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Cervicitis is an infection of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. It is very common and occurs in more than half of all adult women.
Most patients with cervicitis are asymptomatic, however, pain during sexual activity or a pelvic exam, bleeding between periods, and unusual vaginal discharge are all indications of cervicitis.
Cervicitis frequently develops as a result of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as gonorrhea or chlamydia as well as from non-infectious conditions. In order to successfully treat cervicitis, the underlying cause of the inflammation must be addressed.
Symptoms
Mostly, cervicitis are commonly undetected, and may only be discovered after a pelvic exam that your doctor performs for another reason. If you do experiencing symptoms, they could consist of:
- Abnormal profuse vaginal discharge
- Pain during urination and urinary frequency
- Pain when having sexual intercourse
- After-sex vaginal bleeding that is not related to a menstrual cycle
- Bleeding between menstrual periods
If you experience any of these symptoms or have ever had an STI, it’s crucial to contact a doctor. Regular gynecologic examination is the important way for women to check for any abnormalities.
Causes
Causes of cervicitis are as follows:
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Majority of the time, sexual contact is how bacterial and viral illnesses that cause cervicitis are spread. Common sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, Mycoplasma genitalium, and genital herpes, can lead to cervicitis.
- Allergic reactions. Cervicitis can result from an allergy to condom latex or contraceptive spermicides. Cervicitis can also be brought on by an allergic reaction to feminine hygiene products like douches or feminine deodorants.
- Bacterial overgrowth. Cervicitis can result from an excessive growth of some of the bacteria that are typically found in the vagina (bacterial vaginosis).
Risk factors
Cervicitis is more likely to affect if you:
- Perform sexual activity that carries a high level of danger, such as unprotected sex, multiple partner sex, or intercourse with someone who also carries a high level of risk.
- Started engaging in sexual activity while you are young
- Have had a sexually transmitted infection
Diagnosis
Your doctor conduct a physical examination that includes the following to identify cervicitis:
- A pelvic exam. Your doctor examines your pelvic organs during this procedure to evaluate for any tenderness or swelling. Additionally, the doctor might insert a speculum into your vagina to view the cervix and the upper, lower, and side walls of the vagina.
- Laboratory test. Your doctor will take a sample of cervical and vaginal fluid using a small cotton swab or brush, much like a pap test. To evaluate for infections, your doctor sends the sample to a laboratory. A urine sample may also be used for laboratory tests.
Treatment
Cervicitis brought on by an allergic reaction to items like spermicide or feminine hygiene products will not require medical attention. If cervicitis occurred due to an STI, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia as well as bacterial infections like bacterial vaginosis both you and your spouse will require therapy with antibiotics.
If you have genital herpes, your doctor might recommend antiviral medicine because it shortens the duration of your cervicitis symptoms. Herpes is a chronic illness that can be transmitted to a partner through intercourse at any time and has no treatment.
In order to rule out gonorrhea or chlamydia-related cervicitis, your doctor may also advise repeat testing.
Wait to have sex until you’ve finished the medication your doctor has prescribed in order to prevent spreading a bacterial infection to your partner.
