This leaflet explains about cervical ectropion. If you have any further questions, please speak to a clinician caring for you.
What is a cervical ectropion?
Cervical ectropion (also known as cervical erosion and ectopy) is a common condition caused when cells from inside the cervical canal, known as glandular cells (soft cells), are present on the outside surface of the cervix (neck of the womb).
The area where the soft cells meet the squamous epithelial cells (hard cells), which are those found on the outer surface of the cervix, is called the transformation zone. If a woman has a cervical ectropion, it can be seen by the nurse during a cervical screening test (smear test) and the area appears red (because soft cells are red).
Cervical ectropion can be caused by hormonal changes, pregnancy and being on the pill.
It is not linked to the development of cervical cancer or any other condition that causes cancer.
What are the signs and symptoms?
For the majority of women, cervical ectropion does not cause any problems and it usually goes away by itself without needing any treatment.
However, as soft cells bleed more easily and can produce more mucus than hard cells, cervical ectropion may cause discharge, or bleeding/pain during or after sex. It can also sometimes cause pain during or after cervical screening. If any of these symptoms are causing problems for you, you may wish to look into treatment options. A member of the colposcopy team or your GP can provide you with more help on this and refer you for treatment, if necessary.
What treatments are available?
If it is recommended you have treatment it is usually completed at a general gynaecology clinic and will be done using cold cautery, which hardens the soft cells to stop them from bleeding. The two different treatment options are listed below:
- Silver nitrate to cauterise/burn off the soft cells (this should not be painful, however you may experience some mild discomfort).
- Cold cautery which uses a cool gas to cauterise the soft cells to promote the tougher squamous cell of the cervix to develop as this heals (you will be given a local anaesthetic to numb the area)
Both treatments can result in some bleeding or discharge, as well as some ‘period-like’ pain. This could last for around a week (first method) after the treatment. Tampons and penetrative intercourse should be avoided until you are fully healed, usually one week (first method) or up to four weeks (second method). Speak to you doctor or nurse for more information.
Information for this leaflet has been adapted from the Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust website: www.jostrust.org.uk
Will I have a follow-up appointment?
You will not routinely be given a follow-up appointment. If a sample or biopsy has been taken – You will receive a letter with any results approximately 4 weeks.
What shall I do if I have a problem or concern?
If you have any concerns, please:
- Contact or visit your GP
- Call the colposcopy department between 09:00-17:00 on 0191 445 6178 or Ward 26 for advice out of hours on 0191 445 3004
- Contact 111 who can priced clinical advice as required
- Only attend your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department or call 999 in the event of an emergency.