Diagnosis and treatment of cervicitis

The article is professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Nguyen Thi Man - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec International Hospital Da Nang.

Cervicitis is inflammation of the cervix at the end of the uterus. Cervicitis may or may not include abnormal vaginal discharge, pain during intercourse, etc. If not treated promptly, it can lead to the infection spreading to the uterus, ovaries and uterus. affect later reproductive function. Treatment with antibiotics is successful in most cases, but in other cases doctors must combine laser treatment or surgery.

Symptoms of cervicitis include:
Vaginal itching or irritation Intermenstrual bleeding Pain during sex Bleeding after sex Pain on cervical examination Frequent urination and pain Unusual gray or white discharge that may have an odor A feeling of heaviness in the pelvis Lower back pain Abdominal pain Some women may not experience any symptoms when they have cervicitis but if they do have it Severe vaginal discharge can lead to thick, yellow, or green vaginal discharge that resembles pus.

Causes of cervicitis due to infection are higher than non-infectious causes, including:
Vaginal infections Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) (eg, gonorrhea, Chlamydia and trichomoniasis) HIV infection Herpes virus (genital herpes) infection Human papillomavirus (HPV, genital warts) Early initiation of sexual activity Multiple intercourse History of sexually transmitted diseases Lesions or irritation cervical stimulation Cervical irritation can be caused by chemicals in feminine hygiene solutions, tampons... Irritation can make the cervix more susceptible to infection. Allergy to ingredients in spermicide for contraception or latex in condoms

To diagnose cervicitis, in addition to asking about your current symptoms, risk factors, and medical history, your doctor will likely perform the following tests:
Pelvic exam. The doctor will use a speculum inserted into the vagina to check the vaginal area and cervix for swelling, pain, redness, or unusual sores or discharge. To collect vaginal discharge, the doctor will use a small cotton swab or brush to take a sample of fluid from the cervix and vagina. Your doctor will send the sample to a laboratory to check to see if the cause of the inflammation is an infection, and if so, what type. In addition, a Pap smear is a test used to rule out precancerous or cervical cancer.

Treatment of cervicitis depends on the cause.
Gonorrhea is usually treated with oral antibiotics ceftriaxone (Rocephin) and azithromycin. Chlamydia is usually treated with an oral antibiotic such as azithromycin (Zithromax), doxycycline, ofloxacin (Floxin), or levofloxacin (Levaquin). Trichomonas is treated with metronidazole. If you are allergic to any antibiotic, your doctor will replace it with another medicine.
If you have genital herpes, your doctor will use a prescription antiviral medication. It could be acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex), or famciclovir (Famvir). You will need to take it for up to 10 days from the first time you get genital herpes. For recurrent herpes, you can take the medicine for three to five days.
If you have been diagnosed with an STI, you need to let your recent sexual partner know they also need to have a medical exam to be tested for STIs and if Yes, need early treatment.
Cervicitis caused by trauma or an IUD is treated with antibiotics. Patients should avoid sex until symptoms improve to avoid irritation or further damage to the cervix.

You can reduce your risk of cervicitis by taking these steps:
Regularly use a condom during sex. Limit the number of sexual partners. Do not have sex with a partner who has genital sores or unusual discharge from the penis. Limit the use of unsafe feminine hygiene products because these products can irritate the vagina and cervix. If you have diabetes, try to maintain good blood sugar control. Get regular checkups and have a PAP smear even if you don't have any symptoms of infection. Suggest that your sexual partners also get tested regularly, especially for sexually transmitted diseases. Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital is implementing the Basic Gynecological Examination and Screening Package, helping customers to detect early infectious diseases for easy and inexpensive treatment; Screening for early detection of gynecological cancer (cervical cancer).
With a team of experienced gynecologists at Vinmec hospital, ready to examine and treat you. When you see the symptoms of cervicitis, you should go to the doctor and treat as soon as possible to avoid trouble in daily life.

Articles refer to sources: mayoclinic.org, webmd.com, medicalnewstoday.com