What is cervicitis???!
Question: Alternative Names Return to top
Cervical inflammation; Inflammation - cervix
Definition Return to top
Cervicitis is an inflammation of the uterine cervix, usually caused by infection.
Causes Return to top
Cervicitis is most often caused by an infection. However, in a few cases it may be due to chemical exposure or a device inserted into the pelvic area such as a pessary (a device to support the uterus), cervical cap (a birth control device), or diaphragm. The presence of the foreign object may make the cervix more susceptible to infection.
The condition may also be caused by an allergy to contraceptive spermicides or to latex in condoms.
Cervicitis is very common, affecting more than half of all women at some point during their adult lives. Intercourse at an early age, high-risk sexual behavior, multiple sexual partners, and a history of sexually transmitted disease increase a woman's risk of cervicitis.
A woman's risk increases if her sexual partner(s) have engaged in high-risk sexual behavior or have had a previous sexually transmitted disease. Gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomonas are commonly seen sexually transmitted infections that can cause cervicitis.
The herpes virus (genital herpes) and human papilloma virus (genital warts) are two other sexually transmitted diseases that can cause cervicitis. Bacteria, such as staphylococcus and streptococcus, and excessive growth of normal vaginal bacteria (bacterial vaginosis), can also cause cervicitis.
Symptoms Return to top
Unusual vaginal discharge
Persistent
May have an odor
Gray, white or yellow color
Abnormal vaginal bleeding
After intercourse
Between periods
After menopause
Pelvic pressure or heaviness
Painful sexual intercourse
Vaginal pain
Note: There may be no symptoms.
Exams and Tests Return to top
A pelvic examination reveals redness of the cervix or evidence of a cervical discharge. It may also reveal inflammation of the vaginal walls caused by the infected discharge.
Tests:
Tests for gonorrhea or Chlamydia may be positive.
A wet mount inspection of the discharge may show evidence of candidiasis, Trichomonas, or bacterial vaginosis.
A Pap smear may show evidence of inflammation or infection.
Treatment Return to top
Infectious causes are treated with prescription medication (antibiotics or antifungals). Medications may be taken by mouth or placed in the vagina (cream or lotion).
Hormonal therapy may be recommend, especially in postmenopausal women. Cryosurgery, electrocauterization, and laser therapy are other treatment options that may be considered if other treatments do not work.
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
Simple cervicitis typically heals with treatment if the cause is adequately identified and treatment is available for that specific cause.
Possible Complications Return to top
Chronic (long-term) cervicitis may develop and persist for months to years. Cervicitis may be a causative factor in dyspareunia (pain with intercourse).
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of cervicitis.
Prevention Return to top
Studies indicate that women who begin sexual activity at a later age and engage only in a monogamous relationship have a significantly reduced risk of both cervicitis and abnormal Pap smears.
Safer sex behaviors, including monogamy, will reduce the chance of getting cervicitis. Chemical irritants such as douches and deodorant tampons should be avoided. Women who have active cervicitis should avoid using spermicidal contraceptives, if possible. However, if they are the only form of contraceptive available to you, it is better to practice safer sex by using them.
Many women use barrier methods of contraception (diaphragm, condoms, cervical caps) which must be used with a spermicidal jelly for best protection against unwanted pregnancy. See your health care provider to discuss alternative contraceptive methods prior to stopping your present barrier method.
Make sure that any foreign objects that you insert into your vagina are placed properly. Be sure to follow the recommended guidelines as to how long to leave the object in, how often to change it, or how often to clean it. Good hygiene is always recommended.
Answers: Alternative Names Return to top
Cervical inflammation; Inflammation - cervix
Definition Return to top
Cervicitis is an inflammation of the uterine cervix, usually caused by infection.
Causes Return to top
Cervicitis is most often caused by an infection. However, in a few cases it may be due to chemical exposure or a device inserted into the pelvic area such as a pessary (a device to support the uterus), cervical cap (a birth control device), or diaphragm. The presence of the foreign object may make the cervix more susceptible to infection.
