cervical erosion
Last reviewed 01/2018
This describes the situation in which columnar epithelium, continuous with that of the cervical canal, replaces the stratified squamous epithelium that normally covers the vaginal portion of the cervix.
Erosions are thought to be oestrogen dependent as they:
- frequently develop in women taking combined oral contraceptives pills and resolve when the pill is stopped
- frequently develop during pregnancy and resolve after delivery
An erosion may also occur in newborn infants and may persist into childhood. This congenital erosion is not abnormal.