Cervicitis
Inflammation of the cervix may be acute or chronic. Most infectious cervicitis is caused by sexually transmitted bacteria.
Occasionally the cervix may be chronically inflamed when no infection can be identified. This may happen when there is prolonged eversion without transformation. Chronic cervicitis can cause vaginal discharge and spotting after intercourse or vaginal examination because the surface of the inflamed cervix is easily injured by anything that bumps or scrapes it, such as a penis, speculum or Pap smear spatula. There may also be problems with conception, probably because of the effect of the inflammation on cervical mucus. Treatment by diathermy or laser may be recommended to speed up transformation and relieve the symptoms.
Cervical cysts
If the ducts of the glands that open into
the cervical canal become blocked, mu filled cysts develop, called Nabothian or follicles (I wonder if the name comes from Naboth, a vineyard owner in the Testament: the cysts look like small, pale grapes).
Cervical cysts usually bulge towards ectocervix, where they appear as smooth, clear swellings up to the size of a pea and usually firmer than the surrounding cervix.
Nabothian cysts rarely cause any problems and need no treatment. In fact, only way you’d be aware of their presence is by feeling the firm round lump on your cervix. However, if they’re associated with chronic cervicitis (which is likely to cause blockage of ducts), they can be drained when the cervicitis is treated.
Cervical polyps
The lining of the cervical canal can overgrow to form benign lumps (polyps) that are often attached to the wall of the canal
by a narrow stalk. If the stalk is long enough, the polyp may protrude through the external os and cause bleeding after intercourse or between periods.
Cervical polyps are easily removed. Unless they’re very big, this can often done in your doctor’s rooms. The polyp is always sent for examination under the microscope to exclude malignancy, which is very rare.
Incompetent cervix
The wall of the cervix may be torn during the second stage of labour, or less commonly during instrument dilatation of the cervix. Sometimes a cervix that has been torn can’t remain closed during pregnancy. This is called incompetent cervix, and is one cause of miscarriage during the six months of pregnancy. In future pregnancies it is treated during the early months by inserting stitches to keep the cervix closed. When labour is due, the stitches are removed.
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