Inflammation of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Cervicitis can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-lasting) and may or may not cause symptoms.

 

Here are some key points about cervicitis:

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Causes:

• Commonly caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, genital herpes, or human papillomavirus (HPV). Non-sexually transmitted infections, such as bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections, can also cause cervicitis.

• Exposure to chemical irritants, such as douches, spermicides, or certain types of feminine hygiene products, can irritate the cervix and lead to inflammation.

• Trauma to the cervix, such as during childbirth, sexual activity, or the insertion of foreign objects (such as tampons or contraceptive devices), can cause inflammation and cervicitis.

 

Symptoms: 

• ​Many cases of cervicitis are asymptomatic and are only detected during a pelvic examination or Pap smear. However, if symptoms do occur, they may include abnormal vaginal discharge (which may be yellow, green, or gray in color and have a foul odor), vaginal bleeding or spotting (especially after intercourse), pelvic pain or discomfort, pain during urination, and pain during sexual intercourse.

 

Diagnosis:

• Typically diagnosed based on medical history, symptoms, and a pelvic examination. During the examination, the healthcare provider may observe signs of inflammation, such as redness or swelling of the cervix.

• Additional tests may be performed to identify the underlying cause of cervicitis, such as a Pap smear, STI testing (which may include swabs or urine tests), or cultures to detect bacterial or fungal infections.

 

Treatment: 

• If an infection is present, antibiotics or antifungal medications may be prescribed to treat the infection. It's important for sexual partners to also be treated if the cervicitis is caused by an STI to prevent reinfection.

• If caused by chemical irritants or physical trauma, avoiding exposure to the irritant or trauma may help resolve the inflammation.