A woman's cervix, or opening to the womb, goes through several changes in her lifetime. In childhood, the cells on the surface of the cervix make it look rough. Throughout childhood there is little female hormone in the girl's system to effect these cells. As periods begin, the female hormone called estrogen starts to change this surface to a smoother, stronger one. This process is not completed until menopause, when little of the original surface can be found.

What does this mean for a teen or young adult? During an exam of the cervix, terminology like erosion of the cervix, may be used to describe this natural surface. As we age this description occurs less and less. Pregnancy, with its increase in hormones and womb size, also causes more erosion to be seen. This very normal and no need for concern. As women age, the cervix changes.

Although sometimes there can be a discharge or spotting with sex, there is usually no need for treatment. If these problems continue or increase, an exam may be needed. Minor infections may trouble this area. They go away with antibiotics These complaints are rarely severe enough to need more therapy, such as freezing or laser surgery.

Women with erosion of the cervix may find their choice of birth control limited. Some forms of birth control, like a diaphragm or cervical caps that have direct contact with the cervix, can increase the erosion. Otherwise, most women never know these changes occur on the cervix.

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