Friable Cervix

Friable Cervix Definition

The cervix is a tunnel shaped connection between the vagina and uterus. The friable cervix is defined as the condition where cervix becomes irritated due to infection obtained from HPV or other sexually transmitted diseases. The term febrile refers to bleeding from the cervix. In friable cervix, cervical tissues become easily bleed as a resultant of infection caused by chlamydia or other infections and also for cervical malignancy. The infection is detectable in colposcopy procedure.

Symptoms of Friable cervix

• The most prominent symptom in case of friable cervix is vaginal bleeding, especially after sexual intercourse.
• Bleeding is so heavy that it can soil underwear also and need a sanitary pad to prevent it.
• Itching is developed due to onset of infectious disease or allergic reaction.
• Abnormal cervical tissue growth may observe during pelvic examination.
• Prolonged untreated chlamydia infection causes tenderness of the pelvic region and leads to severe pain. This can cause infertility.
• Excessive cellular growth with foul smell discharges is also noticeable.

Causes

The probable causes of development of the friable cervix are:

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

The friable cervix is the result of the progression of any type of STDs which include Gonorrhea, HPV, Chlamydia or herpes virus.

Unhealthy microbial growth in the vagina

Unhealthy microbial growth causes vaginal dysbiosis. This condition arises due to insufficient amount of “good bacteria” present in the vaginal region.

Food allergy

Food allergy usually causes inflammation at the several regions of the alimentary tract and expansion of swelling affects the bladder, vagina, and the cervix. This happens due to generation of gas, flatulence, diarrhoea, constipation.

Lack of body’s own anti-inflammatory mechanism

The human body secretes different physico-chemicals which are responsible for controlling the inflammation. The different physico-chemicals are corticosteroids, prostaglandin are responsible for controlling the inflammation. Impaired functioning of the adrenal gland causes lack of steroidal hormone which promotes the inflammatory condition of the body.

Even the insufficient intake of omega 3 fatty acids or increase intake of fats also causes inflammatory disease of the body.

High blood sugar level

High blood sugar level leads to increase level of insulin. Insulin promotes inflammation, so increase insulin level leads to internal organ inflammation.

Hormonal imbalance

The estrogen and progesterone are the two prime reproductive hormones, which regulate the healthy environment of the female body. Liver is the vital organ for detoxification and controlling the excessive over activity of the estrogen which causes inflammatory condition. The liver impairment and insulin level enhancement causes estrogen over activity and inflammation in the cervix.

Vaginal dryness

Vaginal dryness or atrophy of the vagina can causes bleeding and leads to friable cervix.

Diagnosis

If any problem associated with reproductive organ, doctors usually conduct a pelvic examination to check the visible abnormality. The febrile cervix can be observed in the pelvic examination.

Doctors also conduct colposcopy, procedure to magnify the internal vaginal parts to detect HPV (human papilloma virus) and STDs. In colposcopy, using of bright light can help to provide clear vision.

Sample of tissues from the cervix is taken for further test if any abnormality is obtained.

For detection of microbial growth, different cultures are conducted on postcoital bleeding.

For further investigation conduction of PAP smear test helps to reveal any cancerous growth at the initial stage.

Cervical biopsy also conducted depending upon the PAP smear test result.

Treatment

Depending upon the underlying cause the treatment is varied.

In case of infectious disease, the antibiotic treatment is provided to control the infection.

Post-coital bleeding can be mitigated by cervical ablation. This can be done either by cryotherapy or electrocautery. Both the procedures are effective to control further postcoital bleeding.

Until healing is completed, there is a chance to copious vaginal discharge. Other than this, development of cervical stenosis is another associated complication, which can affect subsequent pregnancies. This can treat also by inserting 600 mg boric acid suppositories vaginally at bedtime.

Topical application of vaginal moisturizers and lubricants are preferable options to lessen the chance of the bleeding before intercourse, if postcoital bleeding is the resultant of dryness of the vagina.

Management

Naturally, friable cervix can be managed. The intake of vitamin, minerals, Omega 3 fatty acids can help to control the problem.

Other than these, liver function and blood glucose level maintenance are very important factor for management of the friable cervix.

References

1. http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ogi/2014/192087/
2. http://www.allhealthlinks.com/friable-cervix.html
3. http://www.naturopathtoronto.ca/friable-cervix/
4. http://www.health-science-report.com/cervical-dysplasia/treatment-for-cervical-dysplasia/friable-cervix.html
5. http://www.pregnancy-baby-care.com/conditions-during-pregnancy/friable-cervix-and-pregnancy.html#continued