Cervical Stenosis

This is what my OBGYN said that I had and the reason why she couldn't do the biopsy.

Its when the cervix is very narrow (or sometimes closed) and there is difficulty getting in to the cervical canal. It also increases the risk of endo (which, as Ive said before, they already think I have).

This can cause infertility. Good thing is that people with this have achieved pregnancy through IUI.

It can happen as a result of a cone biopsy and/or treatment for precancerous cells on the cervix - both of which I have had.

Anyone know anything else about this or had any experiences with this?

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PS They compare it to a draw string purse - and the string is closed too tight and you cant get in.

Message edited 6/29/2005 12:08:01 PM.

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Well at least you now have some answers

I tried to google it and it came up about the spine, I must be spelling it wrong. I will keep looking for info for you.




ETA - is this why the HSG and biopsy were so painful for you?

Message edited 6/29/2005 12:21:46 PM.

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Kathy, how does your ob/gyn explain your chemical pregnancies ?

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Just saw this on the internet:

"Stenosis could present a problem, but it's not likely. Stenosis refers to a "stiffening" of muscles; therefore, in cases of cervical stenosis, the already very constricted muscles that hold a woman's cervix closed (very important, obviously, during pregnancy) may not dilate (open) in a normal fashion.

The amount of cervical opening that is necessary for sperm to get through is so minimal (even though they're the biggest human cells, sperm are still just individual cells) even stenosis appears to not be an issue here. If there is any stenosis related fertility issue, it can be corrected through IUI procedures. You would want to be sure that whoever performs your IUI knows of the stenosis well in advance, so that you can discuss various dilation procedures."

Also:
http://www.nezhat.com/patients_topics_cervicalstenosis.html

Message edited 6/29/2005 12:54:53 PM.

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thanks, I read that too. I researched a few sites and they said different things could be the cause but looks like IUI could get me PG

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Well I'm not HAPPY per se but I am happy you got some sort of answer regarding why your biopsy was so painful for you. And I cannot reiterate enough how glad I am you are going to the RE tomorrow, becaue I truly feel that a lot of your questions will be answered and you will finally be on the right path!

as a sidenote, I have also been treated for pre-cancerous cells in the past (well over 10 years ago, however, and all paps have been fine since) and I do have endo, so I will keep this all in mind if I do wind up needing testing down the road (which I expect I will )

Message edited 6/29/2005 1:27:19 PM.

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Flee, Yes keep this in mind. It can cause problems getting PG but doesn't mean you CANT get PG.

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Kathy, while I was researching about fertility issues last night, I came across this condition (cervical stenosis) and thought of you immediately. I then started reading more about tubal blockages, and I have to be honest with you, I have a REALLY good feeling about you getting pg. You just might need a little more help than some others do. (IUI) Good luck. I think of you often.

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I have Cervical Stenosis Kathy, due to my cone biopsy and surgeries and regular biopsies...It also reduces EWCF a lot.

My Dr said it was obvious but she didnt know how bad it was....Thats why she said I will more then likly need IUI, which is typical treatment to get PG for women who have this.

she told me of 3 vitamins to take to help with producing EWCF and they also "relax" the cervical walls a little.

They are Red Raspberry leaves
Flax Seed Oil
Evening primrose

I saw a post on Ovusoft once where the women had this problem and was taking the SAME vitamins, so its worth a try.

she also said that some IUI's can be performed without much cervical dilation, usually with Cervical Stenosis, you may need to be put out to have the cervix dialated enough for IUI.

Message edited 6/29/2005 6:23:54 PM.

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Cervical Stenosis can cause ENDO too kathy...did your Dr mention this?

I found this online"
Introduction

Normally the cervical canal is large enough to easily allow the passage of menstrual blood. Cervical stenosis is an abnormal narrowing of the cervical canal. Cervical stenosis may be present from birth or may be caused by a variety of factors which include infection, cancer, radiation, atrophy (thinning of the cervical lining due to lack of estrogen), or surgical procedures. Surgeries performed to treat abnormal pap smears such as cone biopsy, LEEP, and cryotherapy are the most common causes.

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on whether the cervical canal is partially or completely obstructed and on the patient's menopausal status. Premenopausal patients will have a build up of blood inside the uterus which causes sporadic bleeding and pelvic pain. Patients also have an increased risk of infertility and endometriosis

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Susan, Thank you so much I hope that my quest to get PG can happen by overcoming something as "simple" as this.

Donna - thank you too for all the info! I've been doing a LOT of reading about this today to prepare myself for the RE tomorrow. It sounds like it could be exactly what I have so I'm crossing my fingers that my RE will be agressive and get this TTC ball rolling in the right direction!!

On that note...at least I get to drink at the GTG on Friday!

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Dont forget to bring copies of any tests results and records from you GYN. You should probably bring your charts too. I can't wiat to hear how it goes tomorrow.

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Kathy, I am glad that you are finally getting some answers. I have never heard of Cervical Stenosis. I hope you get the answer you are looking for!

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Another thing that will definitely help your cervical mucus become ewcm...is carrots. I have mentioned this before,....and I even found a drink at trader joe's called Vitality which is loaded with carrot juice. V8 splash also has carrot juice but Vitality has a much higher volume. It's the vitamin A (betacarrotene) from the carrots that helps the CM. I took evening primrose and alfalfa...and drank lots of Vitality :) I finally was getting EWCM.

Toni Weschler mentions vitamin A in the tcoyf book.

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