10 Facts Every Woman Should Know About Her Cervix

Cervix is the neck of the womb located at the bottom of the uterus and the top of the vulva.It has a canal, which allows passage of fluid from the body, blood, and also the baby. The canal is tight shut – opening wide during labor when having a baby, allow sperm to travel during intercourse and blood flow from the uterus during the period.

Cervix has glands which secrete mucus – used for self-cleansing of the vulva. Cervix can be affected by bacteria and viruses. Preventive measures, like avoiding direct contact with infected people and also enhancing hygiene, are highly recommended to enhance the health of the cervix.

The roles of the cervix are;

• Signal of labor during pregnancy, since it thickens and widens. 

• Allow baby’s passage, since it stretches, springs back and heals nicely. 

• Allow passage of blood from the body during menses. 

• Protect fertility, since the wall of the cervix act as a defense against Sexually Transmitted Diseases since they can lead to infertility. 

• Protects the uterus since no access to the uterus is through the cervix.

Infections on Cervix

Cervix infections are common in women. Women from the age of twenty-one are reliable to get infections. A number of women have died due to a late screening of the disease, diagnosis, and treatment. Most of these infections have no symptoms nor do they have a specific treatment, therefore most women are affected and they are unaware.

Cervix is affected by;

1. bacteria resulting to gonorrhoea, which is an STD. 

2. Virus resulting in HPV –Human Papilloma Virus. 

3. Growth of cells on cervix causing cervical cancer.

Gonorrhea

Is a type of STI, caused by bacteria, the bacteria are found at the inside cells of the cervix.

Human papilloma virus (HPV)

If the virus is not detected and treated early, the virus changes cells of cervix and causes cervical cancer. Eighty percent of women are affected before attaining the age of fifty years.

Cervical Cancer

This is the mass growth of cells on the cervix. The cells have no beneficial factor in the body.

Trichomonas

This is a parasite mostly found in pubic hair. The parasite is easily transmitted from person to person directly during sexual intercourse. Cervix becomes very red and noticed during smear test.

Prevention of cervix infection

Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine

Dr Berlin viewed that, if the vaccine is administered from the age of 9 -26 years,  the vaccine works best in the body since it is highly effective when given in youth and before young people are exposed to the virus.

Cervical cancers

The cancer is prevented through regular screening and early treatment. Women at the age of twenty one should be tested for the cancer. The test is done through smear test or swab test.

Symptoms

• Vaginal discharges 

• Pain on passing urine 

• Bleeding in between periods 

• Lower tummy abdominal pain

Test for cervix cancer

A small ball of cotton wool on the end of a thick stick is gently rubbed on the cervix to obtain samples. The sample is examined under a microscope in the laboratory.

Treatment

The treatment depends on the type and stage of cervical cancer. They include:

1. Surgery, which is the removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue during an operation. 

2. Radiation therapy – consist of high energy x-ray, which is meant to destroy cancer cells. The treatment is recommended for the patients with recurrence of cancer. 

3. Palliative care – is used in reducing symptoms, improving quality of life and supporting patients and families. The treatment includes:

• Medication. 

• Nutrition changes. 

• Relaxation techniques. 

• Emotional support.

Chemotherapy– Is the treatment by use of drugs. The drugs are used to destroy cancer cells by inhibiting the growth and multiplication of the cells. The drug is taken through injection by the Needle through intravenous tube or by use of pill or capsule.

The clinical trial is a research study as a new approach in treatment for effectiveness and possibly better than standard treatment.

Avoid smoking

Smoking increases the chances of having cervical cancer. The immunity of a woman who smokeis less effective says Dr Scott. Tobacco is released on the cervical mucus damaging the DNA of cervical cells, thus enhance the development of cervical cancer.

Regular check up of sexual transmitted disease. 

Early detection of STDs is easily treated. The STDs which affect cervix are:

• Gonorrhea is treated by use of antibiotics to kill the bacteria. 

• Genital Herpes results in painful blisters on the genitals and surrounding area. 

• Trichomonas advisable to shave pubic hair since the parasite sticks on the hair.

Conclusion

Scrubbing, douching, sprays, use of perfumes, and other products used for cleansing inside the vulva, are not recommendable since vulva has mucus for self cleansing.

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