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

• Cervical Inflammation
• Inflammation of the Cervix

What is Cervicitis? (Definition/Background Information)

• Cervicitis indicates an inflammation of the cervix, which is the lower portion of the uterus or womb. This condition occurs only in women
• Cervicitis is classified according to the following types:
  • Acute Cervicitis: It is generally caused by an infectious agent such as a bacteria or virus
  • Chronic Cervicitis: It is generally caused by a non-infectious agent such as an irritant
  • Follicular Cervicitis: Many cases are caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, while some occur due to unknown reasons
• Women, who are at risk for contracting sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), are at a high risk of developing Cervicitis. However, the use of certain chemicals or birth control methods may also contribute to the condition
• In many women, Cervicitis remains asymptomatic and presents no signs and symptoms. In others, the condition can result in an increased urge for urination, abnormal discharge from the vagina, or give rise to genital itching
• The treatment of Cervicitis varies widely and depends on the cause of the condition. In some cases, it can lead to further infection of the reproductive tract, as well as create fertility issues
• The prognosis of Cervicitis with adequate treatment is generally good. However, the condition can be longstanding and may even recur

Who gets Cervicitis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

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

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

The risk factors for Cervicitis may include:

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

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 Cervicitis? (Etiology)

Cervicitis may be caused by the following factors:

• Bacterial infections:
  • 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, due to 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 devices, such as cervical caps or tampons
  • Use of chemicals can lead to chemical-induced Cervicitis (as an allergic reaction)
  • Iatrogenic cause including recent surgeries and radiation therapy involving the cervix
  • Injury to the vagina

In many cases, the cause of the condition may not be easily determined. 

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Cervicitis?

Cervicitis signs and symptoms may include:

• Swelling and redness of the cervix
• Ulceration
• Increased frequency of urination
• Itching in the genital area
• Pain during intercourse
• Abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding
• Pressure in the pelvis

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

How is Cervicitis Diagnosed?

Cervicitis may be diagnosed through the following exams and tests:

• Physical examination and comprehensive medical history evaluation
• A visual examination by a healthcare provider
• Urine test and analysis
• 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 Cervicitis?

The complications from Cervicitis could include:

• Spread of infection to the uterus, urinary bladder (cystitis), endometrium (endometritis), ovaries and fallopian tube leading to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• If the affected individual is pregnant, Cervicitis can cause infection of the placenta and the baby
• Complications due to pelvic inflammatory disease that may include infertility and ectopic pregnancy
• Increased susceptibility to HIV infection
• Recurrence of the condition even after treatment

Individuals who are pregnant are at additional risk for complications, such as miscarriage and premature labor, if Cervicitis is left untreated. Hence, it is very important to seek treatment in the early stages to avoid complications.

How is Cervicitis Treated?

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

• Symptomatic treatment of the signs and symptoms, if the cause is due to a non-infectious agent
• Antibiotic medication, if bacteria are the cause of the condition
• Antiviral medication, if viruses are the cause of the condition
• Laser therapy and cryotherapy
• Avoiding sexual intercourse until the treatment is completed may be necessary; generally, treating the partner is also important (when the cause is sexual-related)

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

How can Cervicitis be Prevented?

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 oral contraceptives to spermicidal solutions, 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
• 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

It may not be possible to prevent Cervicitis, when the causative agent is unknown.

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

• Cervicitis usually subsides if the source of inflammation is identified and treated appropriately, in most cases
• However, inadequate treatment, unprotected sex, or the use of known irritants and chemicals again, may cause the condition to recur

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for 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/