Overview Causes Symptoms Treatment
What is cervical stenosis?
Cervical stenosis refers to a narrowing of the cervical canal—the passageway within the cervix that connects the vagina to the uterus. When this canal becomes too tight or completely blocked, it can affect menstrual flow, fertility, and certain gynecologic procedures.
Common Related Conditions
Causes of cervical stenosis
Cervical stenosis can develop for several reasons, most commonly due to scarring or structural changes in the cervix. Procedures such as cervical biopsies, LEEP, cone biopsies, or dilation and curettage can create scar tissue that narrows the canal. Infections, chronic inflammation, or trauma to the cervix may also contribute. As women age, estrogen levels decline, especially after menopause, which can cause the cervical tissue to thin and tighten. Less commonly, cervical stenosis may result from congenital anatomical differences present from birth or from treatments such as pelvic radiation. All of these factors can lead to a gradual or sudden narrowing of the cervical canal.
These tiny strands can form on the vaginal wall, at the entrance of the vagina (introitus), or at the cervix. Once formed, these tiny internal bonds (now called micro-adhesions) can bind structures together, causing pain or contributing to infertility. Adhesions that form on the vaginal wall can cause significant pain at the introitus or deeper within the area during sexual intercourse. Those that form on or within the cervix can narrow that structure, making fertility difficult or impossible. This narrowing can make it difficult for sperm to enter the female reproductive tract or create a pull-up into the uterus, causing spasm, difficult implantation, or miscarriage. When adhesions attach the cervix to the vaginal wall (something we often feel), it can also cause pain or recurrent pulls into the uterus with every step a woman takes – again causing spasm and decreasing the chance for a successful pregnancy.
Symptoms of cervical stenosis
- Light, irregular, or absent menstrual periods
- Painful periods due to trapped menstrual blood (cramps or pelvic pain)
- Difficulty becoming pregnant because sperm cannot easily pass through the cervix
- Pain during pelvic exams or procedures
- Recurrent pain on one side with walking or running
- Abnormal bleeding, such as spotting or buildup of blood in the uterus (hematometra)
- Sometimes no symptoms at all, especially in mild cases
Treatment for cervical stenosis
Clear Passage® has been highly effective in treating cervical stenosis for several reasons. With our focus on adhesions and internal treatment for some women, it is generally easy for us to reach your cervix and treat your cervix with a gloved finger. Through decades of experience, we can easily feel the difference between a relaxed cervix and one that has undergone the excessive healing events that can complicate reproductive function. After therapy, the cervix becomes supple, pliable – fully ready to engage in the process of creating children. – as it was designed.
As we decrease adhesions at the cervix, we are also treating other areas of the vagina, including the entry, the side, front, and back walls. With that, we were surprised to find a significant decrease in intercourse pain and an increase in every measurable area of sexual dysfunction: pain, desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction. We have presented these results at several medical conferences and published them in peer-reviewed medical journals.
Other Treatment Options (Surgery, Drugs)
Depending on the pain and dysfunction that your condition is causing you, there are various treatment options for you to consider.
If the pain is not debilitating, your options are limited to over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine, such as Advil. However, this treatment option is used to treat the symptoms, not the condition.
If the pain from your cervical stenosis is chronic and debilitating, your physician may recommend surgery. However, keep in mind that 50-100% patients who underwent pelvic surgery formed post-surgical adhesions, resulting in more chronic pain symptoms. Additionally, it is important to consider the risks associated with surgery, along with recovery time.
Condition Specific Disclaimer:
Information about cervical stenosis is provided for educational purposes only. Diagnosis must be performed by your physician. Clear Passage® does not diagnose medical conditions and does not replace medical or surgical care. We encourage every patient to consult their physician for evaluation of symptoms and to determine whether our therapy is appropriate as part of their overall treatment plan.
Testimonials:
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