Cervicitis

Cervicitis is an inflammation of the cervix, the lower, narrow end of your uterus that opens into the vagina.

It’s possible to have cervicitis and not experience any signs or symptoms. Among the signs and symptoms women sometimes notice are bleeding between menstrual periods and changes in vaginal discharge.

Often, cervicitis results from a sexually transmitted infection, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. Cervicitis can develop from noninfectious causes, too.

Successful treatment of cervicitis involves treating the underlying cause of the inflammation.

Most often, cervicitis causes no signs and symptoms, and you may only learn you have the condition after a Pap test or a biopsy for another condition. If you do have signs and symptoms, they may include:

• Large amounts of vaginal discharge that’s green, brown or yellow and pus-like and that sometimes has an unpleasant odor
• Frequent, painful urination
• Pain during intercourse
• Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, not associated with a menstrual period

When to see a doctor

See your doctor if you have:

• Persistent, unusual vaginal discharge
• Nonmenstrual vaginal bleeding
• Pain during intercourse

Possible causes of cervicitis include:

• Sexually transmitted infections. Most often, the bacterial and viral infections that cause cervicitis are transmitted by sexual contact. Cervicitis can result from common sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis and genital herpes.
• Allergic reactions. An allergy, either to contraceptive spermicides or to latex in condoms, may lead to cervicitis. A reaction to feminine hygiene products, such as douches or feminine deodorants, also can cause cervicitis.
• Bacterial overgrowth. An overgrowth of some of the bacteria that are normally present in the vagina (bacterial vaginosis) can lead to cervicitis.

You’re at greater risk of cervicitis if you:

• Engage in high-risk sexual behavior, such as unprotected sex, sex with multiple partners or sex with someone who engages in high-risk behaviors
• Began having sexual intercourse at an early age
• Have a history of sexually transmitted infections

Your cervix acts as a barrier to keep bacteria and viruses from entering your uterus. When the cervix is infected, there is an increased risk that the infection will travel into your uterus.

Cervicitis that’s caused by gonorrhea or chlamydia can spread to the uterine lining and the fallopian tubes, resulting in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection of the female reproductive organs that can cause fertility problems if left untreated.

Cervicitis can also increase the risk of a woman getting HIV from an infected sexual partner.

Cervicitis may be discovered incidentally during a routine pelvic exam and Pap test and may not require treatment. If, however, you experience unusual vaginal symptoms that lead you to schedule an appointment, you’ll most likely see a gynecologist, family doctor or other health care provider.

Because appointments can be brief, and because there’s often a lot of ground to cover, it’s a good idea to be well-prepared for your appointment. Here’s some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

So that your doctor can observe and evaluate any vaginal discharge you have, avoid using tampons and don’t douche before your appointment.

Also make a list of all medications or supplements you’re taking or any allergies you have. Write down questions to ask your doctor. Some basic questions include:

• How did I develop this condition?
• Do I need to take medicine?
• Are there any over-the-counter products that will treat my condition?
• Does my partner also need to be tested or treated?
• What should I do if my symptoms return after treatment?
• What can I do to prevent cervicitis in the future?

Don’t hesitate to ask additional questions during your appointment if you think of something else.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor will likely perform a physical exam that may include a pelvic exam and Pap test. He or she may collect a fluid specimen from your vagina or cervix to send for testing.

Your doctor may also ask you a number of questions about your condition, such as:

• What vaginal symptoms are you experiencing?
• Are you experiencing any urinary problems, such as pain during urination?
• How long have you had your symptoms?
• Are you sexually active?
• Have you or your partner ever had a sexually transmitted infection?
• Do you experience pain or bleeding during intercourse?
• Do you douche or use any feminine hygiene products?
• Are you pregnant?
• Have you tried any over-the-counter products to treat your symptoms?

To diagnose cervicitis, your doctor will likely perform a physical exam that includes:

• A pelvic exam. During this exam, your doctor checks your pelvic organs for areas of swelling and tenderness. He or she also may place a speculum in your vagina to view the upper part of the vagina and the cervix.
• A specimen collection. In a process similar to a Pap test, your doctor uses a small cotton swab or a brush to gently remove a sample of cervical and vaginal fluid. Your doctor sends the sample to a lab to test for infections. Lab tests also may be performed on a urine sample.

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