Cervicitis:
It is an inflammation and irritation of the cervix. This inflammation may be caused by infectious or non-infectious causes, and it may be acute or chronic in nature. Symptoms of cervicitis may or may not appear, as the symptoms of cervicitis can be similar to vaginit.
Causes:
Cervicitis is most often caused by a sexually transmitted infection. The sexually transmitted diseases that cause cervicitis include:
- Chlamydia.
- Gonorrhea.
- Herpes virus (genital herpes).
- Human papilloma virus (genital warts).
- Trichomoniasis.
Latex in condoms and feminine hygiene products (such as lotions or fresheners) can also lead to cervicitis.
Symptoms:
Cervicitis often occurs without symptoms, but there are cases where some of the symptoms may include:
- Increased vaginal secretions.
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
- Bleeding after sexual intercourse.
- Feeling of pain or pressure in the pelvis.
- Pain when urinating.
- Feeling itchy in the vagina.
Complications:
- Cervicitis may last from months to years.
- Cervicitis may cause pain during sexual intercourse.
Untreated cervicitis leads to inflammation of the female pelvic organs; causing pelvic inflammatory disease.
Treatment:
Treatment is based on the cause determined by the doctor:
- Antibiotics to treat chlamydia or gonorrhea.
- Antivirals for the treatment of herpes infection.
- Hormone therapy (with estrogen or progesterone) can be used in women who have reached menopause.
Protection:
Things that can be done to reduce the risk of developing cervicitis include:
- Avoiding irritants (e.g.: vaginal douches and deodorant tampons).
- Ensure that any foreign objects inserted into the vagina (such as tampons) are properly placed. Be sure to follow the instructions on how long to leave it therein, how often to change it, or how often to clean it.
- Avoid having sex when the husband has sexually transmitted diseases.