What are other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Acute Cervical Inflammation
• Acute Inflammation of the Cervix

What is Acute Cervicitis? (Definition/Background Information)

• Acute Cervicitis is the sudden onset of inflammation of the cervix, which is the lower portion of the uterus. Even though there may be multiple causes for a cervical inflammation, the most common cause is an infection
• This condition occurs only in women. Women, who are susceptible to contracting sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) are at a high risk of developing Acute Cervicitis.
• The signs and symptoms of Acute Cervicitis include increased urge for urination, abnormal discharge from the vagina, or pressure in the pelvis. The condition can be diagnosed by a Pap smear and tissue culture studies
• The treatment of Acute Cervicitis varies widely and depends on the cause of the condition. In some cases, Acute Cervicitis can lead to further infection of the reproductive tract, as well as create fertility issues
• The prognosis of Acute Cervicitis with adequate treatment is generally good. However, the condition may recur

Cervicitis, which indicates an inflammation of the cervix, is classified according to the following types:

• Acute Cervicitis
• Chronic Cervicitis
• Follicular Cervicitis

Who gets Acute Cervicitis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Acute Cervicitis is only observed in females
• It may affect females of any age group, although the risk is higher in sexually-active women
• The condition is known to occur in all races, ethnic groups, and across all geographic regions

What are the Risk Factors for Acute Cervicitis? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Acute Cervicitis may include: 

• Past history of sexually-transmitted diseases
• Engaging in unprotected sex
• Engaging in sex with multiple partners
• Engaging in sex at a young age
• Maintaining poor hygiene in the genital area
• Surgery or radiation therapy to the cervical region
• Regular use of birth control agents such as spermicidal creams
• Use of vaginal douches

Note: Acute Cervicitis is not always a sexually-transmitted condition.

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Acute Cervicitis? (Etiology)

Even though Acute Cervicitis can be caused by many factors, it is usually caused by an infection. Nevertheless, in many cases, the cause of the condition cannot be easily determined. 

• There are 2 forms of IUGR:
  • Sexually transmitted infection (STIs) such as due to Gonorrhea or Chlamydia bacteria
  • Bacterial vaginosis or the overgrowth of bacteria that are normally present in the vagina
  • Rarely, bacterial infections caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Group A Streptococcus
• Other infections:
  • Viral infections such as due to herpes simplex virus
  • Parasitic infections such as caused by Trichomona vaginalis
• Non-infectious etiology:
  • Allergies to condoms, vaginal douches, contraceptive creams (spermicides), etc.
  • Irritation, due to the insertion of a device, such as a cervical cap or tampon
  • Use of chemicals can lead to chemical-induced Acute Cervicitis (as an allergic reaction)
  • Iatrogenic cause including recent surgeries and radiation therapy involving the cervix
  • Injury to the vagina
  • Poor genital hygiene

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Acute Cervicitis?

Generally, there is a sudden onset of Acute Cervicitis signs and symptoms that may include: 

• Increased frequency of urination
• Itching in the genital area
• Pain during intercourse
• Abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding
• Pressure in the pelvis
• Fever, in rare cases

In many cases, women may not show any indications of the condition. Hence, annual well-being checkups are important in diagnosing Acute Cervicitis in those who do not present with obvious symptoms.

How is Acute Cervicitis Diagnosed?

Acute Cervicitis may be diagnosed through the following exams and tests:

• Physical examination and comprehensive medical history evaluation
• A visual examination by a healthcare provider
• Pap smear exam, where a small swab of cells from the cervix are collected and examined under the microscope
• A culture of tissue or discharge
• Tissue biopsy: A tissue biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. The pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are possible Complications of Acute Cervicitis?

The complications from Acute Cervicitis could include: 

• Spread of infection throughout the uterus; if the infection spreads from the cervix to the endometrium, it can result in acute endometritis
• If the affected individual is pregnant, Acute Cervicitis can cause infection of the placenta and of the baby
• Infection of the urinary bladder or cystitis
• The infection can also spread to the ovaries and fallopian tube leading to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Complications due to pelvic inflammatory disease can include infertility and ectopic pregnancy
• Increased susceptibility to HIV infection
• Recurrence of the condition even after treatment

If the cause of inflammation is not treated, it may persist and the condition may become chronic. Women, who are pregnant, are at additional risk for complications, if cervicitis is left untreated, such as miscarriage and premature labor. Hence, it is very important to seek treatment in the early stages to avoid complications.

How is Acute Cervicitis Treated?

The treatment of Acute Cervicitis depends on the cause of the inflammation. The treatments may include: 

• Antibiotic medication, if bacteria are the cause of the condition
• Antiviral medication, if viruses are the cause of the condition
• Avoiding sexual intercourse until the treatment is completed may be necessary. Generally, treating the partner is also important, if the cause is sexually-transmitted

In some cases, no treatment is needed. This is often true when allergies or irritation is the source of the inflammation. Acute Cervicitis may resolve spontaneously after the source of irritation or inflammation is removed.

How can Acute Cervicitis be Prevented?

Acute Cervicitis may be prevented by reducing the risk for developing the condition. This may be achieved by: 

• Avoiding potential allergens and irritants such a douche, spermicidal creams, or cervical caps
• In general, leaving a foreign body or chemical within the cervix for prolonged periods must be avoided
• Practicing safe sex; avoiding sex with multiple partners
• Changing birth control forms: Switching from spermicidal solutions to oral contraceptives, etc. may help
• Emptying the bladder after intercourse
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene, especially before and after sexual activities
• Sexual partners may also have to be treated for infections, if the cause of Acute Cervicitis is a sexually-transmitted disease
• Women with poor immune system have to be additionally careful as they are higher prone to infections
• Get Pap smears done regularly as recommended by the healthcare provider

What is the Prognosis of Acute Cervicitis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• Acute Cervicitis usually subsides if the source of inflammation is identified and treated appropriately. The prognosis of Acute Cervicitis with appropriate treatment is usually good
• However, inadequate treatment, unprotected sex, or the use of known irritants and chemicals again, may cause the condition to recur. If the condition keeps recurring, then the prognosis can become worse

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Acute Cervicitis:

The following DoveMed website links are useful resources for additional information:

http://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/sexual-health/

http://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/womens-health/