malignant tumors of the uterus,
• during pregnancy,
• in the postpartum period.

It is very important to correctly diagnose contraindications in order to avoid medical errors and harm to the patient's health. Therefore, women should not neglect the stage of diagnosing the causes of cervical erosion. As well as a comprehensive and detailed examination of the woman's health, which will be prescribed by a gynecologist.

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Complications of laser treatment of cervical erosion

Of course, even with the most advanced methods of therapy, unexpected and negative effects may occur. Complications of laser treatment of cervical erosion are expressed in the following possible effects:

• The appearance of a scar or cicatrices at the site of a former erosion. This phenomenon is rather an exception than a norm. At the same time, it is completely undesirable, since it can lead to a deterioration in women's health. Usually, in cases where a scar does appear, it is due to a large area of laser exposure or due to the low qualifications of the doctor who performed the procedure.
• It happens that the wound surface can be infected with various bacteria, which will cause an inflammatory process at the site of the former erosion. This can happen if the patient did not follow the hygiene procedures recommended by the specialist after undergoing laser therapy.

To avoid complications after laser vaporization, you must follow these steps:

• During the recovery period, visit the doctor as many times as recommended. Do not neglect specialist consultations if they have been prescribed. Constant interaction with a specialist will help to start treatment in a timely manner in case of inflammatory processes.
• For one and a half to two months, it is necessary to stop sexual relations with your partner until the cervix is completely healed.
• Avoid increased physical activity, such as exercising on machines, in the gym, lifting weights, etc.
• Wait with taking baths, as well as visiting saunas, baths and swimming pools. The same applies to swimming in open water. It is best to take a shower for two months - this is the safest hygienic procedure for a former patient.
• Stop using tampons during menstruation. Replace them with pads.
• Conception can only occur after three months of tissue healing.
• Have a gynecological examination at least once every six months. This precaution will allow you to monitor the condition of the cervix and take timely measures to eliminate problems.

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Cost of laser treatment of cervical erosion

The cost of laser treatment of cervical erosion depends on several factors:

• the locality where the selected clinic is located,
• the popularity of the clinic among patients,
• the prestige of the institution, that is, its focus on treating the financial elite.

It should be noted that before undergoing laser therapy, it is necessary to undergo a consultation with a gynecologist. During this consultation, all important aspects related to the woman’s health can be identified and the necessary nuances can be taken into account when performing treatment procedures.

So, in Kyiv, laser vaporization of cervical erosion is performed in the following clinics:

Hippocrates Clinic

• The cost of the procedure is 1900 UAH.
• Consultation with a gynecologist – 225 UAH.

"Institute of Clinical Medicine", a network of clinics

• The cost of the procedure is 1400 UAH.
• Cost of anesthesia: 100 UAH.
• Consultation with a gynecologist – 180 UAH.

Medical Center "Health of the Motherland"

• The cost of the procedure is 1450 UAH.
• Consultation with a gynecologist – 250 UAH.

Clinic "LeoMed"

• The cost of the procedure is 1800 UAH.
• Cost of anesthesia: 330 UAH.
• Consultation with a gynecologist – 220 UAH.

The clinic is also running a promotion – for the price of 1700 UAH the client will receive:

• gynecological examination,
• video colposcopy with photographic images,
• the actual laser vaporization procedure with anesthesia.

Adonis Medical Center

• The cost of the procedure is 1300 UAH.
• The cost of a consultation with a gynecologist is from 230 to 270 UAH.

In other regions of Ukraine, prices for laser vaporization are as follows:

Clinic "Medibor", Zhitomir

• The cost of the procedure is from 1400 to 1800 UAH (depending on the degree of damage to the cervix).
• Consultation with a gynecologist – 150 UAH.

Clinic of plastic aesthetic surgery "VIRTUS", Odessa

The clinic also has branches in the cities of Kyiv, Kharkov, Dnepropetrovsk, Nikolaev, and Kherson.

• The cost of the procedure is equivalent to 250 euros.

Medical center "Veslava"

• The cost of the procedure is from 400 to 500 UAH (depending on the degree of damage to the cervix).
• Consultation with a gynecologist – from 150 to 200 UAH.

Reviews of laser treatment of cervical erosion

It is known that any, even the most perfect method of treatment has its advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, we recommend that you read the reviews of patients of medical clinics who have undergone the laser vaporization procedure. Before deciding to treat cervical erosion with a laser.

Reviews of laser treatment of cervical erosion are as follows:

• Ekaterina, 31: “It is very important to choose the right method of treating erosion. Laser does not always help. It happens that a large area of the cervix is affected, and in these cases cryotherapy should be used. I learned all this from the doctor who performed the treatment. He advised me to use a laser. Everything went quickly, without pain or other sensations. Of course, there was smoke coming out of the vagina, and it smelled burnt. But these are the strangest moments, but otherwise everything went well. I am very pleased with the result. Erosion does not bother me anymore.”
• Yulia, 44: "The main thing is not only to choose a clinic with the best prices. The specialist himself is also important, as the result depends on him. I was lucky. My doctor is the best. All my friends who had laser treatment recommended me to go to him. Now I have forgotten about erosion, and it is even strange to remember that I had any problems."
• Oksana, 23: “Of course, there were some sensations in the lower abdomen. But they anesthetized everything beforehand, so the sensations quickly passed. In addition, I asked the doctor to stop if I felt uncomfortable, and he did so. Otherwise, I am very pleased. Everything went quickly, I didn’t even have time to really understand anything. The erosion doesn’t bother me anymore. Thanks to the doctor and the clinic staff!”
• Marina, 51 years old: "Simple, fast and high-quality. I can't say anything bad about this procedure. I'm very glad that I chose this method of treating erosion."
• Yaroslava, 35 years old: "I was advised to contact this particular doctor and this particular clinic. It turned out that everything was fine. The main thing is to maintain hygiene and come for additional check-ups. Everything is already in perfect order for me!"