Cervical erosion

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Cervical erosion (also known as a cervical ectropion) is a partial or complete absence of the squamous epithelium of the cervix. The non-keratinising stratified squamous epithelium on the surface of the cervix and/or around the os (external opening) is replaced by glandular columnar epithelium from within the cervical canal. This endocervical tissue is red and granular, so it gives the cervix a red, eroded, and infected appearance.

Ectropion can be associated with excessive but non-purulent vaginal discharge due to the increased surface area of columnar epithelium containing mucus-secreting glands. It may also give rise to post-coital bleeding as fine blood vessels present within the columnar epithelium are easily traumatized.

[edit] Causes

Cervical erosion may be caused by trauma (through intercourse, tampon insertion, foreign objects in the vagina, or speculum insertion), or infection (herpes, early syphilis, tampons that were not removed, severe vaginal infections), and sometimes chemicals (spermaticidal contraceptive creams or foams, douches). It is also linked to use of the contraceptive pill.