Cervicitis is a common condition that affects women. It is caused by inflammation of the cervix, which is the opening to the uterus. There are a number of causes of cervicitis, including infection, injury, and irritation.

This article will provide an overview of the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for cervicitis.

Causes of Cervicitis

Cervicitis can have a number of causes. One common cause is infection, which can be caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes. These infections can cause inflammation of the cervix and surrounding tissues.

Other possible causes of cervicitis include:.

Injury to the cervix
Chemical irritation, such as from douching or using certain types of contraceptives
Allergic reactions to certain products, such as soaps, lubricants, or spermicides

Symptoms of Cervicitis

Cervicitis can cause a range of symptoms, although some women may not experience any symptoms at all. Common symptoms of cervicitis include:.

Pain during sexual intercourse
Abnormal vaginal discharge
Bleeding between menstrual periods
Pain or discomfort in the pelvic region
Urinary tract infection symptoms, such as pain or burning during urination

Diagnosing Cervicitis

If you experience any symptoms of cervicitis, it is important to see a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.

Your healthcare provider will likely perform a physical exam and take a sample of cervical tissue (a cervical biopsy) to check for signs of infection or other abnormalities. They may also perform a pelvic exam and order additional tests, such as a pelvic ultrasound or blood tests, to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms.

Treatment Options for Cervicitis

The treatment for cervicitis will depend on the underlying cause of the condition. If cervicitis is caused by a bacterial infection, your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics to help clear the infection.

If cervicitis is caused by a viral infection, such as herpes, antiviral medications may be prescribed to help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of transmitting the infection to sexual partners.

In addition to prescription medications, your healthcare provider may recommend other treatments to help manage your symptoms and promote healing. These may include:.

Avoiding sexual intercourse until the infection or irritation has cleared up
Using over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, to manage discomfort or pain
Applying warm compresses to your pelvic area to alleviate pain
Avoiding the use of products that may irritate your cervix, such as douches or perfumed tampons

Preventing Cervicitis

There are several steps you can take to help prevent cervicitis. These include:.

Practicing safe sex by using condoms or other barriers to protect against STIs
Avoiding douching or using irritating products in or around your vagina
Practicing good hygiene, such as wiping from front to back after using the bathroom
Getting regular STI screenings if you are sexually active or at risk for STIs

Conclusion

Cervicitis is a common condition that affects many women. While it can cause discomfort and other unpleasant symptoms, cervicitis can be successfully managed and treated with proper medical care.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of cervicitis, it is important to see a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.