WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for August, 2000: Re: ectropia

Re: ectropia

From: anonymous@obgyn.net
Wed, 23 Aug 2000 10:39:26 -0500 (CDT)

Messages sorted by: [ date ][ thread ][ subject ][ author ]
Next message: R. Daniel Braun, MD: "Re: ASCUS pap"
Previous message: Liz: "ASCUS pap"
In reply to: Leanne: "ectropia"
Next in thread: Leanne: "Re: ectropia"
Reply: Leanne: "Re: ectropia"

At Tue, 22 Aug 2000, Leanne wrote: >
>After 2 children I had abnormal bleeding, particularly after
>intercourse, but not always related. My doctor states that I have
>ectropia, which as I understand it, is where the uterine lining has come
>out onto the cervical area and is covering 2/3rds of the cervix.
>Apparantly the uterine tissue is more apt to bleed, hence causing the
>increased bleeding after intercourse, etc. Needless to say this
>abnormal bleeding forces me to wear a pantyliner daily and is like being
>on a light period most of the month. Is this the same as uterine
>prolapse? What treatment options are available? Is this common? Will it
>interfere with my ability to carry children in the future? Thanks for
>your response.

There is a junction between two tissue types on the face of the cervix. The tissue of the outside of the cervix is called squamous tissue, and is the same type of skin you have covering the rest of your vagina, and your outer body for that matter. The endocervical canal is lined with a mucus producing tissue. There is a transition zone where these two tissue types meet. The area of the visible outer cervix that is covered with the mucus type tissue is called the ectropion. This tissue is naturally quite fragile, and can bleed easily. The amount of the outer cervix that is covered with this tissue is highly variable, and is influenced primarily by hormonal factors, such as where you are in your cycle, pill or other hormone use, pregnancy, menopause, etc. There are also some pathologic conditions where the ectropion is enlarged, such as if the mother of the woman in question took DES while pregnant with the patient. Finally, there are women who just have larger ectropions than average. This is not the same thing as uterine prolapse, and is not likely to interfere with conception or childbirth in future. The best treatment is to leave it alone if possible, as the treatment tend to be somewhat destructive of the cervix, and therefor have a small potential to interfere with pregnancy and childbirth (though this risk is very small).

--
William D. McIntosh, MD, FACOG
Clarksville, TN

This is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to be replacement
or substitute for consultation and examination by an appropriate medical
professional.  Due to time constraints, private e-mails cannot be answered.

Next message: R. Daniel Braun, MD: "Re: ASCUS pap"
Previous message: Liz: "ASCUS pap"
In reply to: Leanne: "ectropia"
Next in thread: Leanne: "Re: ectropia"
Reply: Leanne: "Re: ectropia"

Women's Insurance Checklist from Auto Insurance Quote

use when must restrict search to only the women's health forum...
Enter search keywords:
	Returns per screen: Require all keywords: