Cervicitis is inflammation of thecervix, the donut-shaped opening that connects the vagina to the uterus.
It doesn’t always cause symptoms.
When it does, they may include bleeding, pain during sex, and vaginal discharge.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
If an infection is involved, medication may be prescribed.
In some cases, cervicitis resolves without treatment.
Cervicitis Symptoms
Cervicitis does not always cause symptoms.
Inflammation of the cervix may only be spotted during a routine pelvic exam.
PID can lead to a potentially fatal infection called peritonitis, as well as infertility.
Less common causes include trichomoniasis,Mycoplasma genitalium,and genital herpes.
Cervicitis also may be due to non-sexually transmitted diseases like bacterial vaginosis (BV).
In a 2013study, around 60% of cases were of unknown origin.
Diagnosis
The first step in diagnosing cervicitis is to establish whether the cause is infectious or non-infectious.
Acute cervicitis,cervical inflammation that develops suddenly and severely, is usually resulting from an infection.
Chronic cervicitis, inflammation that arises slowly and persists, is more likely due to a non-infectious cause.
Apelvic examwill be done next.
A sample of discharge from your vagina or cervix may also be taken using a cotton swab or brush.
You may be asked to submit a urine sample as well.
These samples will then be sent to a lab for evaluation.
Cultures for HSV can take up to two weeks.
Treatment
Cervicitis treatment depends on what caused your case.
Symptoms might take longer to improve because the vaginal microbiome must rebuild.
The vaginal microbiome is the community of microbes that normally live in the vagina.
Non-infectious causes can usually be alleviated by avoiding the substance or activity inciting the inflammation.
Any underlying disease or condition that promotes cervical inflammation will also need to be controlled.
It is important to treat cervicitis promptly.
Coping
Cervicitis is generally a one-off thing if appropriately treated.
During treatment, you should avoid sexual intercourse until symptoms resolve to prevent transmission.
venture to avoid products that may cause additional vaginal irritation.
For example, use menstrual pads instead of tampons.
It’s also always best to avoid vaginal douching altogether.
The only exception is genital herpes, which cannot be cured.
A Word From Verywell
Many people with cervicitis have no symptoms.
Your sexual partners should be screened as well.
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