The treatment is dependent on the cause. Infections may require prescription medications. Erosion caused by trauma or chemicals may only require avoiding further trauma or chemical exposure, allowing time for the cervical surface to heal. Cauterization is also used on occasion. Estrogen vaginal cream also may help thicken the vaginal and cervical epithelium.

Cervical erosion usually heals on its own. Treatment, if necessary, is usually very successful.

Cervical erosion may be an early sign of cervical cancer.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you are a woman who is sexually active or over age 20, and have never had a prior pelvic examination and Pap smear.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have not obtained a Pap smear at recommended intervals of:

• Every year initially
• For women up to age 35 or 40: every 2-3 years after having three negative, consecutive annual Pap smear tests and a single sexual partner or no sexual partner
• Every year for women over age 35 or 40
• Every year for women who have had multiple sexual partners
• Every year for women who are taking oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
• Every 6 months for women who have a history of HPV (genital warts)
• Every year for women who were prenatally exposed to DES
• The frequency recommended by your health care provider after an abnormal Pap smear