Cervicitis
Cervicitis is an inflammation of the cervix (the end of the uterus). Cervicitis often does not cause symptoms, but if they do happen, they may include abnormal vaginal discharge, painful intercourse or vulvar or vaginal irritation. Antibiotics successfully treat cervicitis in most cases. For other cases, laser therapy or surgery may be required.
OVERVIEW
With cervicitis, your cervix becomes red and inflamed.
What is cervicitis?
Cervicitis is an inflammation of the cervix (the end of the uterus). The condition is often accompanied by vaginal discharge, bleeding or pain during sex, although some people may not experience any symptoms at all. People can have acute cervicitis (which is usually caused by infection) or chronic cervicitis (which is usually caused by irritation).
Who does cervicitis affect?
People who have multiple partners or who engage in high-risk sexual behavior are at a higher risk for cervicitis. Those with a history of sexually transmitted diseases and infections (STDs and STIs), or who have partners with a history of STDs and STIs, are also more likely to contract cervicitis. But sexual practices aren’t the only cause of cervicitis. The condition can also be caused by irritation from douches, tampons or diaphragms.
How common is this condition?
Cervicitis is very common. It has been estimated that more than half of all adult women or those AFAB (assigned female at birth) will have cervicitis at some point.
SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES
How do you know if you have cervicitis?
The only surefire way to know if you have cervicitis is to have an evaluation with your healthcare provider. Cervicitis symptoms to watch for include:
- Abnormal vaginal discharge that may be yellow, white, or gray and have an unpleasant odor.
- Unexpected light vaginal bleeding.
- Painful sexual intercourse.
- Vulvar or vaginal irritation.
It’s especially important to seek medical care if you notice any of the above symptoms or have had an STD in the past. It should also be noted that some people don’t experience cervicitis symptoms. Therefore, regular gynecological exams are essential so that your healthcare provider can check for any abnormalities.
Can you get cervicitis without an STD?
Yes. Cervicitis isn’t always caused by STDs. Some cases are caused by injuries, allergies or bacterial imbalances.
What is the main cause of cervicitis?
Infection is the main reason why people develop acute cervicitis. Infections can happen when bacteria are introduced into the uterus. Common infectious cervicitis causes include:
- Chlamydia (It has been estimated as much as 40% of cervicitis cases are related to chlamydia).
- Gonorrhea.
- Genital herpes (HSV-2).
- Trichomoniasis.
- Mycoplasma genitalium.
Noninfectious cervicitis causes include exposure to chemicals or mechanical irritation. These include:
- Chemical irritation from spermicides or douches or the latex used in condoms.
- Reaction to diaphragms, cervical caps, tampons or pessaries inserted.
- Radiation therapy or systemic inflammatory diseases.
What bacteria causes cervicitis?
Cervicitis can develop if Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria come in contact with the uterus.
Is cervicitis contagious?
Yes. The infection can be passed to your sexual partners. If you’ve been diagnosed with cervicitis, don’t have sex for at least seven days after receiving treatment and being symptom-free.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTS
How is cervicitis diagnosed?
Cervicitis can be diagnosed during a full pelvic exam. A Pap smear may also be performed. These tests allow your healthcare provider to analyze your cervical and uterine cells for abnormalities. Your provider will also take a sample of any vaginal discharge to test for infections – such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomonas and bacterial vaginosis. During your appointment, your healthcare provider will check for:
- Any redness on your cervix.
- Discharge.
- Blood on your vagina or cervix.
- Inflammation of the vaginal walls.
MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT
How do you treat cervicitis?
Cervicitis treatment usually includes antibiotics to eliminate any bacterial infections that may be causing the condition. People under age 25 or who engage in high-risk behaviors may be treated with antibiotics even if bacteria are not detected. (Some bacteria can be hard to detect but may still be present.)
Antibiotics successfully treat cervicitis in most cases.
How long does it take for cervicitis to heal?
It can take up to two weeks for cervicitis to clear up. Antibiotics should be taken exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider to ensure the infection is completely gone.
PREVENTION
How can I reduce my risk?
Though you can’t always prevent cervicitis, you can reduce your risk by practicing safe sex. Using condoms every time you have intercourse will drastically reduce your risk of sexually transmitted infections.
LIVING WITH
When should I see my healthcare provider?
Anytime you notice unusual symptoms, such as vaginal discharge, irritation or painful sex, you should make an appointment with your healthcare provider. Additionally, be sure you’re scheduling routine exams with your gynecologist. Some people don’t experience cervicitis symptoms, so regular checkups are important.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can endometriosis cause cervicitis?
No. Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue that typically lines the uterus grows outside of the uterus instead. There is no evidence that endometriosis is linked to cervicitis.
Does cervicitis affect your period?
Not usually. However, some people with cervicitis report bleeding between periods.
Can an IUD cause cervicitis?
No, but IUD insertion can cause pelvic inflammatory disease if it is inserted while you have active cervicitis from gonorrhea or chlamydia. This is rare but you should alert your healthcare provider if you are concerned about STD exposure prior to having an IUD inserted.
Does cervicitis affect fertility?
In some cases, yes. Cervicitis caused by chlamydia or gonorrhea may spread to the fallopian tubes and the uterine lining. This can result in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) – a condition that affects the reproductive organs. Left untreated, PID can lead to fertility issues.
Cervicitis Examination & Treatment at An Viet General Hospital
An Viet Hospital: A prestigious address for Cervicitis Treatment
At An Viet Hospital, the process is carried out to ensure maximum safety and efficiency:
- Effective treatment regimen, suitable for each case: An Viet Hospital applies both medical and surgical methods.
- Team of good doctors: An Viet owns a team of experienced and qualified doctors with many years of working in major hospitals such as: Saint Paul General Hospital, Viet Duc Hospital, etc.
- Modern equipment and machinery: In order to serve the process of medical examination and treatment safely, accurately and with high efficiency, An Viet is equipped with a system of modern machinery: automatic blood testing machine with 24 parameters, 4D ultrasound machine, high frequency machine for the treatment of diseases.
- Reasonable medical examination and treatment costs: At An Viet Hospital, the examination costs are public and transparent before the patient makes an appointment. After diagnosing and consulting treatment methods, the doctor will inform all specific costs for the patient to understand. Therefore, customers can fully be active during their medical examination and treatment process.
- Insurance payment support: An Viet supports insurance payment up to 100% depending on the type of patient participating. Ensure that the procedure is done quickly and in accordance with regulations.
- High confidentiality: When visiting the hospital, all patient information is absolutely confidential by the hospital. All procedures and medical records must be approved by the patient.
- Dedicated online consulting support: To ensure the best service quality, An Viet supports free phone and text messages for customers. Patients can book an appointment online for assistance in arranging a reasonable examination time.
Ph.D, MD Le Minh Chau – Former Deputy Head of Examination Department at National Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology – now working at An Viet General Hospital. Dr Chau has more than 33 years of experience in the field of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility Treatment .
To booking appointment with Ph.D, MD Le Minh Chau, please to call 1900 2838 – 0965 98 37 73 for support.
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AN VIET GENERAL HOSPITAL
Address: 1E Truong Chinh, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi
Hotline: 1900 28 38 – 0965 98 37 73
Website: www.benhvienanviet.com
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