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Re: ectropia
From: Leanne (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Thu, 31 Aug 2000 14:38:52 -0500 (CDT)
Thank you for the response on ectropia. You said that it is influenced
by horomonal factors. I am not currently on birth control. Is
horomonal therapy then considered a treatment option?
At Wed, 23 Aug 2000, anonymous@obgyn.net wrote:
>
>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.
>
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