Understanding Cervicitis (Cervical Infections)

Cervicitis happens when there is an inflammation at the cervix, typically due to an irritation or infection that affects the cervix. This is a common condition that affects more than half of all women at some point during adulthood.

Causes of cervicitis

Cervicitis may be caused by various factors. Sexual contact can transmit bacteria and virus that causes cervicitis, causing common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia, genital herpes, and trichomoniasis.

Overgrowth of certain bacteria that normally presents in the vagina can also result in cervicitis.

Allergic reactions due to exposure to certain chemicals such as spermicides, latex in condoms, douches, or vaginal deodorants may also cause cervicitis.

Cervicitis caused by STIs can be contagious, whereas cervicitis due to an allergic reaction will not spread to another person.

Risk factors of cervicitis

A woman may experience a greater risk of cervicitis if she is engaged in high-risk sexual behaviour, including unprotected sex, having multiple sexual partners, or sex with a partner who engages in high-risk behaviour.

Having sexual intercourse at an early age and a history of STIs also increases the risk of developing cervicitis.

Symptoms of cervicitis

Cervicitis is frequently asymptomatic. However, some women may present with symptoms like:

• Unusual vaginal discharge - grey, colourless, or yellow discharge.
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding that occurs in between periods or after sexual intercourse.
• Heaviness or pain in the pelvis.
• Painful urination.
• Painful sexual intercourse.
• Pain in the vagina.
• Vaginal itching.

Diagnosis of cervicitis

Your doctor would first question your general health and symptoms before conducting a thorough physical examination. Diagnosis is made based on your reported symptoms, physical examination, and investigations.

• Pelvic exam is conducted to look for discharge or redness of the cervix and swelling or inflammation of the vaginal wall.
• Pap test is done whereby a small sample of cells from the cervix is collected to detect precancerous and cancerous conditions of the cervix
• Tests for STIs can also be performed.

Treatment options for cervicitis

If left untreated, one potential complication of cervicitis is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection of the female reproductive organs that can lead to infertility and life-threatening peritonitis.

The goal of treatment is to alleviate symptoms and prevent the transmission of infection. Typically, treatment for cervicitis would include:

Antibiotics

• Antibiotics are typically prescribed if the cervicitis is caused by a bacterial infection, such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea.
• The choice of antibiotics and the duration of treatment will depend on the specific infection and its severity.

Antiviral medications

• Antiviral medications may be recommended if the cervicitis is caused by a viral infection, such as herpes simplex virus (HSV) or human papillomavirus (HPV).

Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

• Both sexual partners must get tested and treated to prevent reinfection if the cervicitis is associated with an STI.

Removal of irritants

• If cervicitis is caused by chemical irritants, such as douches, spermicides, or certain hygiene products, eliminate the irritants and make lifestyle changes.

Prevention of cervicitis

Practical steps to prevent cervicitis or recurrent cervicitis include:

• Avoid irritants such as douches or vaginal deodorants.
• Insert the diaphragm and pessary into the vagina as instructed in the product leaflet.
• Ensure that the sexual partner is free of any STI.
• Use a condom during sexual intercourse.
• Practice sexual exclusivity by limiting sexual contact to only one partner.

Make an appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals

If you suspect that you are experiencing symptoms of endometrial polyps, get in touch with us to find out more about our Obstetrics & Gynaecology Services at your nearest Gleneagles Hospital.

You may also contact the Health Screening Centre at your nearest Gleneagles Hospital for health screening appointments.