Cervicitis is inflammation of the cervix, often caused by foreign objects, STDs, or bacterial infections. Symptoms include vaginal discharge, bleeding, and pain during sex. Treatment includes antibiotics or antifungal medication, and surgery may be needed in severe cases. Risk factors include early or unsafe sex practices.
The cervix is located at the end of the uterus, reaching into the vagina. When the outer tissues of the cervix become inflamed, usually from an infection, it is called cervicitis. About half of all women will experience a period or more of this condition in their lifetime.
Cervicitis has several causes. A common cause is the insertion of foreign material, such as a diaphragm, cervical cap, spermicides, and tampons, into the vagina. Some women develop it in response to latex allergies, where latex is present in condoms or diaphragms, or through allergy to spermicides.
Some STDs can also cause cervicitis. Those with outbreaks of genital herpes, gonorrhea and chlamydia are all at increased risk of developing this condition. Also, it can be caused by a bacterial infection located in the vagina or yeast infections.
Symptoms of cervicitis include vaginal discharge, which can be odorous and gray, yellow, or white in color. You may notice vaginal bleeding unrelated to normal menstruation. Vaginal bleeding after sexual contact or after menopause are signs of irritation of the cervix. Vaginal pain is usually present, and those affected may feel as if their pelvis is under pressure. Sexual intercourse can be painful.
Diagnosis is made through physical examination of the vagina. When cervicitis is present, the cervix will appear red and swollen. A few vaginal swabs are usually taken to rule out STDs and bacterial infections. The vaginal discharge is also evaluated for evidence of disease.
Evidence of cervicitis caused by bacterial infections or diseases such as gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics. Cervicitis caused by yeast infection can be treated with antifungal medications. That caused by latex allergies usually means counseling to change sexual habits and contraceptive methods.
When this condition persists, surgery to remove part of the irritated cervix may be needed. Surgery is done more often in postmenopausal women, as the change in the cervix could limit the ability to conceive or carry a child. Sometimes part of the cervix is removed with laser therapy, but cervical tissue can also be removed by freezing part of the cervix, called cryosurgery. Surgeons might also use electrocautery, which kills some cervical tissue with an electric current.
Risk factors for cervicitis include early sexual intercourse, intercourse with multiple partners, and unsafe sex practices. Using douches or scented tampons may increase the risk. Women who pursue monogamous relationships are less likely to be affected by this condition, although they may still face difficulties with the barrier methods used to prevent pregnancy.
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