What is a decubital ulcer on the cervix?

Gynecological examination often reveals an erosive surface of the cervix. This pathology can appear due to various reasons. Depending on the predisposing factor, several types of erosion are distinguished. An example is decubital ulcer. This type of damage to the uterine epithelium is observed in older women.

What is a decubital ulcer?

Almost every second woman knows from her own experience what erosion of the cervix is. With this diagnosis, you can live for many years, without feeling any discomfort. That's why many women do not pay attention to the presence of pathology, considering it harmless. In some cases, erosion really does not harm health. Nevertheless, it should be remembered that it is considered an optional pre-cancerous condition and at any time can be transformed into an oncological pathology. One of the varieties of this disease is decubital cervical ulcer. Unlike usual erosion, this ailment is more serious and requires urgent treatment.

Causes of ulcer development on the uterus

In most cases, a decubital ulcer is diagnosed in elderly and senile women. Its appearance is associated with vascular disorders. Considering that the vagina and uterus are related to the muscular organs, their stretching occurs with age. Especially it concerns those women who lead an inactive way of life. As a result of a lowered muscle tone, the organs gradually stretch. In some cases, there is an omission or even a prolapse of the uterus. In addition to adynamia, this leads to another factor - a decrease in the level of estrogens. These hormones are produced by the ovaries only up to a certain age (45-55 years). Therefore, the disease is more common in women who are in the postmenopausal period. Decubital ulcer refers to trophic disorders. That is, it develops due to the extension of the organ, as well as with deterioration of venous outflow. In addition to the age involution of the musculature, there are other causes of the appearance of decubital ulcers. Among them: the inflection of small pelvic vessels, venous congestion due to blood diseases.

Decubital uterine ulcer: how is it diagnosed?

Deep erosion (ulcer) of the cervix is not always easy to suspect. After all, many women do not make any complaints when there is one. In rare cases, ulcer symptoms include: pain in the genital area and in the lower abdomen, pathological discharge from the vagina (pus or blood). This clinical picture can be observed if the defect is large and deep, and there is inflammation of the affected area. Nevertheless, in most cases, any of the varieties of erosion is revealed through gynecological examination. When palpation of the uterus is sometimes observed soreness. You can see the ulcer only when you examine the genitals with a mirror. Thanks to this tool, the cervix can be fixed in the desired position and well considered. If there is erosion, colposcopy is performed. This method of research allows you to see the damage under a large increase, as well as get a piece of pathological tissue (biopsy). The decubital cervical ulcer in the photo after the colposcopy is as follows: a round or oval defect of a dark color with a clear contour and white contents. On the edge of the redness. In addition, the diagnostic procedures include taking a smear on oncocytology. If the ulcer is not on the cervix, but in the body or the bottom of the uterus, a hysteroscopy is prescribed. In some cases, you need to get a large piece of tissue. This is an indication for conization of the cervix. This procedure is carried out not only for the purpose of diagnosis, but also refers to one of the methods of treatment.

Ulcer on the cervix: what to do?

In contrast to shallow erosion, the trophic ulcer should be hospitalized patient. This is especially necessary in cases where the defect is accompanied by an inflammatory reaction. If the bottom of the ulcer contains pus, and at the edges there is swelling and redness, treatment should be started immediately. The more time a damage develops, the deeper it is. Therefore, ulcerative defects can lead to infection of the whole organ and even to sepsis (breakthrough of the focus of infection). In such cases it is rare to save the uterus. To not bring to such a state, constant monitoring of a specialist is necessary. For the purpose of treatment, tampons with ointment drugs are used. For example, the drug "Levomekol." It has not only anti-inflammatory, but also healing effect.

Prevention of decubital ulcers

The decubital ulcer develops for a long time, therefore, in order not to start the process, it is necessary to visit the gynecologist at least once a year. Preventive measures include: physical exercises to strengthen the muscles, use drugs to dilute the blood. In order to avoid complications, it is necessary to start anti-inflammatory treatment on time. When organ prolapse, surgical intervention should be performed.