Causes
Though cervical erosion is a common finding during fertile years, its significance
is variable. Causes of erosion can be trauma, chemicals, infections or carcinoma.
Trauma of multiple childbirths, tampon use or an intrauterine contraceptive device
especially if used for a long period can cause erosion. Cervical erosion is commonly
related to the effect of hormones and is seen in young women taking oral contraceptive
pills.
Acute and chronic infections are common causes of erosion. The duration of infection
is more important than the type. The most serious concern with cervical erosion
is its likely predisposition to cause cervical cancer. Cervical erosions are more
common in women of lower socioeconomic groups, women with poor general hygiene,
with early marriage and multiple pregnancies. These are also the risk groups for
cervical dysplasia which are precancerous lesions.
The nidana can be Nija/Agantuja, with Kapha Pitta Dosha dominance and it is a Twak
Mamsaja type of vrana occurring at Garbahshaya griva. As it is a twak – mamsagata
vranaaccording to Sushrut the treatment of such vrana is Agnikarma. (Su.Su.12/10)
Sign and Symptoms
Cervical erosion is mostly an incidental finding on routine gynecological examination
in women. Commonly it is present in asymptomatic females. The common symptoms associated
with cervical erosion are – vaginal discharge or leucorrhoea, pain, difficulty in
passing urine, post coital bleeding.
Garbhashaya Grivagata Vrana (Cervical Erosion) is one among the vimshati yoni vyapats.
This common ailment may present with symptoms like vaginal discharge to worst manifestations
like female infertility and thus gain importance in the gynecological practice.
This condition with its signs and symptoms can be correlated with cervical erosion.
Prevention
- Practice sexual abstinence or use condoms during sexual intercourse
- Use barrier methods of birth control (condoms, diaphragms, or cervical caps) when
having sex. Such methods offer some protection against sexually transmitted diseases,
which can lead to cervical problems.
- To help prevent cervicitis, eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits. These foods
are rich in vitamin C, beta carotene, Folic acid, and other nutrients that strengthen
the immune system and help fight off some infections.
- Stop smoking
Ayurvedic Treatment for Cervical Erosions
Mostly cervical erosion is present in women who do not have any symptoms and thus
no specific treatment is advised. A few treatments include taking specific medications,
cervical cautery or laser cauterization.
Usually a spontaneous regression takes place after the squamous metaplasia, but
treatment can speed up this process. It is only if the patient with cervical erosion
presents with a specific complaint e.g. excessive vaginal discharge or post coital
bleeding then treatment is advised for the underlying cause like infection.
As per ayurvedic point of view, this disease is caused by vitiation of three doshas
with a clear predominance of Vata and Kapha Doshas. So the selection of Drug should
be done according to the nature of the disease and doshika predominance.
Pichudharan is considered the best and the most specific procedure in all Vranas
especially in yonigata rogas as mentioned in classical texts by Acharya Charak,
Vagbhatta, Bhava Prakash and Yogratnakar. Kampilakadi Grita is the foremost and
a unique formulations mentioned in the classic of Ayurveda in Vrana management as
it is having Vrana Shodak and Vranaropak property. Yoniprakshalan is also useful
in the treatment of Vrana. Nimba Patra Kwath yoni praksalan also have Vranashodhak,
Vranaropak and Vatakaphashamak property.