This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Go to /pro/cpd-dashboard page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. CPD dashboard

Go to /account/subscription-details page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. Upgrade to Pro

Aetiology

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Cervical incompetence is congenital in up to 30% of women whose uterus has a congenital fundal abnormality or may result from exposure to diethyl-stilboestrol in utero.

The vast majority of cases, however, are acquired, most frequently as a result of trauma. For example:

  • lateral cervical tears at the time of delivery
  • cone biopsy for investigation of malignancy
  • surgical dilation and evacuation for TOP - especially if dilated beyond 8-10 mm

Uncommonly, incompetence may be attributed to hormonal activity in pregnancy - the normal non-pregnant cervix may become incompetent as hormonal activity causes relaxation; to high collagenolytic activity producing a weak and distensible cervix; or to a low collagen-muscle ratio - the muscle excess compromising sphincter action.


Create an account to add page annotations

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.