Cervicitis is an inflammation of the cervix (the end of the uterus). This inflammation may be acute or chronic in nature. Cervicitis might not have symptoms, or a woman with cervicitis may have abnormal vaginal discharge.
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| Cervicitis |
Who gets cervicitis?
Cervicitis is very common. It has been projected that more than half of all adult women will have cervicitis at some point. Women who engage in high-risk sexual behaviors and have multiple partners are at a higher risk for cervicitis. Women who have had sexually transmitted diseases, or who have partners who have had sexually transmitted diseases, are also at a higher risk for cervicitis. Sexual practices are far from the only cause of the condition, however.
What are the causes of cervicitis?
There are many causes of cervicitis. Acute cervicitis is usually caused by an infection. Chronic cervicitis is more likely from a noninfectious cause.
Infections can result from the introduction of staphylococcus or streptococcus bacteria into the uterus. The sexually transmitted diseases chlamydia and gonorrhea are also significant causes of cervicitis. It has been estimated as much as 40 percent of cases of cervicitis are related to chlamydia. Herpes simplex virus, trichomonas and mycoplasma genitalium are also sometimes a cause.
Noninfectious causes of cervicitis include exposure to chemicals or mechanical irritation. These include:
- Chemical irritation from spermicides or douches or the latex used in condoms
- Reaction to diaphragms, cervical caps, tampons or pessaries inserted
- Radiation therapy or systemic inflammatory diseases
What are the symptoms of cervicitis?
Symptoms of cervicitis can include:
- Abnormal vaginal discharge that may be yellow, white, or gray and have an unpleasant odor. This may persist for a long period of time.
- Sexual intercourse may become painful.
- Vulvar or vaginal irritation.
Cervicitis often does not have any symptoms, however. This is one reason why women should have regular gynecological appointments. It is especially important to seek an exam if you notice any of the above symptoms and/or have had chlamydia or another sexually transmitted disease in the past.
How is cervicitis diagnosed?
If you have any of the above symptoms, or if you have engaged in high-risk sexual practices, you should see your doctor for a full pelvic exam. At this exam, the doctor may perform tests including a Pap smear. In this test, a swab is used to collect cells from the cervix and uterus to look for abnormalities.
The doctor will also take a sample of any vaginal discharge to test for bacteria, such as bacterial vaginosis under a microscope. Tests for the sexually transmitted diseases gonorrhea and chlamydia will also be done.
Your doctor will also perform a full manual pelvic exam, looking for:
- Any redness on the cervix
- Discharge
- Blood on the vagina or cervix
- Inflammation of the vaginal walls
You will lay down on an examination table with your feet in stirrups for these tests.
How is cervicitis treated?
If your doctor determines that you have cervicitis, you will usually be prescribed an antibiotic to treat any bacterial infections that may be causing the condition. Women under age 25 or who engage in high-risk behaviors may be treated with antibiotics even if bacteria are not detected in the diagnosis. Some bacteria can be hard to detect but may still be present. You should abstain from intercourse until treatment is done.
Antibiotics successfully treat cervicitis in most cases. If cervicitis is not successfully treated by antibiotics, laser therapy or surgery may be required. Your doctor can best determine the treatment for your cervicitis based on your age, habits, diagnostic tests, and the length of the condition.
