Friable Cervix or Cervicitis
What is a friable cervix?
The cervix is the small tunnel that leads from your vagina into your uterus. A friable cervix is one that is easily irritated and inflamed and can bleed, particularly after intercourse. Your MD or gynecologist may notice bleeding from your cervix or inflammation on performing a PAP smear.
Other causes of abnormal bleeding need to be ruled out such as complications of pregnancy, malignant tumors (endometrial, cervical, vaginal, vulvar, and ovarian), infection (endometritis, salpingitis, chlamydia), and other benign pelvic disorders (traumatic lesions of the vagina, severe vaginal infections, foreign bodies, cervical polyps, submucous uterine leiomyomas, adenomyosis, endometriosis, and endometrial polyps).
Causes of medically induced abnormal uterine bleeding include hormones and birth control pills, digitalis, phenytoin, anticoagulants, and IUDs. Systemic diseases that may cause abnormal uterine bleeding include hypothyroidism, cirrhosis, and coagulation disorders.
What can be done to heal a friable cervix?
Conventional treatment may involve antibiotics, antifungals, and/or silver nitrate to cauterize blood vessels. Naturopathic treatment for inflammation of the cervix means looking for the root cause of the inflammation and addressing that.
Possible causes of inflammation of the cervix:
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs):
STDs like HPV virus, Gonorrhea, herpes virus and Chlamydia. Boosting the immune system, taking anti-microbial herbs, and strengthening the tissue that lines the cervix can help fend off STDs and defeat viruses like the herpes virus and HPV virus.
Vaginal dysbiosis
Dysbiosis means an overgrowth of unhealthy bacteria/yeast in the vagina and a lack of “good bacteria”. This happens from antibiotic use. Bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, or other unwanted microorganisms, coupled with insufficient beneficial flora can cause chronic inflammation.
Food sensitivities
Most people have several mild food allergies or sensitivities that can contribute to inflammation anywhere in the body including bladder, vagina, sinuses, digestive tract, and cervix. Symptoms of these include: bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, fullness after eating, heartburn, headaches, sinus problems, skin rashes, tiredness, muscle weakness, joint pain, eczema, acne, psoriasis, rosacea, environmental allergies, asthma, etc, basically anything that involves inflammation.
Poor ability to produce your own “anti-inflammatories”
Your body has an innate ability to produce anti-inflammatories like prostaglandins and corticosteroids. A lack of omega 3 fatty acids in your diet or excessive intake of inflammatory fats and/or poor adrenal gland function mean lower levels of endogenous anti-inflammatory production.
Poorly regulated blood sugar levels and higher insulin
Whenever blood sugar levels spike, your body has to produce insulin. Insulin is very pro-inflammatory. Keeping blood sugar stable helps keep insulin levels lower, reducing inflammation.
Hormone imbalance
Hormone balance is vital to healthy vaginal and cervical tissue. Reducing insulin helps reduce excess estrogen production or activity. It’s your liver’s job to remove any estrogen excess. Facilitating liver detoxification of excess hormones and chemicals and pollution that may be acting like hormones can help reduce inflammation. Most women have never had their hormones properly tested. Once we know what the exact imbalances are, then we can optimize your levels to minimize symptoms like bleeding from your cervix.
Through naturopathic medicine, I can address all of the above root causes of a friable cervix. Natural methods like diet, vitamins, minerals, and herbs fix the root of the problem and keep the cervix healthy.
For help with this or any other health problem, book an appointment here or call the office for more information at 416-481-0222.
by Dr. Pamela Frank, BSc(Hons), ND
Dr. Pamela has practiced as a naturopathic doctor in Toronto since 1999. She has received numerous “Best Naturopath in Toronto” awards. She is registered with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.
Dr. Pamela Frank uses a natural treatment approach that may include acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, diet, vitamins, supplements, and other natural remedies to restore balance and provide long-term resolution to almost any health problem.
Dear Reader:
I have noticed that this particular page of my website receives a disproportionately high amount of traffic. This tells me that there are many women suffering due to friable cervix. In an effort to help as many women as possible have a healthier cervix, I have spent several months working on an ebook. I hope to have it completed by the end of 2021. If you would like to be notified when my ebook is complete, please fill in the form below. Your information will be kept private and confidential and not used by anyone but me to let you know about the ebook.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided here may not apply precisely to your individual situation. Diagnostic and therapeutic choices must always be tailored to the individual patient’s circumstances, and consultation with a licensed naturopathic physician should be undertaken before following any of the treatment strategies suggested in this website.