About Cervical Endometriosis
The exact root causes of cervical endometriosis are unclear, but scarring in the area may increase the risk.
Risk factors for endometriosis in general includes:
- Genetic factors: Having one or more close relatives (such as a mother, aunt, or sister) with endometriosis increases a person’s risk of endometriosis.
- Never giving birth
- Starting menses (periods) at an early age or going through menopause at an older age
For cervical endometriosis, prior procedures (such as biopsies or loop excision) to remove tissue from the cervix may be a risk factor for cervical endometriosis.
It's important to note that these risk factors may not apply to every individual and may vary depending on individual circumstances. It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.
Cervical endometriosis often doesn’t have symptoms and is discovered during routine pelvic physical examinations. When symptoms occur, they include:
- Pelvic pain
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Pain during intercourse
- Bleeding after intercourse
- Heavy or painful periods
- Bleeding in-between periods
It's important to note that not everyone with cervical endometriosis will experience all of these symptoms. The intensity, location, and duration of symptoms can vary from person to person. If you're experiencing any concerning symptoms, it's recommended to seek medical help for proper evaluation and diagnosis.
To diagnose cervical endometriosis, doctors typically perform the following examinations, tests, and procedures:
- Medical history: A doctor will take a detailed medical history, including symptoms and previous medical conditions.
- Physical exam: A pelvic exam is conducted to assess the internal reproductive organs and check for tenderness in the uterus.
- Blood testing: A complete blood count may be done to identify signs of infection or inflammation.
- Cervical cultures: Swabs from the cervix are taken to check for bacterial infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea.
- Cervical biopsy: This involves taking a small sample of tissue from the cervix for further analysis.
Additional examinations, tests, and procedures may be performed based upon initial findings or individual factors:
- Imaging tests: Ultrasound or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans may be used to help assess the extent of endometriosis involving the cervix.
- Laparoscopy: This minimally invasive surgical procedure involves inserting a camera through small incisions in the abdomen to visualize endometriosis tissue and take more samples if needed.
It's important to consult with your healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding examinations and tests.
The goals of treatment for cervical endometriosis are to alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life, and preserve fertility if desired. Treatment options may include:
Medication:
- Hormonal therapy: This aims to control estrogen levels, as estrogen influences endometrial growth. Oral contraception or progestin-only agents can be used to prevent or minimize periods.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also be recommended for pain management.
Surgery:
- Diagnostic laparoscopy: Used for both diagnosis and treatment, it involves a minimally invasive procedure to visualize and remove endometrial lesions using cauterization with electricy or heat or using an electrified wire loop.
- Lesion resection: Surgical removal of endometrial lesions can provide temporary relief, but lesions may recur.
It's important to note that the choice of treatment depends on factors such as the intensity of pain, desire for fertility, and impact on quality of life. Consult with your healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you.
Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your healthcare professional about dosing for your individual situation. Side effects can occur. Check with your healthcare professional or read the information provided with your medication for additional side effect information.