Chapter 101 Cervical Erosion
INTRODUCTION
Description: Cervical erosion is loss of the epithelial surface on the vaginal portion of the cervix, resulting in the exposure of the underlying cervical stroma. Cervical eversion (exposing the dark-red columnar epithelium of the endocervix) is often mistaken for or incorrectly labeled as cervical erosion.
ETIOLOGY AND PATHOGENESIS
Causes: Generally traumatic. May occur through sexual trauma (fingernail, sexual appliances), iatrogenic process (diaphragm, pessary, biopsy, or other instrumentation), tampon use, or pelvic organ prolapse resulting in exposure of the cervix outside the introitus.
