How much do Indian woman actually know about their body and the reproductive system? Chances are, barring the uber educated, metro city-dwelling women in this country, women have a brief understanding of their own anatomy. With the cultural and societal focus being childbirth, women tend to push everything else about their reproductive health to the back burner. And unlike other parts of the female reproductive system like the vagina, ovaries, and labia, the cervix doesn’t get much attention. However, in India, cervical cancer contributes to approximately 6–29% of all cancers in women. This makes it crucial for women to know more about it.
In conversation with TC46, Gynaecologist Dr Manjiri Mehta of Hiranandani Hospital, Mumbai explains 10 vital things every woman should know about her cervix and how to take care of it.
1. The cervix is the lower portion of the uterus, an organ of the female reproductive tract
Cervix is part of a female’s reproductive system. It is the mouth or the opening of the uterus and it is located inside the vagina. The uterus is a hollow muscular organ located in the female pelvis between the bladder and rectum. The cervix is usually 2 to 3 cm long (~1 inch) and roughly cylindrical in shape, which changes during pregnancy.
The cervix is composed of two regions; the ectocervix and the endocervical canal.
The ectocervix is the portion of the cervix that projects into the vagina. It is lined by stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium. The opening in the ectocervix, the external os, marks the transition from the ectocervix to the endocervical canal.
The endocervical canal (or endocervix) is the more proximal, and ‘inner’ part of the cervix. It is lined by a mucus-secreting simple columnar epithelium. The endocervical canal ends, and the uterine cavity begins, at a narrowing called the internal os.
2. The cervix performs two vital functions
The cervix secrets normal lubricating fluids which help in holding the pregnancy, and forms a mucus plug to prevent infections during pregnancy. It maintains sterility of the upper female reproductive tract. The cervix, and all structures superior to it, are sterile. This ultimately protects the uterine cavity and the upper genital tract by preventing bacterial invasion. This environment is maintained by the frequent shedding of the endometrium, thick cervical mucus and a narrow external OS.
3. Doctors recommend a pap smear to be done every 3 years
Pap smear is the test done on cervical cells to find out about the chances of cervical cancer. It helps in identifying cancerous and precancerous stages. Though it is not a confirmatory test but a good and effective screening test. It is recommended that a pap smear be done every 3 years unless advised otherwise.
4. HPV infection can cause cervical cancer
HPV stands for Human Papilloma Virus infection and it is one of the most important factors for cancer of the cervix. There is a strong cause and effect relationship between the virus and cervical cancer. Some strains of the virus are responsible for causing cancer of the cervix, the vaccine against this is based on this fact. The vaccine acts against the most common strains of this virus and provides immunity against cervical cancer.
5. Keeping a tab on cervicitis, cervical incompetence, and cervical polyps and cysts is vital
- Cervicitis is an infection of the cervix, it may give rise to white discharge, itching, lower tummy pain and more.
- Cervical incompetence happens during pregnancy where the cervix becomes short, soft and opens early in pregnancy, leading to abortions or preterm delivery. In such cases, Cervical Cerclage operation is very beneficial.
- Cervical Polyps are an overgrowth of the cervical lining, this may lead to heavy periods, irregular bleeding, cramping pain etc.
- The Cervical Cysts can be formed on the surface or within the cervix and may not cause any symptoms.
The treatment depends on the symptoms, for infections and infected cysts, oral or vaginal antibiotics and/or antifungal medicines are given. For Cervical Polyps, surgical removal is needed in most cases which can be done hysteroscopically.
6. Common risk factors for cervical cancer include childbirth at a young age and abnormal menstrual cycles
Some of the common risk factors for cervical cancer are:
- Early starting and late stopping of menses
- Early beginning of the sexual activity and highly active sexual life
- Childbirth at a young age
- Multiple sex partners
- Certain type of contraceptive pills
- Smoking and alcohol addiction
7. Condoms and good hygiene practices can help prevent cervical cancer
Cervical cancer can be prevented with the following:
- Delaying sexual activity (late teens or later)
- Avoid multiple partners
- Avoid sexual intercourse with people who have had multiple partners
- Always use a condom
- Indulge in good hygiene practices
- Postpone first pregnancy
- Stop smoking and alcohol consumption
- Early and routine screening like getting a pap smear test done after consulting your doctor
8. The cervix undergoes changes during early pregnancy and pre and post-childbirth
Cervix undergoes changes during pregnancy as it is affected by the hormonal changes during pregnancy:
- In early pregnancy, it becomes softer and more congested, changes colour to a more purplish hue. The length of the cervix also may change during pregnancy
- During childbirth the Cervix becomes softer, more pliable, and is stretched to its limits for the baby to pass through, this sometimes leads to tears and various other injuries to the cervix
- Post childbirth, the Cervix remains a little bigger and looser as compared to the earlier state. The opening of the Cervix also becomes a little patulous
9. Cervical injuries during sex are uncommon
Cervical injuries during sex are uncommon, there are usually vaginal and hymenal tears and laceration injuries during physical intercourse. Injuries to the cervix typically occur during childbirth and when pregnancy termination or abortions are conducted by unqualified persons. These injuries need to be handled by an expert and at the earliest, or else they may prove dangerous.
10. Regular check-ups, cervical cancer vaccines and pap smears help take care of the cervix
Some measures to take care of your cervix are:
- A regular check-up with a Gynaecologist, sonography as advised by the doctor should be done
- Routine PAP smear test starting as early as 20 years is recommended
- Do not neglect any kind of persistent or repeated white discharge
- Advocating cervical cancer vaccine to young girls up to the age 15 years and ladies up to the age of 30 years. For girls below the age of 15 years of age, 2 doses of vaccine are given 6 months apart as per the recommended schedule. From 15-30 years of age 3 doses are needed. And after 30 years of age, the vaccines lose their effectiveness and it is not recommended
