A Conceptual Review of Garbhashayagrivagata Vraṇa with Special Reference to Cervical Erosion: An Integrative Perspective

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical erosion (ectropion) is a common gynecological condition characterized by chronic vaginal discharge, contact bleeding, and cervical congestion. Ayurveda describes a similar pathological entity under Garbhashayagrivagata Vraṇa, attributed to doṣa duṣṭi and srotoduṣṭi.
Aim: To critically analyze the Ayurvedic concept of Garbhashayagrivagata Vraṇa and correlate it with the modern understanding of cervical erosion.
Materials and Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using classical Ayurvedic texts such as Suśruta Saṃhitā, Charaka Saṃhitā, Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdaya, Bhāvaprakāśa, and Bhaiṣajya Ratnāvali, along with modern gynecological textbooks and peer-reviewed journal articles including recent studies (2023–2025) on cervical erosion and Ayurvedic interventions.
Results: Significant similarity was observed in etiology, symptomatology, and pathology between the two entities. Ayurvedic therapies such as yoni prakṣālana, yoni pichu, vraṇa śodhana, vraṇa ropaṇa, and kṣāra karma demonstrate potential benefits in symptom relief and tissue healing. Recent studies report clinical improvement in discharge, erosion size, and postcoital bleeding using these therapies.
Conclusion: Garbhashayagrivagata Vraṇa shows strong conceptual correlation with cervical erosion. Ayurvedic management offers a conservative and holistic approach, and integrative therapy with modern diagnostics can improve outcomes. Further well-designed clinical trials are needed to validate integrative treatment protocols.

Keywords: Cervical erosion, Garbhashayagrivagata Vraṇa, Yoni chikitsā, Ayurveda, Integrative gynecology