Cervicitis

The female reproductive system includes the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina.

Cervicitis is when the cervix, the lower part of the uterus connecting to the vagina, becomes inflamed.

Some people with cervicitis notice bleeding between periods, pain during sex or a pelvic exam, or unusual vaginal discharge. However, many people with cervicitis don't have any noticeable symptoms at all.

Most often, cervicitis is caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia or gonorrhea. But it can also be caused by other things that aren't infections.

To treat cervicitis, doctors need to figure out what's causing the inflammation. Once the cause is identified, the right treatment can be given.

Cervicitis is when the cervix, the lower part of the uterus, becomes inflamed. This inflammation often makes the cervix appear red and irritated. Sometimes, it can also cause a discharge that looks like pus.

Many people with cervicitis don't have any noticeable symptoms. They might only find out they have it during a routine checkup or pelvic exam done for a different reason. However, if symptoms do appear, they might include:

• A lot of unusual discharge from the vagina: This discharge could be different in color or texture than usual.
• Frequent and painful urination: This is often a sign of infection, and can be uncomfortable.
• Pain during sex (dyspareunia): Inflammation in the cervix can make sex painful.
• Bleeding between menstrual periods: This is called intermenstrual bleeding.
• Vaginal bleeding after sex (postcoital bleeding): This bleeding isn't related to your period.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

If you notice any of these issues, it's important to see your doctor:

• Unusual vaginal discharge that lasts for a while: This means a change in the usual amount, color, or smell of your vaginal discharge. It could be a sign of an infection or other health problem.

• Vaginal bleeding outside of your regular period: Bleeding when you're not expecting it can have various causes. It's crucial to get it checked out.

• Pain during sex (dyspareunia): If you experience pain during sexual activity, it's important to talk to your doctor. This could indicate a medical condition that needs attention.

Cervicitis, inflammation of the cervix, can have several causes. Understanding these causes can help people take steps to prevent the condition.

One common cause is sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Many STIs, like gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and genital herpes, are spread through sexual contact. These infections can irritate the cervix, causing inflammation and cervicitis. It's important to remember that STIs can sometimes have no noticeable symptoms, so regular STI testing is crucial for early detection and treatment.

Another possible cause is allergic reactions. Some people may be allergic to substances in products used during sex, such as spermicides or latex condoms. Allergic reactions to feminine hygiene products like douches or deodorants can also irritate the cervix, leading to cervicitis. These reactions can cause inflammation and discomfort.

Finally, bacterial overgrowth in the vagina can also trigger cervicitis. Normally, the vagina has a balance of different bacteria. Sometimes, certain bacteria can multiply excessively, causing a condition called bacterial vaginosis. This imbalance can irritate the cervix and lead to inflammation.

In short, cervicitis can be caused by various factors, including sexually transmitted infections, allergic reactions, and bacterial imbalances. If you experience symptoms like unusual discharge, pain, or discomfort, it's important to talk to a healthcare provider to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Cervicitis is more likely to happen if you:

• Have risky sexual practices: This includes not using condoms, having sex with more than one person, or having sex with someone who has other health risks related to sex. It's important to practice safe sex to lower your risk.

• Started having sex at a young age: Beginning sexual activity when you're young can increase your chances of getting cervicitis.

• Have had STIs in the past: If you've had sexually transmitted infections (like chlamydia or gonorrhea), you have a higher chance of developing cervicitis. This is because these infections can irritate and inflame the cervix, making it more vulnerable. It's important to get tested and treated for STIs if you think you might have one.

Your cervix is like a gatekeeper, protecting your uterus from bacteria and viruses. If the cervix becomes infected (called cervicitis), there's a higher chance the infection can spread to your uterus.

This infection, if caused by sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea or chlamydia, can travel further, affecting the lining of the uterus and the fallopian tubes. This can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID is an infection of the reproductive organs. If left untreated, PID can make it harder or impossible to get pregnant.

Cervicitis can also make you more vulnerable to getting HIV from a sexual partner who has it.

Using condoms correctly every time you have sex significantly lowers your chances of getting cervicitis from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms are a great way to protect yourself from STIs like gonorrhea and chlamydia. These infections can cause cervicitis, which is inflammation of the cervix (the lower part of the uterus).

Staying in a monogamous relationship, where both partners agree to only have sex with each other, can also help reduce your risk of STIs. This means you're only having sex with one person who's also committed to having sex only with you. This significantly limits your exposure to potential infections.

A pelvic exam is a check-up of the organs in your pelvis. A doctor uses gloved fingers to examine the vagina, and simultaneously presses on your lower abdomen. This allows the doctor to feel the uterus, ovaries, and other organs to see if they are healthy.

One reason a doctor might perform a pelvic exam is to check for cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix). During this exam, the doctor looks for any swelling or pain in your pelvic organs. They may also use a speculum (a tool that opens the vagina) to look at the inside of your vagina and cervix.

To find out what's causing any issues, the doctor might also collect a sample of fluid from your cervix and vagina. This is similar to a Pap test. They use a small, soft swab or brush to gently collect the sample. The sample is sent to a lab to check for infections.

Sometimes, the doctor will also look at a urine sample in the lab to help with diagnosis.

Cervicitis, inflammation of the cervix, can have different causes. If your cervicitis is due to an allergy, like from spermicide or feminine hygiene products, you likely won't need medicine.

However, if the cause is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like gonorrhea, chlamydia, or bacterial vaginosis, treatment is necessary. This usually involves antibiotics, which kill the bacteria causing the infection.

It's important that both you and your partner get treated for STIs. This prevents the infection from spreading back and forth.

If you have genital herpes, which is a different kind of STI, your doctor might suggest antiviral medication. These medications can help reduce the symptoms of cervicitis, but there's no cure for herpes. Herpes is a long-term condition, and you can pass it to your partner at any time.

After treatment for STIs like gonorrhea or chlamydia, your doctor might suggest getting tested again to make sure the infection is completely gone.

To avoid giving the infection to your partner, it's crucial to wait until you've finished your treatment, as directed by your doctor, before having sex again.

If you're experiencing symptoms of cervicitis or have concerns about an STI, please schedule an appointment with your doctor.