{"id":21773,"date":"2023-10-23T05:00:20","date_gmt":"2023-10-23T03:00:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/?p=21773"},"modified":"2023-10-20T02:00:55","modified_gmt":"2023-10-20T00:00:55","slug":"cervical-ectropion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/cervical-ectropion\/","title":{"rendered":"Reproductive Health 101: Cervical Ectropion"},"content":{"rendered":"

The female reproductive system is capable of some pretty incredible things like growing humans and bringing them into the world. With so many moving parts, sometimes things can go awry, causing different reproductive health disorders to develop.<\/span><\/p>\n

When people think of reproductive health disorders it\u2019s usually issues with the ovaries or uterus that come to mind. These aren\u2019t the only female reproductive health organs that can be affected. One important organ that can develop abnormalities is the cervix. This is true in the case of cervical ectropion.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is the Cervix?<\/b><\/h2>\n

First, we\u2019ll give you a little refresher on what exactly the cervix is.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Your <\/span>cervix<\/span><\/a> is a doughnut-shaped organ located between the vagina and the uterus. It helps protect the uterus from infection by blocking out bacteria and plays a crucial role in conception, as well as labor and birth. The cervix is also packed with nerves and can allow for powerful <\/span>cervical orgasms<\/span><\/a> when stimulated.<\/span><\/p>\n

The cervix can be affected by different disorders like <\/span>cervical cancer<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>polyps<\/span><\/a>, a <\/span>friable cervix<\/span><\/a>, and today\u2019s topic \u2013 cervical ectropion.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is Cervical Ectropion?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Cervical ectropion (pronounced ek-tro-pee-un) is sometimes called cervical ectopy or cervical erosion, although that\u2019s not exactly accurate. This condition is caused when the cervix turns inside out (everts), causing the cells that cover the inner area of the cervix to be visible to the outside.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These red cells are called glandular cells. Because of their color, it can cause the affected area to appear red and raw.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Although this sounds scary, cervical ectropion is fairly common affecting anywhere from <\/span>17% to 50%<\/span><\/a> of people with cervixes. Not only that, but it\u2019s typically a harmless condition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What Causes Cervical Ectropion?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Some people are born with cervical ectropion or develop it as an adolescent or adult, although it\u2019s not something to be concerned about. It is most common in people of reproductive age and is rare among postmenopausal people. This is because it\u2019s influenced by high levels of estrogen in the body, which is more common in people who still have a menstrual cycle.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Estrogen levels are also higher during adolescence (hello puberty!), pregnancy, and during <\/span>ovulation<\/span><\/a>. This means that the risk of cervical ectropion also tends to be higher during these times. Estrogen levels are also higher for people taking hormonal birth control with estrogen in it, another potential risk factor. Cervical ectropion can also be caused by trauma to the area from friction during penetrative sex and infection.<\/span><\/p>\n

Symptoms of Cervical Ectropion<\/b><\/h2>\n

Many people don\u2019t experience any symptoms of cervical ectropion, instead, your gynecologist may notice signs of it during a pap smear or pelvic exam.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Possible symptoms of cervical ectropion include:<\/span><\/p>\n