🩺 Cervicitis
Cervicitis is inflammation of the cervix, the lower, narrow part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. It can be acute or chronic and affects women of all ages.
🔹 Causes
- Infections (most common)
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like:
- Chlamydia trachomatis infection
- Gonorrhea
- Herpes simplex virus
- Bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like:
- Non-infectious
- Allergic reactions (to spermicides, latex)
- Chemical irritants (douches, hygiene products)
- Hormonal changes
🔹 Symptoms
- Abnormal vaginal discharge (yellow, green, or foul-smelling)
- Vaginal bleeding after intercourse
- Pain during intercourse
- Pelvic or lower abdominal pain
- Often, mild or no symptoms in early stages
🔹 Diagnosis
- Pelvic examination
- Cervical swab for:
- Culture
- PCR for STIs
- Pap smear (to check for abnormal cells)
🔹 Treatment
Depends on the cause:
- Bacterial infections: Antibiotics (azithromycin, doxycycline, ceftriaxone, etc.)
- Viral infections: Antivirals for herpes
- Non-infectious: Avoid irritants, treat allergies, or adjust hormonal therapy
🔹 Complications (if untreated)
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Infertility
- Increased risk of preterm labor in pregnancy
- Cervical dysplasia
🔹 Prevention
- Safe sex practices (condoms)
- Routine STI screening
- Avoid chemical irritants and harsh hygiene products
Cervicitis can be subtle but addressing it early prevents long-term reproductive complications.
If you want, I can also explain the differences between cervicitis, vaginitis, and cervical erosion, which are often confused.
