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Cervicitis

Definition

Cervicitis is an inflammation of the uterine cervix, usually caused by infection.

Alternative Names

Cervical inflammation; Inflammation - cervix

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

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

• 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.

Signs and tests

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

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.

Expectations (prognosis)

Simple cervicitis typically heals with treatment if the cause is adequately identified and treatment is available for that specific cause.

Complications

Chronic (long-term) cervicitis may develop and persist for months to years. Cervicitis may be a causative factor in dyspareunia (pain with intercourse).

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of cervicitis.

Prevention

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.

Review Date:5/10/2006
Reviewed By:Melanie N. Smith, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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