Cervicitis
On this page, you will find everything you are looking for regarding cervicitis.
What is cervicitis?
Cervicitis is an inflammation of the cervix (the lower part of the uterus). The condition often comes with vaginal discharge, bleeding, or pain during sex, although some individuals may not experience any symptoms at all. People can suffer from acute cervicitis (usually caused by an infection, with symptoms appearing suddenly and being severe) or chronic cervicitis (usually due to irritation), which can last for months or more.
What are the symptoms of cervicitis?
- The only sure way to know if you have cervicitis is to have an examination with a healthcare provider. Possible symptoms of cervicitis include:
- Abnormal vaginal discharge that may be yellow, white, or gray with an unpleasant odor.
- Unexpected vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods or after intercourse.
- Painful intercourse.
- Irritation of the vulva or vagina.
Urinary problems and painful urination.
- It is important to seek medical care, especially if you notice any of the above symptoms or if you have had a sexually transmitted infection in the past.
Some women do not experience any symptoms of cervicitis. Hence, regular gynecological exams are essential so that healthcare providers can check for any abnormalities.
What are the causes of cervicitis?
- Firstly, cervicitis often occurs due to an infection acquired during sexual contact. Sexually transmitted diseases that can cause cervicitis include:
- Chlamydia.
- Gonorrhea.
- Genital herpes (herpes (simplex virus).).
- Human papillomavirus (genital warts).
Trichomoniasis.
- Secondly, non-infectious causes of cervicitis (irritation) include:
- Chemical irritation from contraceptive spermicides, douches, or latex used in condoms.
- Reaction to diaphragms, cervical caps, tampons, or devices inserted into the cervix.
- Radiation treatment or infections.
Bacterial imbalance: If harmful bacteria overwhelm the healthy bacteria in the vagina, it can cause bacterial vaginosis. Cervicitis might be a symptom of this.
What are the diagnostic methods?:
- The doctor will take a medical history and conduct a physical examination, which might include additional procedures as necessary, such as:
- A physical examination where the doctor inspects the pelvic organs for any swollen, inflamed, or tender areas.
- A Papsmear, whichallows healthcare providers toanalyze cervical) and uterinecells forany abnormalities.
A sample of any vaginal discharge to check for infections like gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and bacterial vaginosis.
What are the treatment methods for cervicitis?
- Treatment involves several procedures or as needed, and may include:
Typically, treatment of cervicitis involves antibiotics to eliminate any bacterial infection causing the condition. Antibiotics work to kill bacteria, specifically those causing sexually transmitted diseases.
What are the preventive measures for cervicitis?
- While you can’t always prevent cervicitis, you can reduce your risk by:
- Practicing safe sex.
Using condoms every time during intercourse significantly reduces the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections.
- What are the complications of cervicitis?
- The infection risingto the upperreproductive tract anddeveloping intopelvic inflammatorydisease (PID)..
PID can lead to abscesses, chronic pain, infection, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility.
When should you see a doctor?
– Whenever you notice any unusual symptoms, like vaginal discharge, irritation, or painful intercourse, you should schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can endometriosis cause cervicitis?
No. Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that usually lines the uterus grows outside the uterus. There’s no evidence linking endometriosis to cervicitis.
Does cervicitis affect your menstrual cycle?
Generally, it doesn’t. However, some women with cervicitis may experience bleeding between menstrual periods.
No, but inserting an IUD can cause pelvic inflammatory disease if it is inserted when you have active cervicitis from gonorrhea or chlamydia.
Doescervicitisaffectfertility?