When a woman is diagnosed with cervical stenosis, it means that her cervical opening is narrower than it should be, or in severe cases, it is completely closed. Cervical stenosis is an uncommon but potential cause of female infertility, since it interferes with sperm getting to the egg, which can then further complicate fertility treatments like insemination or in vitro fertilization (IVF). To help you have a better understanding of cervical stenosis, NCCRM infertility center Cary is here to explain the causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
Causes
Cervical stenosis usually results from a disorder or another condition, such as the following:
- Menopause, because the tissues in the cervix thin
- Cancer of the cervix or cancer of the lining of the uterus (endometrial cancer)
- Surgery that involves the cervix—for example, done to treat precancerous changes of the cervix (dysplasia)
- Procedures that destroy or remove the lining of the uterus (endometrial ablation) in women who have persistent vaginal bleeding
- Radiation therapy to treat cervical cancer or endometrial cancer
- Rarely, cervical stenosis results in an accumulation of blood in the uterus (hematometra)
- Also rarely, pus accumulates in the uterus (pyometra), particularly if the cause of stenosis is cervical or endometrial cancer
Symptoms
Depending on the severity, cervical stenosis may be discovered when investigating symptoms, or it may not be apparent until fertility testing or treatment. Possible symptoms include abnormal menstrual bleeding, intense menstrual cramps, and no period or very light spotting. According to NCCRM infertility center Cary, infertility is also a possible symptom of cervical stenosis. During fertility testing, cervical stenosis may be suspected if there is difficulty completing an HSG. It is also possible for cervical stenosis to be discovered during fertility treatment itself. During IUI or IVF, if there is trouble placing the catheter for insemination or embryo transfer, cervical stenosis may be an issue.
Treatment Options
One method of treatment that NCCRM infertility center Cary suggests involves the use of dilators. Dilators are thin, lubricated rods that come in progressively larger sizes, which can be inserted one by one until the appropriate dilation has been reached. In some cases, the doctor will then insert a cervical stent, which is a tube that can keep the cervix from re-closing. The stent may remain in the cervix for 4-6 weeks. If dilators are not successful or not appropriate, hysteroscopic shaving is an option. This is a surgical procedure completed during a hysteroscopy. Laser treatment, where the scar tissue is vaporized with medical laser, is another possible option.
NCCRM Infertility Center In Cary
Sometimes, cervical stenosis is the primary cause of infertility, in which case, you may be able to conceive on your own after treatment. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact NCCRM infertility center Cary today!
