Description

Cervicitis is an inflammation of the cervix, the lower, narrow end of the uterus that opens into the vagina.

The possible symptoms of cervicitis include bleeding between menstrual periods, pain during intercourse or during a pelvic exam, and abnormal vaginal discharge. However, it is also possible to have cervicitis and you do not experience any of the signs or symptoms.

Often, cervicitis results from a sexually transmitted infection, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. Cervicitis can develop from non-infectious causes, too. The successful treatment of cervicitis is to treat the underlying cause of the inflammation.

Symptoms

More often, cervicitis does not cause signs and symptoms, and you can only learn you have the disease after a pelvic exam done by your doctor for another reason. If you have signs and symptoms, which may include:

  • Large amounts of unusual vaginal discharge
  • Frequent, painful urination.
  • Pain during sex
  • Bleeding between menstrual periods
  • Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, not associated with a menstrual period

When to see a doctor

Consult your doctor if you have:

  • Persistent, unusual vaginal discharge
  • Nonmenstrual vaginal bleeding
  • Pain during sex

Causes

Possible causes of cervicitis include:

  • Sexually transmitted infections. Most often, bacterial and viral infections that cause cervicitis is transmitted by sexual contact. Cervicitis may be the result of sexually transmitted infections (Stis), including gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and genital herpes.
  • Allergic reactions. An allergy, whether it is for the spermicidal contraceptives or latex condoms, can lead to cervicitis. A reaction to feminine hygiene products, such as douches or feminine deodorants, can also cause cervicitis.
  • The bacterial overgrowth. An excessive growth of some of the bacteria that are normally present in the vagina (bacterial vaginosis), can lead to cervicitis.

Risk factors

You are at increased risk of cervicitis if:

  • Participate in high-risk sexual behaviors, such as unprotected sex, sex with multiple partners or sex with someone who engages in high-risk behaviors
  • Started having sex at an early age
  • Has a history of sexually transmitted infections

Complications

Your cervix acts as a barrier to prevent bacteria and viruses from entering the uterus. When the cervix is infected, there is an increase in the risk that the infection will travel into your uterus.

Cervicitis is caused by gonorrhea or chlamydia can spread to the walls of the uterus and fallopian tubes, resulting in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection of the female reproductive organs that may cause fertility problems if not treated.

Cervicitis may also increase the risk of getting HIV from a sexual partner is infected.

Prevention

To reduce the risk of cervicitis of sexually transmitted infections, the use of condoms consistently and correctly every time you have sex. Condoms are very effective against the spread of sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, which can lead to cervicitis. Being in a long-term relationship in which both you and your partner are not infected agrees to have sex with each other exclusively, you can decrease your chances of contracting an STI.

Diagnosis

For the diagnosis of cervicitis, it is likely that your doctor will perform a physical examination that includes:

  • A pelvic examination. During this exam, your doctor checks your pelvic organs to the areas of inflammation and pain. He or she can also place a speculum into the vagina to see the top, bottom, and sides of the walls of the vagina and the cervix.
  • A sample of the collection. In a process similar to a Pap test, the doctor uses a small cotton swab or a brush to gently remove a sample of cervical and vaginal fluids. Your doctor sends a sample to a lab to test for infections. Laboratory tests can also be performed on a urine sample.

Treatment

You will not need treatment for cervicitis caused by an allergic reaction to the products such as spermicide or feminine hygiene products. If you have cervicitis caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI), both you and your partner in need of treatment, often with an antibiotic. Antibiotics are prescribed for sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or bacterial infections, such as bacterial vaginosis.

Your doctor can offer antiviral medications if you have genital herpes, which helps to reduce the amount of time you have symptoms of cervicitis. However, there is no cure for herpes. Herpes is a chronic disease that can be passed to your sexual partner at any time.

Your doctor may also recommend the repetition of the tests for cervicitis caused by gonorrhea or chlamydia.

To avoid transmitting a bacterial infection along to your partner, wait to have sex until you are finished with the treatment recommended by your doctor.

Preparing for your appointment

Cervicitis may be discovered incidentally during a routine pelvic examination and may not require treatment if it is not due to an infection. However, if you experience unusual vaginal symptoms that lead you to schedule an appointment, it is very likely that you see a gynecologist or primary care physician.

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

  • Avoid the use of tampons.
  • Do not use douches.
  • Know the name of your partner, and the dates you had sex.
  • Make a list of all the medications and supplements you are taking.
  • Know your allergies.
  • Write down questions you have.

Some basic questions include:

  • How can I get this condition?
  • Do I need to take the medicine?
  • There are over-the-counter products that is going to treat my condition?
  • Does my partner need to be examined or treated?
  • What should I do if my symptoms return after treatment?
  • What can I do to prevent cervicitis in the future?

Do not hesitate to ask questions during your appointment if you think of something else.

What to expect from your doctor

It is likely that your doctor will perform a physical examination, which may include a pelvic exam and a Pap test. He or she can collect a sample of fluid from the vagina or cervix to send to your analysis.

Your doctor may also ask you a series of questions about your condition, such as:

  • What are vaginal symptoms you are experiencing?
  • Are you experiencing any urinary problems, such as pain during urination?
  • How long have you had your symptoms?
  • Are you sexually active?
  • Have you or your partner has had a sexually transmitted infection?
  • Do you experience pain or bleeding during sex?
  • Do you shower or use any of feminine hygiene products?
  • Are you pregnant?
  • Have you tried any over-the-counter products to treat the symptoms?
Symptoms and treatment of Cervicitis