3 Questions Before Treating Cervical Ectropion

If an examination finds cervical ectropion, ask the clinician to connect that finding with the symptoms you came about. A diagnosis and a treatment offer are two parts of the conversation.

Three questions before treatment

1. What else has been excluded? Before treating ectropion, the team should check for infection, inflammation and possible abnormality. This can involve swabs and sometimes biopsy.¹
2. What would treatment change for me? Treatment may be offered for troublesome symptoms, but symptoms can also settle without it. Ask whether observation or reviewing contraception is suitable in your circumstances.¹
3. Which procedure and aftercare are planned? Cautery options include diathermy with local anesthetic and silver nitrate. Ask about the expected discharge, activity instructions and symptoms that require contact afterward. Improvement is not guaranteed.¹

Have new bleeding checked

Bleeding between periods or after sex needs medical assessment, even though there are several possible causes. Seek urgent advice if you have missed a period and have unusual bleeding with abdominal or pelvic pain.²

Record the dates and circumstances of bleeding before your review. Put the team’s explanation and agreed follow-up beside that record rather than assuming every future episode has the same cause.

Period, Handled includes a Period Scorecard and visit script. Use them to organize the bleeding history and questions you bring to the appointment. See the book.