Cervicitis Information

In almost every case, cervicitis is caused by a secondary infection related to a sexually transmitted disease. Cervicitis is defined as the inflammation of the cervix, which is located at the opening of the vagina. Gonorrhea and Chlamydia are the leading causes of cervicitis.

In most cases there are no symptoms associated with cervicitis. Most women find out that they have the condition during routine PAP smears or other routine medical procedure. Those rare women who do experience any type of symptoms may experience frequent but painful urination like a urinary tract infection, painful sexual intercourse, a discharge from the vagina, usually colored with gray or yellow and occasionally odiferous, and vaginal bleeding either after intercourse, in between menstrual cycles, and after menopause.

The cervix maintains two types of cells. The skin cells are known as squamous cells while the mucous secreting cells are known as glandular cells. Glandular cells are the cells affected by cervicitis. Bacteria often cause conditions of the vagina and the cervix, including vaginitis. The same bacteria that cause vaginitis cause cervicitis. The glandular cells of the cervix are usually exposed to a sexually transmitted disease including gonorrhea, Chlamydia, genital herpes, and genital warts.

The cervix is an intentional barrier between the vagina and the uterus. Bacteria and other irritants are usually kept from entering the uterus thanks to the mucous membranes of the cervix. However, when the cervix is compromised, bacteria is twice as likely to travel up into the uterus.

In some cases, though rare, cervicitis is caused by a sudden overgrowth of bacteria or an allergy. Bacteria is commonly located along the cervix, although in most cases it is considered a healthy bacteria. Douching and other common practices can lead to a sudden overgrowth of this bacteria, which becomes unhealthy.

High risk sexual behavior is the most common cause of cervicitis, as it is the most common cause of sexually transmitted diseases. Sexual interaction, even when limited to oral sexual interaction, can spread sexually transmitted diseases very quickly. Those who begin having sexual encounters at an early age are also at risk, as are those who have a previous history of sexually transmitted diseases.

A pelvic examination and a PAP smear are the only two methods of discovering cervicitis. In most cases, women do not even realize that there is a problem until after the test results are in. Women who have been diagnosed with any type of sexually transmitted disease should have regular women’s health screenings at least twice per year or as recommended by their gynecologist or family physician.

There are potentially serious complications associated with cervicitis. Women who remain untreated for a long period of time are at risk of developing uterine problems, such as pelvic inflammatory disease. Pelvic inflammatory disease can infect a woman’s entire reproductive system and cause serious damage to the reproductive capabilities of a woman. PID often leaves women sterile because it is not detected before irreversible damage has occurred. PID generally has no symptoms either.

If cervicitis is not caused by a sexually transmitted disease, many women do not need treatment. Often the woman is able to discharge the bacteria herself through the natural process her body goes through. However, if there is a sexually transmitted disease at the heart of the cervicitis, then the STD needs to be treated in order for the cervicitis to dissipate. Most sexually transmitted diseases require a round of antibiotics to be relieved.

Pateints can protect themselves by engaging in safe sex practices and by exposing themselves to as few partners as possible. Women who are the most at risk for diseases like cervicitis are also most at risk for all sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV and AIDS. Self protection is the only preventative measure. In heterosexual interactions, the use of condoms is recommended. In same sex experiences, dental dams and other safe sex practices are recommended. Women should not assume that because they are sexually active with another woman that the risk for sexually transmitted disease is diminished.