The condition may also be caused by an allergy to contraceptive spermicides or to latex in condoms.
Cervicitis is very common, affecting more than half of all women at some point during their adult lives. Intercourse at an early age, high-risk sexual behavior, multiple sexual partners, and a history of sexually transmitted disease increase a woman's risk of cervicitis.
A woman's risk increases if her sexual partner(s) have engaged in high-risk sexual behavior or have had a previous sexually transmitted disease. Gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomonas are commonly seen sexually transmitted infections that can cause cervicitis.
The herpes virus (genital herpes) and human papilloma virus (genital warts) are two other sexually transmitted diseases that can cause cervicitis. Bacteria, such as staphylococcus and streptococcus, and excessive growth of normal vaginal bacteria (bacterial vaginosis), can also cause cervicitis.
Symptoms Return to top
Unusual vaginal discharge
Persistent
May have an odor
Gray, white or yellow color
Abnormal vaginal bleeding
After intercourse
Between periods
After menopause
Pelvic pressure or heaviness
Painful sexual intercourse
Vaginal pain
Note: There may be no symptoms.
Exams and Tests Return to top
A pelvic examination reveals redness of the cervix or evidence of a cervical discharge. It may also reveal inflammation of the vaginal walls caused by the infected discharge.
Tests:
Tests for gonorrhea or Chlamydia may be positive.
A wet mount inspection of the discharge may show evidence of candidiasis, Trichomonas, or bacterial vaginosis.
A Pap smear may show evidence of inflammation or infection.
Treatment Return to top
Infectious causes are treated with prescription medication (antibiotics or antifungals). Medications may be taken by mouth or placed in the vagina (cream or lotion).
Hormonal therapy may be recommend, especially in postmenopausal women. Cryosurgery, electrocauterization, and laser therapy are other treatment options that may be considered if other treatments do not work.
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
Simple cervicitis typically heals with treatment if the cause is adequately identified and treatment is available for that specific cause.
Possible Complications Return to top
Chronic (long-term) cervicitis may develop and persist for months to years. Cervicitis may be a causative factor in dyspareunia (pain with intercourse).
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of cervicitis.
Prevention Return to top
Studies indicate that women who begin sexual activity at a later age and engage only in a monogamous relationship have a significantly reduced risk of both cervicitis and abnormal Pap smears.
Safer sex behaviors, including monogamy, will reduce the chance of getting cervicitis. Chemical irritants such as douches and deodorant tampons should be avoided. Women who have active cervicitis should avoid using spermicidal contraceptives, if possible. However, if they are the only form of contraceptive available to you, it is better to practice safer sex by using them.
Many women use barrier methods of contraception (diaphragm, condoms, cervical caps) which must be used with a spermicidal jelly for best protection against unwanted pregnancy. See your health care provider to discuss alternative contraceptive methods prior to stopping your present barrier method.
Make sure that any foreign objects that you insert into your vagina are placed properly. Be sure to follow the recommended guidelines as to how long to leave the object in, how often to change it, or how often to clean it. Good hygiene is always recommended.
By definition it is the inflammation of the cervix. It can be caused by a lot of different things ranging from irritation due to a gel lubricant or latex allergy to an STD or other infection (bacterial vaginosis). It usually causes discharge but the only way to determine the cause is to go to the doctor as the treatment is obviously going to vary depending on what caused it.
Hope that helps!
Cervicitis - it is the inflammation of your cervix. You need to know more about your sexual organs. Please also check my website (http://www.menstrual-cycle.info) where you can find many useful articles and advices. Be sure you will benefit from reading them.
If my answer was helpful to you, please select it. Thank you.
Be Healthy and Happy!
It is strongly recommended to consult your doctor for professional advice. Above mentioned information and recommendations are just general and should be adapted to each person according to personal health indicators and status.