| Linda,
You probably have a condition called cervical erosion, also called cervical ectropion. This is a condition where the cervical cells undergoes certain changes, either in response to a high estrogen level in the blood - either during pregnancy or with birth control pills - or in response to cervical infection. The change in the cells causes them to secrete more discharge which may be severe enough to soak the underwear.
Pressure on the erosion by the penis during sexual intercourse can also cause a mild bleeding.
Cervical Erosion is essentially harmless. During an examination, it will be seen as a reddish area in the mouth of the cervix. Pap smears will be normal.
Since the vaginal discharge in your case, has a smell, it is likely that your cervical erosion is due to cervical infection. The Nuvaring, which secretes estrogen and progesterone could also be stimulating the development of cervical erosion.
I believe that you need to consult a gynecologist if you have not already done so. Ask to be examined for cervical erosion as well as bacterial cervicitis. A course of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories will be helpful.
The initial treatment of cervical erosion is by a course of antibiotics and a 'wait and see' approach for 3 months. If the erosion does not clear up in a few weeks, this is followed by a procedure where the area of erosion is destroyed by high heat (the procedure is called thermal cautery), electric current (electrocautery) , extreme cold (cryocautery) or by laser therapy. These are office procedures and does not take more than a few minutes.
I hope this helps. Please feel free to ask a follow-up question if you need more information. |
Digg it!
Stumbleupon
