Cervicitis: Treatment, Symptoms and Procedure
Cervicitis is a condition of an inflamed cervix. Cervix is the lower, thin end of the uterus that exits into the vaginal opening. Cervicitis can cause bleeding between menstrual cycles, discomfort during intercourse, vaginal itching, and irregular vaginal discharge. Cervicitis can also be developed without the presence of any symptoms.
Cervicitis is mostly caused by sexually transmitted diseases, such as
chlamydia or gonorrhea. Cervicitis can also arise from non-infectious causes.
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Symptoms
Cervicitis generally has no specific symptoms, and one might know after a pelvic examination done for another reason. Following are the signs and symptoms:
When should you see a doctor?
Immediately consult your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Persistent vaginal discharge
- Non menstrual uterine bleeding
- Pain while having intercourse
Make an appointment with Our top Gynecologist at Medicover Hospitals if you detect any odd symptoms, such as vaginal discomfort, bleeding in between menstrual cycles, or vaginal irritation.
Causes
Cervicitis can be caused by various factors, such as:
-
STI (sexually transmitted infections) Infections spread through physical contact. Most bacterial and viral illnesses that cause cervicitis are spread through sexual contact. Cervicitis is caused by sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and
genital herpes.
-
Reactions to allergens Cervicitis can be caused by an allergy to contraceptive spermicides. Cervicitis is also caused by allergic reactions (usage of feminine hygiene products such as douches or feminine deodorants, moisturizers, etc.).
-
Overgrowth of bacteria Cervicitis is caused due to an excess of certain bacteria present in the vagina
(bacterial vaginosis).
-
Hormonal imbalance Cervicitis is caused in women with a hormonal imbalance: low estrogen or excessive progesterone may impair the body's capacity to maintain healthy cervical tissue.
-
Cancer or cancer treatment In rare cases, women who have cancer or go through radiation therapy or other cancer therapy: may produce cervicitis-like lesions to the cervix.
Complications
- To prevent germs and viruses from entering the uterus, the cervix works as a barrier. When the cervix gets infected, there is a higher chance of the virus spreading into the uterus.
- Cervicitis is caused due to conditions like gonorrhea or chlamydia and can spread to the fallopian tubes and uterine lining, leading to a pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) (it is an infection of the female reproductive system that, if left untreated, can cause fertility-related problems.
- Cervicitis increases the chance of contracting HIV from the infected partner.
Prevention
To prevent cervicitis, follow these precautions-
- Maintain proper intimate hygiene.
- Do not apply any chemical-based products in your vaginal area.
- Practice safe sex and use protection.
- Consult a doctor if you notice vaginal itchiness or irritation.
- Make sure you schedule regular gynecological checkups.
Diagnosis
For diagnosis, the doctor will perform a physical exam to identify cervicitis, such as:
-
A pelvic examination During this exam, the doctor checks for the area of swelling and pain in the pelvic area. The doctor might insert a speculum into your vagina to examine the vaginal upper, lower sidewalls, and cervix.
-
Pap test The doctor will take a sample of cells from your vagina and cervix for this test, often known as a Pap smear. The cells will next be checked for any kind of possible abnormalities.
-
A cervical biopsy If your Pap test reveals abnormalities, your doctor will ask to do a cervical biopsy test. For this, the doctor will insert a speculum into the vagina for this test, commonly known as a colposcopy. They next use a cotton swab to remove the mucus remnant from the vagina and cervix gently.
The doctor examines the region around the cervix with a colposcope, which is a kind of microscope. They next collect tissue samples from any places that appear to be abnormal.
-
Cervical discharge culture The doctor may also opt to collect a sample of the cervical discharge. They will then analyze the sample under a microscope for symptoms of infection, which might include candidiasis and vaginosis, among other things.
You may also require tests for STIs such as trichomoniasis. Cervicitis will require treatment if you have an STI.
Treatment
Cervicitis induced by an allergic response to spermicide or feminine hygiene products will not require treatment. If you have cervicitis caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI), you and your partner will likely need to be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics are used to treat STIs such as
gonorrhea,
chlamydia or bacterial illnesses like bacterial vaginosis.
If you have genital herpes, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medicine to assist in reducing the duration of your cervicitis symptoms.
Your doctor may also urge repeat testing for gonorrhea or chlamydia-caused cervicitis.
Cervicitis might take up to two weeks to cure. To ensure that the infection is entirely destroyed, antibiotics should be taken exactly as prescribed by the healthcare professional.
Dos and Don’ts
Women with cervicitis must follow sets of do's and don'ts to manage it and related symptoms and infections.
|
Do’s
|
Don’ts
|
| Maintain vaginal hygiene |
Use tampons |
| Understand your allergies |
Self-medicate for any rashes or infections |
| Take medical assistance |
Sex at an early age |
| Take the medications on time |
Apply chemical products like creams or moisturizers in the vaginal area |
| Avoid sex with multiple partners |
Touch or scratch the infected area |
Cervicitis can cause irritation and other skin infection problems. Follow the above tips to prevent this infection.
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Care at Medicover
At Medicover Hospitals, we have the most trusted team of
gynecologists and medical experts who are experienced in providing excellent healthcare services to patients with compassion and care. Our diagnostic department is equipped with modern technology and equipment to conduct the tests required for diagnosing Cervicitis disease based on a designed dedicated treatment plan.
Citations
https://journals.lww.com/co-infectiousdiseases/Abstract/2008/02000/Cervicitis__a_review.10.aspx
