According to Healthline - A spot on the uterus can indicate several inflammatory or infectious problems that can affect this organ of the female body. Usually, this sign is accompanied by symptoms such as vaginal discharge with color and odor, bleeding outside the menstrual period, pain and burning when urinating or during sexual intercourse.
The uterine spot is a treatable problem, but its cause must be correctly identified. It is essential to identify whether the cause of the spot is an infection by bacteria, fungi, viruses, or an inflammation resulting from some gynecological disease.
See what are the main causes of spotting in the uterus and what to do.
Infection by the HPV virus
HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a type of virus that infects the oral, genital or anal mucous membranes, and the skin.
The most common sign of an HPV infection is the appearance of warts in the genital and anal area, which can develop into cancer, depending on the type of virus that has infected the person.
Another possible sign of an HPV infection is the presence of white spots on the cervix that are not visible to the naked eye. A persistent infection caused by some types of HPV viruses can lead to the development of cervical cancer.
This virus is transmitted through sexual intercourse, in contact between the skin of an uninfected person and the skin of another person infected with the virus. The female condom can provide greater protection than the male condom, because it protects the entire pubic area and vulva.
Not all people who have contact with the virus develop the disease, because the immune system has mechanisms capable of eliminating it.
But it is worth pointing out that this virus is silent, so a person can be a carrier and not even know it. Generally, the manifestation of warts occurs 2 to 8 months after the infection, but it can take up to 20 years for any sign of infection to appear.
What to do
It is essential that women take the preventive exam called cervical oncotic colpocytology or Pap smear, which allows the identification of these spots and other types of lesions on the cervix.
In some cases, these spots can be precursors to cervical cancer and, if detected early, can prevent cancer from developing.
There is no standard treatment for HPV and it varies from case to case according to the extent, amount, and location of the lesions. The treatment is directed towards the elimination of the lesions, which can be done with laser, electrocauterization, use of acids and medications that stimulate the immune system.
The most effective measure to prevent an HPV infection is with vaccines, which are distributed free of charge by SUS for girls between 9 and 14 years old, and for boys between 11 and 14 years old.
The vaccines are also available for people living with sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV, transplanted or who have some type of cancer.
Cervicitis
Cervicitis, or endocervicitis, is an inflammation of the cervix caused by a sexually transmitted infection. The cervix is the lower portion of the uterus, which attaches to the upper end of the vagina.
There are several types of microorganisms that can cause cervicitis, the most common being the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis, which causes chlamydia, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which causes gonorrhea.
On gynecological examination, white spots may appear on the cervix that are scattered and ill-defined.
The symptoms that accompany this sign are mainly a yellowish or light vaginal discharge, bleeding outside the menstrual period, pain or bleeding during intercourse, frequent pain in the pelvic area, and the need to urinate more frequently, accompanied by pain.
What to do
When presenting these symptoms, it is recommended to seek the assistance of a gynecologist, who will perform a gynecological exam to check for alterations in the cervix, such as the presence of stains, and request complementary exams, in order to start the treatment with the most appropriate antibiotic for the case.
Colpitis
Colpitis is an inflammation that affects the mucous membrane that covers the inner wall of the vagina and cervix, due to an infection by bacteria, fungi or protozoa.
The main symptom of colpitis is milky-white vaginal discharge accompanied by reddish spots on the uterus.
Bacterial colpitis is mainly caused by the Gardnerella sp. bacterium, which causes smelly vaginal discharge and pain during intercourse.
The main cause of fungal colpitis is the Candida fungus, which is normally present in the vagina, but which can proliferate and cause an infection when a woman's natural defenses are low and when the conditions of temperature, humidity and pH in the vaginal region are favorable.
This fungus is responsible for candidiasis.
The protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis is largely responsible for protozoan colpitis, also known as trichomoniasis. This infection causes a burning and burning sensation when urinating, and also increases the frequency of urination.
What to do
Colpitis is more common in women who do not use condoms during intercourse.
It is necessary to see a gynecologist to identify the microorganism that causes the infection, from the analysis of the vaginal secretion, because an effective treatment depends on this information.
A colposcopy exam allows you to see changes in the uterus, such as the presence of spots, that may be suggestive of colpitis. A colposcopy is a gynecological examination that uses microscope-like equipment, the colposcope, to provide a magnified and detailed view of the cervix, vagina, and vulva.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis refers to a disorder in the body's functioning that leads to the growth of cells that make up the tissue that lines the uterus internally, the endometrium, elsewhere in the body.
In other words, the cells in the uterus grow outside it, in the ovaries or in other organs in the abdominal cavity.
If the disease manifests itself in the ovaries, there is a risk of a cyst forming, called an endometrioma. This cyst, which is usually large, can make pregnancy difficult. The disease can also affect the large intestine, the bladder, and the appendix.
The abnormal growth of endometrial cells in inappropriate places causes severe cramps, especially during the menstrual period.
This is usually the symptom that leads a woman to seek medical attention. At this time, it may also be possible to observe some reddish spots on the uterus with the gynecological examination.
What to do
It is necessary to go through a diagnostic process that consists of a gynecological, laboratory, and imaging exam, and confirmation of the result with a biopsy exam.
Endometriosis tends to regress naturally with menopause and the cessation of menstruation, due to hormonal decline. Women of reproductive age need to take medications that stop menstruation.
If the woman does not wish to have children, she can be educated about the possibility of removing the uterus and ovaries.
Wound in the uterus (cervical ectopia)
Cervical ectopia is a sore on the cervix that can develop due to inflammation in the cervix, caused by untreated infection or inflammatory problems.
For example, cervical ectopia can develop due to hormonal changes throughout life, changes in the uterus during pregnancy, injuries after childbirth, allergy to components of condoms or tampons, repeated candidiasis, and infections such as HPV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and genital herpes.
Cervical ectopia does not always manifest any symptoms, being only identified in the gynecological examination, in which some reddish spots can be observed in the uterus.
The symptoms, when present, are relative to the cause of the sore, and may include vaginal discharge, burning when urinating, bleeding outside the menstrual period, and cramping.
What to do
The treatment for cervical ectopia varies according to the cause of the wound in the uterus, and can be performed with gynecological ointments, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiviral, hormonal pills, or more complex procedures, such as cauterization of the wound.
Content created and supplied by: Trendyhealth (via Opera News )
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