Cervicitis is inflammation of the cervix, the lower part of a woman’s uterus that connects to the vagina. This condition is quite common and can have a variety of symptoms, including vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, and painful intercourse.

In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options available to women with cervicitis.

Causes of Cervicitis

Cervicitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including:.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and genital herpes
Allergic reactions to spermicides, condoms, or other materials used during sexual activity
Infections from bacteria other than STIs, such as those that cause yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis
Post-menopausal atrophy, where the tissues in the cervix become thinner, drier, and less elastic

It is important to note that sometimes cervicitis can occur with no clear cause.

Symptoms of Cervicitis

The symptoms of cervicitis can vary from woman to woman, but some of the most common symptoms include:.

Abnormal vaginal discharge that may be yellow or gray and have a foul odor
Painful urination
Painful intercourse
Pelvic pain
Spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods or after sexual activity

It is important to note that sometimes cervicitis can be asymptomatic, which means that you may not experience any symptoms at all.

Diagnosis of Cervicitis

If you suspect that you have cervicitis, it is important to see your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.

Your healthcare provider will likely perform a pelvic exam to look for signs of inflammation and may also perform a Pap smear to look for abnormal cells in the cervix.

Your healthcare provider may also recommend additional testing to identify the cause of the cervicitis. This may include testing for STIs, cultures of vaginal and cervical fluid, and biopsy of the cervix.

Treatment Options for Cervicitis

The treatment for cervicitis will depend on the underlying cause of the inflammation. If the cervicitis is caused by an STI, your healthcare provider will likely prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.

If the cervicitis is caused by an allergic reaction to a spermicide or other material used during sexual activity, your healthcare provider may recommend using a different type of contraceptive or lubricant.

If the cervicitis is caused by an infection other than an STI, your healthcare provider may recommend using antibiotics or antifungal medications.

If the cervicitis is caused by post-menopausal atrophy, your healthcare provider may recommend using vaginal estrogen to help thicken and moisturize the tissues in the cervix.

Prevention of Cervicitis

There are several things that women can do to help prevent cervicitis. These include:.

Using condoms during sexual activity to help prevent STIs
Avoiding douching, which can upset the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina and increase the risk of infection
Using unscented soap to clean the genital area
Having regular Pap smears to help detect any abnormal cells in the cervix early

Conclusion

Cervicitis is a common condition that can have a variety of symptoms. It is important to see your healthcare provider if you suspect that you have cervicitis. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most women with cervicitis will make a full recovery.