Cervicitis
Cervicitis is characterized by inflammation of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. The most prevalent cause is a sexually transmitted infection (STI), with other potential triggers including allergies, hormonal imbalances, cancer, and anatomical injuries. There are two main types: acute cervicitis, which appears suddenly and is often linked to infections, and chronic cervicitis, which can last for months or years and may occur due to non-infectious factors, particularly during pregnancy. Symptoms can vary; some women may experience no symptoms at all, while others may report unusual vaginal discharge, bleeding between periods, or pain during intercourse.
Diagnosis typically occurs during routine gynecological exams, including Pap tests, where cells from the cervix are collected and analyzed. Treatment is essential when an infection or STI is involved, often involving antibiotics or antiviral medications. Preventative measures emphasize safe sexual practices and careful use of feminine hygiene products to avoid irritation. Understanding cervicitis is crucial for maintaining reproductive health and preventing potential complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease and increased susceptibility to infections like HIV.
Cervicitis
Cervicitis is the inflammation of a woman's cervix. The cervix is the lower end of the uterus that opens into the vagina. The most common cause of the condition is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Other causes include allergies, bacterial or hormonal imbalances, cancer, injuries, or irritations. The underlying cause of cervicitis must be treated to clear up the infection. More than half of all women will be affected by the condition, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Causes
Two types of cervicitis exist: acute and chronic. Acute cervicitis comes on quickly and is typically caused by an infection. Infections, especially STIs, are the most common cause of cervicitis as sexual contact easily spreads bacterial and viral infections. Common STIs that can lead to cervicitis include chlamydia, genital herpes, gonorrhea, the human papillomavirus (HPV), and trichomoniasis.
Chronic cervicitis can last as long as several months to years and is caused by factors other than infection. It is very common during pregnancy and after childbirth. This is because during pregnancy the body produces extra hormones that increase blood flow to the cervix and can cause it to become inflamed.
Other causes of both types of cervicitis include allergic reactions or irritations to latex condoms, contraceptive spermicides, cervical caps, diaphragms, or feminine hygiene products, such as douches, deodorants, tampons, or suppositories. Bacterial imbalances such as an overgrowth of vaginal bacteria (bacterial vaginosis) are known to cause the condition. Hormonal imbalances such as low estrogen or high progesterone as well as cancer and some cancer treatments may cause changes to cervical tissue and cause cervicitis. Some gynecologic procedures may also cause the condition.
Complications
When the cervix is inflamed and infected, its ability to keep bacteria and viruses from entering the uterus is compromised. This can lead to infections of the uterine lining and fallopian tubes, resulting in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can cause infections of the reproductive organs and fertility problems. Cervicitis also can increase the risk of a women acquiring HIV/AIDS from an infected sexual partner.
Signs and Symptoms
Some women do not have any signs or symptoms of cervicitis. They may learn of the condition after having a biopsy for an unrelated condition or as part of a routine Papanicolaou test (Pap test) or pelvic exam. Many symptoms can be related to STIs. The most common symptoms include
backaches
bleeding between menstrual periods or after menopause
difficult, frequent, or painful urination
fever
pain or bleeding during and after sexual intercourse
unexplained vaginal pain that includes feelings of pressure or heaviness, especially in the pelvic region
unusual and persistent vaginal discharge that is pus-like, brown, gray, green, or yellow in color and has an unpleasant odor
Diagnosis
Cervicitis is detected during routine Pap tests, pelvic exams, and other procedures. During a Pap test, also called a Pap smear, the doctor uses a cotton swab or small brush to collect cells from the vagina and cervix. The cells are then tested to determine if any abnormalities are present. In addition, the doctor may use the same procedure to collect cervical and vaginal fluids, which are viewed under a microscope for the presence of infections such as candidiasis (yeast infection), bacterial vaginosis, or trichomoniasis. A urine sample may also be sent for further testing.
During a pelvic exam, the doctor checks the pelvic organs for signs of tenderness and swelling. The doctor may also insert a device known as a speculum into the vagina to further view the inside of the vagina and the cervix to check for redness or discharge.
A cervical biopsy, also called a colposcopy, is given when a Pap test shows abnormalities. During this test, a doctor inserts a speculum into the vagina and views the vagina and cervix with a colposcope (a small microscope) to look for abnormalities. The doctor will also take tissue samples to send for further testing.
In addition to these tests, the doctor will test the woman for STIs. Since STIs have their own symptoms, these must be treated to heal the cervical inflammation.
Treatment
If cervicitis is caused by any reason other than an STI, no treatment may be needed because the condition usually clears up on its own. If an infection or STI is the cause of cervicitis, treatment is needed. In addition, if an STI is the cause, a woman's sexual partners may also need to be treated. Patients should refrain from sexual intercourse until the case of cervicitis clears up or until they are finished with the course of treatment. This helps to prevent passing bacterial infections to sexual partners.
Some of the treatments include antibiotics for bacterial infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea and antiviral medications for viral infections such as genital herpes. Genital herpes does not have a cure, and medications are used to control the symptoms of the virus.
Hormone therapy may be used in menopausal women. Other treatments, especially for chronic cervicitis, include cryosurgery (freezing), electrocauterization (using electricity to heat tissue), and laser therapy to stop bleeding and reduce inflammation.
Prevention
To prevent cervicitis, women should reduce their risk of acquiring STIs. They should use condoms, limit sexual partners, and avoid sexual contact with those who have STIs. Women should limit or eliminate the use of feminine hygiene products, such as feminine deodorants and douches, which can irritate the vagina and cervix. They should also avoid using contraceptive devices such as cervical caps, diaphragms, and spermicides, if they are known to irritate the vagina and cervix or cause an allergic reaction.
Bibliography
"Cervicitis." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. 24 Oct. 2014. Web. 25 Nov. 2015. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cervicitis/basics/definition/con-20026738
"Cervicitis." MedlinePlus. U.S. National Library of Medicine. 24 Feb. 2014. Web. 25 Nov. 2015. https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001495.htm
"Cervicitis." WebMD. WebMD, LLC. Web. 25 Nov. 2015. http://www.webmd.com/women/guide/cervicitis
Herndon, Jaime. "Inflammation of the Cervix (Cervicitis)." Healthline. Healthline Networks, Inc. 9 July 2012. Web. 25 Nov. 2015. http://www.healthline.com/health/cervicitis#Overview1
Soper, David E. "Cervicitis." Merck Manual Professional Version. Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. Web. 25 Nov. 2015. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gynecology-and-obstetrics/vaginitis-cervicitis-and-pelvic-inflammatory-disease-pid/cervicitis