Cervicitis is swelling (inflammation) of the end of the uterus (cervix
Cervical inflammation; Inflammation - cervix
Cervicitis is most often caused by an infection that is caught during sexual activity. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that can cause cervicitis include:
Other things that can cause cervicitis include::
- A device inserted into the pelvic area such as a cervical cap, diaphragm, or pessary
- Allergy to spermicides used for birth control
- Allergy to latex in condoms
- Exposure to a chemical
Cervicitis is very common. It affects more than half of all women at some point during their adult life. Risks include:
- High-risk sexual behavior
- History of STIs
- Many sexual partners
- Sex (intercourse) at an early age
- Sexual partners who have engaged in high-risk sexual behavior or have had an STI
Bacteria (such as staphylococcus and streptococcus) and too much growth of normal bacteria in the vagina (bacterial vaginosis) can also cause cervicitis.
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
that occurs after intercourse, after menopause
, or between periods
- Unusual vaginal discharge
that does not go away: Discharge may be gray, white or yellow in color
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Pain in the vagina
- Pressure or heaviness in the pelvis
Note: There may be no symptoms. Women who may be at risk for chlamydia should be tested for this infection, even if they do not have symptoms
Exams and Tests
A pelvic exam is done to look for:
- Discharge from the cervix
- Redness of the cervix
- Swelling (inflammation) of the walls of the vagina
Tests that may be done include:
Rarely, colposcopy and biopsy of the cervix
Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections (such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and others). Drugs called antivirals may be used to treat herpes infections.
Hormonal therapy (with estrogen or progesterone) may be used in women who have reached menopause.
When these treatments have not worked or when cervicitis has been present for a long time, treatment may include:
Most of the time, simple cervicitis usually heals with treatment if the cause is found and there is a treatment for that cause.
Cervicitis may last for months to years. Cervicitis may lead to pain with intercourse (dyspareunia).
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of cervicitis.
Things you can do to reduce your risk of cervicitis include:
- Avoid chemical irritants
such as douches and deodorant tampons.
- Make sure that any foreign objects you insert into your vagina (such as tampons) are properly placed. Be sure to follow instructions on how long to leave it inside, how often to change it, or how often to clean it.
- Being in a monogamous sexual relationship
with someone who is known to be free of any STI. Monogamous means you and your partner do not have sex with any other people. Not having sexual intercourse (abstinence) is the only absolute method of preventing sexually transmitted cervicitis.
- Using by using a condom
every time you have sex to lower your risk of getting an STI. Condoms are available for both men and women, but are most commonly worn by the man. A condom must be used properly every time.
Eckert LO, Lentz GM. Infections of the lower genital tract In: Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, Katz VL, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2012:chap 23.
Zeimet A, McBride DR, Basilan R, Roland WE, McCrary D, Hoonmo K. Infectious diseases. In: Rakel RE, ed. Textbook of Family Medicine. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 16.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2010. MMWR. 2010;59(No. RR-12)
Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Bellevue, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.