Is there a prophylaxis?
Inflammation of the cervix and uterus (portio ectopy) is usually harmless and natural, so no preventive measures need to be taken. However, regular check-ups at the gynaecologist are very important to detect the development of undesirable, more threatening cell changes and to treat them as soon as possible. Early vaccination against HPV is very important to prevent infection with human papilloma viruses (HPV) and the possible development of cervical cancer. This should preferably be done before the first sexual intercourse and can significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
Inflammation of the cervix during pregnancy
Inflammation of the cervix during pregnancy is a serious pregnancy complication. The inflammation can quickly rise up through the cervix further into the uterus and infect the unborn child. Such infections can cause serious malformations or trigger a miscarriage.
Chlamydia are the most common pathogens that are transmitted through sexual contact. The infection is asymptomatic in many women. During the vaginal birth, the newborn baby absorbs the bacteria.
Since newborns do not yet have a pronounced immune system, severe pneumonia can occur. After birth, the cervix remains slightly open for some time. Bacteria and viruses can rise here particularly easily and cause inflammation of the uterine lining or ovaries. As an inflammation of the cervix is one of the most serious complications of pregnancy, we strongly recommend our page on: Complications of pregnancy – What are the signs?
How is the diagnosis of cervical inflammation made?
An inflammation of the cervix (portio ectopy) can usually be diagnosed during a preventive examination by the gynecologist. A close inspection of the cervix often reveals redness and increased vascular drawings. With the help of a speculum (an examination instrument used in gynecology to spread the vaginal blades and allow the vagina to unfold), the doctor can better examine the outer cervix (Portio vaginalis uteri) and the cervix (Cervix Uteri) for cervical inflammation and tissue changes.In addition, the cervix can be better visualized and assessed by a vaginal loupe examination using a light source (colposcopy).
During these examinations, tissue or secretion samples can also be taken from the area of the cervix. In addition, the doctor should take a tissue smear from the cervix and the cervix. This special smear is called a Pap test (or Papanicalau smear, cervical smear).
The doctor inserts a cotton swab or spatula into the vagina and takes as many cells as possible from the outer cervix. The cell material obtained is then processed in a laboratory and examined for inflammatory changes, infections or cancer. The findings can then be classified using a classification (Papanicalau classification) into Pap 0 to Pap V. In Pap 0, the material obtained could not be evaluated and a new smear should be obtained.
Pap I shows a completely normal tissue appearance. In contrast, slight inflammatory changes can already be detected in Pap II. With Pap III, a gynecological examination (colposcopy) should be performed due to slight to moderate changes and a further cell smear should be taken after 3 months.
With Pap IV, serious cell changes lead to suspected cancer in the early stages, whereas with Pap V this could be detected as malignant. If it is a Pap IV or V stage, or if there are constant (recurrent) cell changes (Pap III), an additional tissue section (biopsy) should be taken from the area of the cervix and the cervix. This examination is called conisation, whereby the section should be rather flat for young women and rather steep for older women (after the end of menstrual bleeding/postmenopausal).
The speculum examination, colposcopy and smear test usually cause no pain, but the examinations can be unpleasant. Since the removal of a tissue section from the cervix (conisation) can be very painful, this examination is performed under a short general anaesthetic. However, the procedure usually does not take longer than 20-30 minutes.
