Yes I had it.
I also had cervical cancer.
I can tell you that the two are ABSOLUTELY NOT related. I would be the first person warning you if they were.
Basically there are two types of cells on the surface of your cervix. The outside visible when looking directly in ones and the ones that line the inside. Usually when looking directly in a small circle of the inner cells are visible. Ectopy is just when more of these cells from the inside are on the outside, so can see a larger circle or patch. Neither of these types of cells when healthy are any problem at all, they are completely normal. Ectopy happens very often in younger women and women taking the pill. I was both, so no problem.
The cells from the inside, which you have more of on the outside, are more sensitive to touch, meaning occasionally there may be bleeding during sex or a bit of blood on a smear test. Again no problem if this is why. Ectopy is harmless.
If it bothers you ie bleeding and other reasons are ruled out (important), you can have it frozen in a couple of minutes, doesn’t hurt, no bid deal at all.
Separately, the area where precancerous cells start is called the transformation zone, it’s the boundary between these two types of cells. It does not matter where their area actually is and we are talking mm, a smear has to have adequate cells on it and anyone performing. Smear should be taking from the transformation zone. Make sure you have a gynae who will actually be shining a light in and looking properly, that would always be my advice, you’ll get a good smear sample. It’s very common.
I know literally a billion more things about this than I would wish on anyone and I can assure you, absolutely no link whatsoever. It’s very common and most women don’t even know it’s there, because it’s not a big deal and just our bodies.
Make sure your smears are done properly and if you have any unexplained symptoms, chase. If your doctors don’t give you sensible answers, get double and ripple checked with other doctors because it’s just not damn worth it. However that is my advice for absolutely everyone and for unusual smear or symptom concerns. Not ectopy. Ectopy is absolutely nothing to worry about and here is no connection to anything worrying, it’s a very common way for our bodies to be and not harmful at all.
There’s no connection and nothing to worry about. As I said, I’d be the first one insisting you take absolute insistent reaction if there was a connection.
Sleep easy.
Just make sure they’re performing and reading your smears properly, ectopy or not.