Cervicitis Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Cervicitis is an inflammation of the cervix or cervix. The cervix is the lowest part of the uterus, which serves as the entrance to the uterus from the vagina.
Cervicitis is a common disease that occurs due to infection or physical irritation. The tissue in the cervix that is inflamed will look red, swollen, slimy or pus. The infection can spread to other reproductive systems such as the uterus (womb) or fallopian tubes.
This condition can affect fertility or fertility. It is important to find out the cause of cervicitis so that treatment can be done appropriately.
Symptoms
Most people with cervicitis will not show symptoms. Symptoms that may occur include:
- abnormal vaginal bleeding
- vaginal discharge that is white or grayish or yellowish in color
- vaginal pain
- pain during sexual intercourse or intercourse
- pain when urinating
- a feeling of pressure in the pelvis
- back pain
- fever
Reason
Causes of cervicitis include the following:
- infections include herpes simplex, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, HPV (human papillomavirus), gonorrhea, bacterial
- physical irritation, such as using a tampon or diaphragm
- allergies, for example due to condoms
- During pregnancy, increased hormones make blood flow to the cervix increase
- cancer or cancer treatment
Several other factors that are also thought to put a person at risk of developing cervicitis are:
- frequently have multiple partners and engage in unsafe sex
- have been infected with a sexually transmitted disease
- have a partner who has had a sexually transmitted disease
- have ever had cervicitis, because this disease can come back again
Diagnosis
The doctor will determine the diagnosis of cervical inflammatory disease based on a detailed medical interview regarding the symptoms. Apart from that, the doctor will also do a physical examination. A history of sexual relations in the last 2 months will also be asked by the doctor during the examination. Questions usually include the partner, whether using condoms or other contraceptives.
An examination is carried out in the pelvis to assess the cervix. The doctor may take a cervical swab to test vaginal discharge and check if the cervix bleeds easily. Vaginal discharge can indicate an infection.
Treatment
Cervicitis does not require treatment unless it is caused by an infection. Treatment for infections given depends on the cause – such as antibiotics for bacteria, anti-fungal for fungi, and anti-virals for viruses.
It is better if the patient’s partner is also examined if infection is the cause. Because the infection can spread. Also, avoid having sex until healed.
Prevention
Some things that can be done to prevent cervicitis are:
- have sex using a barrier such as a condom
- Avoid having sex with multiple partners or multiple partners
- Do not have sex if your partner has genital sores or has gonorrhea
- Avoid using vaginal cleansers
- prevent cervicitis because it can recur