what is cervical ectropion

Cervical ectropion is a condition in which glandular cells on the inner portion of the cervix become visible from the outside. It is a benign, or harmless, condition that is considered a normal variation found in women of the reproductive age group. The condition is related to the hormone estrogen and is therefore common in young women, pregnant women, and those taking the oral combined contraceptive pill. Most of the time, cervical ectropion does not cause any symptoms and usually goes away without treatment. However, some women may experience an increased vaginal discharge, unexplained vaginal bleeding, or pain after sex. If symptoms are troublesome, treatment options include cryotherapy, diathermy, or laser treatment. It is important to rule out infection, inflammation, and any possibility of abnormality before undertaking treatment. It is also important to note that cervical ectropion is not a sign of disease and is not linked to cervical cancer or anything that causes cancer.