What does it mean to have a friable cervix?
A friable cervix is one where the opening of the uterus (the fallopian tube) becomes partially or completely blocked. A blockage may be due to scar tissue from previous surgery, fibroids, cysts, tumors or other conditions. If not treated properly, a blockage can lead to infertility and even death.
The term “friable” refers to the fact that the cervix is easily damaged and could become infected. It also means that there are parts of the body which are easily broken or cracked.
These include bones, teeth, skin, muscles and ligaments.
How is it treated?
There are several treatment options available for a friable cervix including: surgery; medication; physical therapy; herbal remedies; dietary changes and more.
Surgery
If your cervix is already blocked with scar tissue, then surgery may be necessary to remove the blockage. Surgery may involve removing part of the uterus (called hysterectomy), or removing all of it.
Some surgeons will perform both types of procedures simultaneously. Other surgeons only do one type of procedure at a time. There are many different surgical techniques used for hysterectomies and some surgeries require general anesthesia while others don’t.
Surgery for a friable cervix is low risk in most cases but there is always the chance of complications such as bleeding or infection. If you are considering surgery, discuss the risks and benefits with your physician to find out if it is right for you.
Medication
In some cases, drugs can be used to help prevent or treat cancer cells in the cervix or other parts of the body. These drugs may be used alone or with other types of treatment.
— Chemotherapy: This is a powerful drug that can be injected into a patient or administered intravenously (into a vein). Chemo affects all fast-dividing cells in the body so it is often used to treat cancer.
It can be effective in treating cancer because it can eliminate all rapidly-dividing cells in the body, including cancer cells.
— Hormone therapy: This treatment uses drugs to reduce hormones in the body. Hormones can fuel certain types of cancer so by reducing these, it can help slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells.
— Radiation therapy: A radiation therapist uses a machine to send out high-energy rays to damage and kill cancer cells. It is painless and non-invasive.
— Immunotherapy: This treatment helps train a person’s own immune system to fight off cancer cells.
Physical therapy
In some cases, physical therapy can help treat problems with the bladder, bowels or intestines. This may help avoid surgery.
A physical therapist can also suggest ways a patient can avoid putting extra pressure on their bowels which may help them avoid a blockage.
Two types of physical therapy used to prevent blockages are called Kegel exercises and perineal massage.
Kegel exercises involve making the pelvic muscles stronger so they can push down, in and forward on the vaginal walls more effectively. This can help open up the entire pelvic region and strengthen the muscles around the bladder, bowels and uterus.
Perineal massage involves massaging the tissue in and around the vaginal area to help make those muscles stronger.
Physical therapy is generally safe but those with a history of hemorrhoids, an undiagnosed vaginal discharge or sexual problems should consult their physician before performing Kegel exercises or perineal massage.
Herbal remedies
There are many different herbal supplements that may help prevent or treat cancer. Different supplements are available for liver, immune system and hormonal health.
Always talk to your physician before taking herbal supplements since they can have serious interactions with other medicines.
Herbal supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA so it is possible for some companies to market ineffective or even harmful products. There is also a lack of quality control and it isn’t always clear how much of each ingredient is in the supplement.
This can vary from bottle to bottle even for the same product.
Some supplements may also interfere with prescription drugs, so it is important to let your physician know what supplements you are taking.
Resources
UroToday
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Cancer.org
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National Cancer Institute
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Uroweb
urology web resources (LINK REMOVED)
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease
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An Overview of Colon and Rectal Cancer (PDQ®)
Kreiger, Sheldon M. et al.
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Colon and Rectal Cancer Screening (PDQ®)
Wong, Kenneth C. et al.
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