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Cervicitis, or cervical swelling, affects over half of women and is often caused by sexually transmitted infections. Symptoms include abnormal bleeding and discharge, and a doctor will diagnose and treat the underlying cause, which may require antibiotics or other medications. In rare cases, cryosurgery or other methods may be used to remove cervical tissue.
The medical term for cervical swelling is cervicitis. Cervicitis is common and affects more than half of all women at some point in their lives. The most common cause of swelling is sexually transmitted infection, although it can be caused by other infections, such as bacterial vaginitis. Causes not attributed to the infection include allergic reaction and irritation from foreign bodies, such as cervical caps.
Symptoms of cervical swelling include abnormal vaginal bleeding, painful intercourse, unusual vaginal discharge, and vaginal pain. Some cases, especially those associated with sexually transmitted infections, have no symptoms. Women at high risk of getting STIs should be tested for them periodically, even if they don’t have symptoms.
Vaginal bleeding is abnormal if it occurs between periods, after menopause, or after intercourse. Some bleeding after intercourse is normal and does not necessarily mean swelling is present. All cases of irregular bleeding should still be reported to a healthcare professional.
Unusual vaginal discharge has an unusual color, such as gray or green. It may also smell bad. A large amount of discharge is also abnormal, regardless of color or odor. Like vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge doesn’t necessarily indicate cervicitis, but you should see a doctor.
A doctor will diagnose the cause of cervical swelling using a pelvic exam and tests, such as that for infection. A sample of any discharge will be taken and analyzed, and a pap smear may also be done. Cervical biopsy is needed in rare circumstances.
Treatment of cervicitis will depend on the cause. Antibiotics will be used for all bacterial infections, including bacterial vaginitis and sexually transmitted infections. If herpes is the cause, an antiviral drug may help. Yeast infection is treated with an antifungal pill or cream. If an infection occurs, the woman’s partner may also need to be treated to prevent re-infection. Postmenopausal women may need hormone supplements.
If no infection is present, the provider will try to find another cause. If a device such as a cervical cap is used or if the patient has changed personal hygiene products, these products should be discontinued to see if symptoms go away. If no cause is found, a biopsy may be done to look for a cause.
Sometimes, cervical swelling does not go away even when these treatments are used. Cervicitis can last for years if it doesn’t respond to treatment of the underlying problem. Cryosurgery, or freezing, can be used to destroy some of the cervical tissue. Lasers and electrocautery also work for this purpose.
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