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Cervicitis is an inflammation of the cervix, which is the small lower end of the uterus that enters into the vagina.
Cervicitis can cause bleeding between menstrual cycles, pain during intercourse or during a pelvic exam, and irregular vaginal discharge. It is possible to develop cervicitis without experiencing any signs or symptoms.
Cervicitis is frequently caused by a sexually transmitted infection, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. Cervicitis can also arise from noninfectious reasons. Cervicitis treatment success requires addressing the underlying cause of the inflammation.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CERVICITIS?
Cervicitis generally has no symptoms, and you may discover you have it after a pelvic check performed by your doctor for another reason. If you do experience symptoms, they may include:
- Significant volumes of unusual vaginal discharge
- Urination is frequent and painful.
- Sexual discomfort
- Bleeding in between menstrual cycles
- Vaginal bleeding following sex that is not related with a menstrual period
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF CERVICITIS?
Cervicitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Sexually transmitted infections: Most bacterial and viral illnesses that cause cervicitis are spread through sexual contact. Cervicitis is caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and genital herpes.
- Allergic reactions: Cervicitis can be caused by an allergy to contraceptive spermicides or latex in condoms. Cervicitis can also be caused by an allergic reaction to feminine hygiene products such as douches or feminine deodorants.
- Bacterial overgrowth: Cervicitis can be caused by an excess of certain bacteria found in the vagina (bacterial vaginosis).
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR CERVICITIS?
You are more likely to get cervicitis if you:
- Engage in risky sexual behavior, such as unprotected sex, sex with several partners, or sex with someone who engages in risky behavior.
- Started having sexual relations at a young age
- Have you ever had a sexually transmitted infection?
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF CERVICITIS?
To prevent bacteria and viruses from entering your uterus, the cervix works as a barrier. When your cervix becomes infected, the virus has a higher chance of spreading to your uterus.
Cervicitis caused by gonorrhea or chlamydia can extend to the uterine lining and fallopian tubes, resulting in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection of the female reproductive systems that, if left untreated, can cause fertility issues.
Cervicitis can also raise the chance of contracting HIV from a sexual partner who is infected.
HOW IS CERVICITIS DIAGNOSED?
Your doctor will most likely undertake a physical exam to identify cervicitis, which will include:
A pelvic examination: During this exam, your doctor will look for regions of swelling and pain in your pelvic organs. He or she may also insert a speculum into your vagina to examine the vaginal upper, lower, and side walls, as well as the cervix.
A specimen collection: Your doctor will use a small cotton swab or a brush to gently remove a sample of cervical and vaginal fluid, comparable to a Pap test. Your doctor sends the sample to a lab for infection testing. A urine sample may also be subjected to laboratory tests.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR CERVICITIS?
Cervicitis induced by an allergic reaction to spermicide or feminine hygiene products will not require treatment. If you have cervicitis caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI), you and your partner will need to be treated, most likely with antibiotics. Antibiotics are used to treat STIs such gonorrhea, chlamydia, or bacterial illnesses like bacterial vaginosis.
If you have genital herpes, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medicine to assist reduce the duration of your cervicitis symptoms. Herpes, on the other hand, has no cure. Herpes is a chronic disease that can be transmitted to a sexual partner at any time.
Your doctor may also urge repeat testing for gonorrhea or chlamydia-caused cervicitis.
To avoid passing on a bacterial infection to your partner, avoid having intercourse until you've completed the medication prescribed by your doctor.
HOW CAN CERVICITIS BE PREVENTED?
Use condoms consistently and appropriately each time you have sex to lower your risk of cervicitis from sexually transmitted infections. Condoms are particularly successful at preventing the spread of STIs like gonorrhea and chlamydia, which can cause cervicitis. Being in a long-term relationship in which both you and your uninfected partner are devoted to having sex only with each other can reduce your chances of contracting a STI.