What Are the Differences Between Cervicitis and Cervical Erosion?
Cervicitis and cervical erosion are two common gynecological diseases with distinct differences. Cervical erosion, which is relatively more severe, refers to the area of erosion within the uterus. The primary difference between cervicitis and cervical erosion lies in their symptoms. Cervicitis primarily manifests as increased vaginal discharge, while cervical erosion is accompanied by vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, and other symptoms. The causes of these two conditions also differ, with cervical erosion typically resulting from mechanical stimulation.
a. Cervicitis: Cervicitis occurs after childbirth, miscarriage, or surgical trauma to the cervix. The primary pathogens include Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Escherichia coli, and anaerobic bacteria, followed by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Entamoeba histolytica. In special cases, it can be caused by chemical substances and radiation.
b. Cervical Erosion: The causes of cervical erosion include mechanical stimulation or trauma, such as sexual activity, miscarriage, childbirth-related tears, and bacterial invasion leading to cervicitis. Common pathogens that can cause cervical inflammation include Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, viruses, Actinomyces, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Entamoeba histolytica.
a. Cervicitis: The main manifestation of cervicitis is increased vaginal discharge. Depending on the type of pathogen, the extent and severity of inflammation, the discharge may appear as milky mucus, yellowish pus, or bloody, and may occur after sexual intercourse. When the inflammation spreads to the pelvic cavity, it can cause low back pain and lower abdominal discomfort. Gynecological examination may reveal varying degrees of cervical erosion, hypertrophy, cystic glands, or polyps.
b. Cervical Erosion: Cervical erosion is one of the most common lesions in uterine inflammation. Clinically, it is classified into three degrees based on the size of the eroded area: mild (erosion affecting less than 1/3 of the entire cervical area), moderate (erosion affecting 1/3 to 2/3 of the cervical area), and severe (erosion affecting more than 2/3 of the cervical area). Based on the depth of erosion, it can be further classified into simple, granular, and papillary types. It can be difficult to distinguish cervical erosion from early cervical cancer visually, and cervical scraping and biopsy may be necessary for diagnosis.
