Cervicitis: Inflammation of the Cervix

Cervicitis is characterized by inflammation of the cervix. The cervix is the lower end or the lower opening of the uterus. Anything from an infection to an injury involving the cervical tissue may cause cervicitis (Readalso: Cervical Polyps). This kind of disease is a common gynecological condition in women and tends to recur in 8-25% of the women who have had it before. It also requires prompt treatment as the inflammation is likely to spread from the cervix to the rest of the female reproductive tract.

What Causes Cervicitis?

This disease may result from a number of factors. Following is a list of the most common causes of this condition.

• Hormonal imbalances that lead to lower estrogen levels and higher progesterone levels in the blood stream may harm the cervical tissue to result in inflammatory changes and cervicitis.
• Entry of harmful bacteria into the vagina that results in a higher number of harmful bacteria as compared to the healthy vaginal flora may result in bacterial vaginosis and cervicitis.
• Sexually transmitted diseases like Gonorrhea, genital herpes, Chlamydia, and trichomonas may also result in this condition. Generally, unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners increases a woman’s risk of cervicitis from STDs.
• Allergic reaction of the cervical tissue to douches, spermicides, or latex condoms may also lead to this disease. Similarly, injury from tampons, diaphragms or other intra-uterine birth control devices, and pessaries may also result in the same.

Symptoms and Diagnosisof Cervicitis

Most women with this condition are asymptomatic. However, it may cause one or more of the following symptoms.

• Vaginal discharge that appears yellowish or grey in color.
• Abnormal bleeding from the vagina between consecutive periods or after sexual intercourse.
• Pain during sexual intercourse or while passing urine.
• Frequent urge to urinate.
• Abdominal pain.
• Rarely, fever.

A vaginal swab to study the vaginal discharge around the cervix is helpful in determining the cause of cervicitis as well as confirming the diagnosis.

Cervicitis Treatment in NYC

The treatment of this disease mainly depends on the cause of inflammation. Generally, if the it is due to an STD treatment of both the patient and the sexual partner is mandatory. The treatment involves antibiotics, antiviral medications, or antifungal drugs depending on the organism that is causing the inflammation.