Erosion of. A gynaecological problem of infection of the cervical crypts with a reddened area from the cervical os to the vaginal surface of the cervix. Cervicitis may be due to chemical irrigations and contraceptive creams or to the mechanical irritation of pessaries.
Symptoms: mucopurulent vaginal discharge, sometimes blood-stained. Backache. Urinary problems. Diagnosis confirmed by smear test, biopsy or swab culture.
Alternatives (also for cervicitis).
Teas, decoctions, powders or tinctures:– Agnus Castus, Black Cohosh, Echinacea. Myrrh. Pulsatilla. Practitioner: Tinctures. Mix, parts: Black Cohosh 3; Gelsemium 1. Dose: 10-20 drops in water, morning and evening.
Lapacho tea (Pau d’arco tea). Soak gauze tampons with extract, insert, renew after 24 hours.
Douche: German Chamomile tea, or Lapacho tea.
Tampons: saturate with paste of equal parts Slippery Elm powder and milk. Or: saturate tampons with Aloe Vera gel or fresh juice. In event of unavailability refer to entry: SUPPOSITORY.
Diet. Lacto-vegetarian.
Vitamins. A. B-complex. C (1g daily). E (400iu daily).
Minerals. Iron, Zinc.
Note: Women who have an abnormal cervical smear should be tested for chlamydia.
A small, cylindrical organ comprising the lower part and neck of the uterus and separating the body and cavity of the uterus from the vagina. The fibrous and smooth muscle tissue of the cervix creates a form of sphincter, which can stretch during pregnancy and childbirth.
The cervical canal runs through the cervix and allows the passage of blood during menstruation and of sperm from the vagina into the uterus; it also forms part of the birth canal during childbirth. After puberty, mucus is secreted from the glandular cells in the canal to assist sperm entry into the upper cervix.
n. a necklike part, especially the cervix uteri (neck of the uterus), which projects at its lower end into the vagina. The cervical canal passes through it, linking the cavity of the uterus with the vagina; the canal is lined with mucous membrane (see endocervix) and normally contains mucus, the viscosity of which changes throughout the menstrual cycle. The cervix is capable of wide dilation during childbirth.
One of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. Cancer of the cervix has well-defined precancerous stages (see cervical dysplasia) that can be detected by a cervical smear test, allowing, in many cases, early treatment and a complete cure. Untreated, cancer of the cervix may spread to the organs in the pelvis.
There are 2 main types of cervical cancer: the squamous type is the most common and is thought to be associated with the human papilloma virus, acquired during sexual intercourse. Factors that predispose to this type of cancer are smoking, starting to have sex at an early age, and having many sexual partners.
The second, rarer, type of cervical cancer, adenocarcinoma, sometimes occurs in women who have never had sexual intercourse. Its causes are unclear.
Symptoms do not develop until the condition is advanced, when there is vaginal bleeding or a bloodstained discharge at unexpected times, and pain if the cancer has spread within the pelvis.
Following an abnormal smear test result, colposcopy or a cone biopsy may be carried out to diagnose the condition.
A localized early cancer may be destroyed by electrocoagulation, diathermy, laser treatment, or cryosurgery.
If the cancer has spread into the cervical canal, a cone biopsy may be sufficient to remove all the diseased tissue.
In more advanced cases affecting the pelvic organs, radiotherapy may be given.
Radical surgery, in which the bladder, vagina, cervix, uterus, and rectum are removed, may be recommended in certain cases.... cervix, cancer of
Health Encyclopedia