Cervicitis is inflammation of the cervix, the lower, narrow end of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Most cases of cervicitis have no symptoms (asymptomatic) with little consequence, however, some cases of cervicitis are caused by infection by sexually transmitted diseases, including gonorrhoea and chlamydia.
Successful treatment of cervicitis may include addressing the causes of inflammation.
You can reduce the risk of cervicitis by practicing safe sex and regular visits to the Pap test.
Symptoms
Most commonly, cervicitis have no symptoms, and you find out that you have it after a Pap smear or biopsy. If you have signs and symptoms, they may include:
• Large amounts of vaginal discharge which is greyish or yellow , pus-like, sometimes having an odour
• Frequent, painful urination
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse, between periods or after menopause
When you should go to the doctor
• Visit your doctor if you have:
• Constant , unusual vaginal discharge
• Vaginal bleeding not associated with menstruation
• Pain during sexual intercourse
Often, cervicitis is revealed only in the course of routine Pap smears, which is a good reason for regular pelvic examinations and Pap smears.
Causes
Two types of cells surround the cervix: squamous cells and cells that secrete mucus. The same organisms responsible for vaginitis, vaginal infection, can cause cervicitis.
Cervix acts as a barrier to bacteria and viruses that come in contact with the vagina do not enter the uterus. However, when bacteria and viruses infect the uterus, they cause inflammation which can increase the risk of infection.
Possible causes of cervicitis include:
Sexually transmitted infections
Usually, bacterial and viral infections that cause cervicitis are transmitted by sexual contact. Cervicitis may be the result of infection of sexually transmitted diseases, including gonorrhoea, chlamydia and genital herpes. There is no evidence that human papillomavirus (HPV) causes cervicitis.
Allergic reactions
• Allergy to contraceptive spermicides or latex condoms can cause cervicitis
• The development of bacteria
• The development of bacteria that are normally found in the vagina (bacterial vaginosis) can also cause cervicitis
Risk factors
You are at greater risk to get sexually transmitted diseases associated with cervicitis if:
• You have unprotected sex or relationships with multiple partners
• You started having sex at an early age
• You have a history of sexually transmitted diseases
Also, you may be at increased risk if you have a sexual relationship with a partner who is of risky behavior or has a sexually transmitted disease.
Complications
Cervicitis which is caused by gonorrhoea or chlamydia can spread to the endometrium and fallopian tubes, resulting in pelvic inflammatory disease, an infection of the female reproductive organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix and ovaries. Women who develop this infection can feel pelvic pain, fever and vaginal discharge, or not have symptoms at all. Pelvic inflammatory disease can be detected only later, when a woman has a problem with the pregnancy because the reproductive organs are damaged.
Tests and diagnosis
Your doctor will probably perform a physical examination that includes:
Pelvic examination
This examination may reveal redness of cervix. During the examination, the doctor checks the external genitals to make sure that they look normal. For the inner walls of the vagina and cervix, the doctor inserts an instrument called a speculum into the vagina. After removing the speculum, the doctor puts two fingers inside the vagina. While simultaneously pressing the stomach, he or she feels the inside of the uterus, ovaries and other pelvic organs.
Sampling
In a process similar to a Pap test, the doctor takes a sample of cervical and vaginal fluids. The process usually takes only a few minutes. The sample is sent to a laboratory for testing for the infection. Lab tests may also be carried out on a sample of urine.
Treatments and drugs
You may not even need treatment if cervicitis is not caused by sexually transmitted diseases. If the cause is sexually transmitted diseases, and you and your partner probably need treatment.
Treatment for bacterial infections is an antibiotic. If the cause is a virus, such as genital herpes, treatment is carried by antiviral drugs. However, the antiviral drug does not cure herpes, which is a chronic condition.
To avoid infection of partners, it is recommended to abstain from sexual intercourse until you are done with treatment.
Prevention
One of the best ways to reduce the risk of cervicitis is safe sex. Women who become sexually active at a later age and those in monogamous relationships have a lower risk of getting cervicitis than those who have become sexually active early in life and who have multiple partners.
The use of condoms during intercourse reduces the risk of sexually transmitted infections. However, some women have an allergic reaction to latex condoms or spermicides. If you are allergic to latex, you will need to use a latex condom or other birth control methods.