Causes and Symptoms of Cervicitis: What Do You Need to Know

The cervix is a tiny, circular organ located at the top of the vaginal canal and serves as the entryway to the uterus. Cervicitis is a frequent illness that causes inflammation of the cervix.

Causes of Cervicitis

Cervicitis can be caused by an allergy, infection, physical discomfort, or cervix injury. Your doctor must discover the reason for your cervicitis, especially if it involves an infection. An infection can quickly spread to other organs, such as your uterus or fallopian tubes, causing issues with your future fertility. If you are already pregnant, an infection can raise the risk of difficulties for both you and your baby.

Sexually transmitted infections are a common cause of cervicitis, including:

• Genital herpes
• Chlamydia trachomatis
• Herpes simplex virus
• Gonorrhea
• Trichomoniasis
• Mycoplasma genitalium and ureaplasma

Many Causes of Cervicitis are outside of Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Some of the Following could Cause Cervicitis:

There are numerous causes of cervicitis. Acute cervicitis is frequently caused by an infection, whereas chronic cervicitis is more likely to be caused by something other than an infection:

• Tampons, diaphragms, and pessaries can all cause injury when put into the vaginal canal.
• Chemical allergies include latex condoms, spermicides, and douches.
• Menopause or an endocrine condition can induce low or excessive levels of estrogen and progesterone.
• Bacterial vaginosis is a disorder in which there is an abnormal balance of normal and harmful bacteria in the vagina.
• Certain malignancies or cancer treatments.

It is estimated that more than half of all adult women may get cervicitis at some stage. Women who participate in risky sexual behaviors and have several partners are more likely to develop cervicitis.

Symptoms of Cervicitis

Cervicitis is defined by a reddish and swollen cervix. The cervix might bleed easily and exude pus or mucus. Many women with cervicitis have no visible symptoms, but some frequent symptoms you may have include:

• Pelvic pain
• Fever (rarely)
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods, especially after sex
• Frequent, difficult, or painful urination
• Painful sex
• Gray or yellowish pus-like vaginal discharge
• Abdominal pain

Diagnosing Cervicitis

Cervicitis is usually diagnosed through a pelvic exam. Your OB-GYN will use a cotton swab to gently probe the cervix for any bleeding, swelling, or pain. Your vaginal fluids can be checked for bacterial infections.

Your doctor will also question your recent sexual history, including the number of partners you've had in the last few months. You may also be questioned if you used condoms or other kinds of contraception (such as spermicides, and diaphragms). This will allow your doctor to narrow down the reason for your cervicitis.

Treatment of Cervicitis

If your cervicitis is not caused by an infection, you may not need any medical attention. The problem usually resolves on its own.

However, if it is caused by an STI, you should address the underlying disease straight away. The most important thing is to get the infection out of your body and prevent it from spreading to your other systems or your baby if you are pregnant.

Cervicitis-related STIs are typically treated with a regimen of oral medications or topical creams, such as:

• Antivirals
• Antibiotics
• Antifungals

Your sexual partner(s) should also be treated immediately to avoid contracting the same infection a second time. Until treatment is completed, refrain from having sexual relations with your partner(s).

You should avoid douching or any yogurt-based therapy while suffering from cervicitis. They have not been demonstrated to be beneficial in treating symptoms and may perhaps worsen the disease.

A follow-up appointment is recommended to prevent the infection from recurring.

HIV and Cervicitis

Cervicitis treatment is critical for HIV-positive individuals and partners. Your inflamed cervix allows more virus to pass from bloodstream to bloodstream (your body to your partner's, and vice versa), raising the risk of infection transmission. Contact your healthcare provider immediately.