Cervicitis – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Cervicitis refers to inflammation of the cervix, which is the narrow part at the bottom of the uterus that connects to the vagina.
Many people with cervicitis don’t notice any symptoms. Others may experience:
- Bleeding between periods
- Pain during sex
- Discomfort during pelvic exams
- Unusual vaginal discharge
The most common causes of cervicitis are sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly chlamydia and gonorrhea. However, not all cases are caused by infections.
Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause of the inflammation. If an STI is responsible, antibiotics are typically prescribed. With proper treatment, most people recover completely from cervicitis.
Signs and Changes
Cervicitis often shows no signs at all. Many people learn they have this condition only after a doctor performs a pelvic exam for another reason. When symptoms do appear, they might include:
- Unusual vaginal discharge in large amounts
- Painful or frequent urination
- Discomfort during sexual activity
- Bleeding between regular periods
- Vaginal bleeding after sexual activity (not related to periods)
When Medical Help Is Needed
Make an appointment with your doctor if you experience:
- Unusual vaginal discharge that doesn’t go away
- Vaginal bleeding that happens outside your normal periods
- Pain when having sex
These symptoms may indicate cervicitis or another health condition that needs medical attention. Early treatment can prevent complications.
Causes
Cervicitis can develop from several different sources.
Sexually transmitted infections are the most common cause. Bacteria and viruses passed during sexual activity, including gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and genital herpes, frequently lead to cervicitis.
Allergic responses can trigger cervicitis as well. Some people react to:
- Spermicides in contraceptives
- Latex in condoms
- Feminine hygiene products like douches
- Feminine deodorants
Bacterial imbalance in the vagina can cause problems. When the normal balance of bacteria changes, a condition called bacterial vaginosis can develop and lead to cervicitis.
Risk Factors
People face a higher chance of developing cervicitis when they:
- Have unprotected sex or multiple sexual partners
- Have partners who engage in high-risk sexual behaviors
- Started sexual activity at a young age
- Previously had sexually transmitted infections
These factors can increase your exposure to infections that may cause cervical inflammation.
Complications
Infections of the cervix can lead to serious problems if not treated properly. The cervix normally works as a protective barrier, keeping harmful germs from moving into the uterus. When an infection breaches this barrier, it may spread deeper into the reproductive system.
If cervicitis is caused by sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea or chlamydia, the infection can travel upward. This can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which affects the uterine lining and fallopian tubes.
PID can cause serious fertility problems if left untreated.
Another risk of cervicitis is that it makes a person more vulnerable to HIV infection. If exposed to HIV during sexual contact, someone with cervicitis has a higher chance of contracting the virus.
Prevention
Protecting yourself from cervicitis, especially when caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), involves taking practical safety measures.
Safe Sex Practices
Using condoms correctly every time you have sexual contact creates an important barrier against infections. Condoms significantly reduce the risk of STIs like gonorrhea and chlamydia, which commonly cause cervicitis.
Other protective measures include:
- Being in a mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner
- Getting regular STI screenings, especially with new partners
- Limiting the number of sexual partners
- Discussing sexual health history with partners before intimacy
Regular Health Maintenance
Routine gynecological exams help detect cervicitis early, even when symptoms aren’t obvious. Healthcare providers can identify and treat infections before they cause complications.
Women should consider these preventive steps:
| Prevention Strategy | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Annual wellness exams | Early detection of cervical changes |
| STI testing | Identifies infections before symptoms appear |
| Prompt treatment | Prevents spread to partners and complications |
| Good hygiene | Reduces risk of bacterial infections |
Remember that some cases of cervicitis aren’t related to STIs but can be caused by allergic reactions or irritation from products. Avoiding irritating feminine hygiene products, douches, and spermicides may help prevent non-infectious cervicitis.
