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Cervicitis: The Surprisingly Common Cause Of Painful Sex

The good news is that cervicitis is easy to clear up, and when caught early, is really NBD. There's only one caveat, but it's an important one. "Cervicitis is benign for the most part, but it can be problematic," says Abdur-Rahman. When left untreated, STDs like gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause cervicitis that leads to pelvic inflammatory disease, an infection of the reproductive organs that can increase your risk of infertility, ectopic pregnancy, preterm labor, and miscarriage, says Abdur-Rahman. "Cervicitis can lead to some larger issues, so it's important to nip it in the bud," he explains.

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Articles of Interest

Cervicitis & PID

Diagnosing and treating cervicitis and PID can help prevent long-term complications such as infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and HIV transmission

Bacterium identified that may be associated with cervicitis

This condition is known to be associated with many different infections, such as Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae, however the true cause of the inflammation is still unclear. Researchers in Seattle, Washington performed a study, recently published by the journal Sexually Transmitted Diseases, to determine whether it is an imbalance of the vaginal and/or cervical microbiome that is at the root of the problem.

Cervicitis: A STD Complication which Can Lead to PID

In some cases, women can have cervicitis without knowing it since symptoms do not always show up. Although most cervicitis cases are due to bacterial and viral infections spread through sexual contact, this condition can also occur because of allergies, injuries and bacterial imbalance in the vagina.

Chronic Cervicitis: All You Need To Know

Chronic cervicitis can occur due to various factors. Infection is one of the primary causes. Infections such as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes simplex virus can contribute to the development of long-term cervicitis. In particular, certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) have been strongly associated with this long-term cervicitis.

Diseases Characterized by Urethritis and Cervicitis

Two major diagnostic signs characterize cervicitis: 1) a purulent or mucopurulent endocervical exudate visible in the endocervical canal or on an endocervical swab specimen (commonly referred to as mucopurulent cervicitis), and 2) sustained endocervical bleeding easily induced by gentle passage of a cotton swab through the cervical os. Either or both signs might be present. Cervicitis frequently is asymptomatic; however, certain women might report an abnormal vaginal discharge and intermenstrual vaginal bleeding (e.g., especially after sexual intercourse). C. trachomatis or N. gonorrhoeae is the most common etiology of cervicitis defined by diagnostic testing. Trichomoniasis, genital herpes (especially primary HSV-2 infection), or M. genitalium also have been associated with cervicitis. However, in many cases of cervicitis, no organism is isolated...

Management and Treatment of Cervicitis: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness and Guidelines

Currently, it is common clinical practice to prescribe presumptive antibiotics for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoea to patients with signs of cervicitis. However, fewer than one third of cervicitis cases are determined to be a result of Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoea infection following laboratory analysis.

STIs: Cervicitis, Vulvovaginitis and Urethritis Emergency Recognition and Management

Empiric treatment of cervicitis/urethritis in the ED: Ceftriaxone 500mg IM/IV followed by doxycycline 100mg PO BID x 7 days.

Why a Pelvic Exam is Needed to Diagnose Cervicitis and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

For a young female patient presenting with complaints suggestive of cervicitis or pelvic inflammatory disease, the only way to diagnose these clinical entities is by performing a pelvic examination to determine whether the clinical criteria are present. The correct diagnosis will guide treatment because pelvic inflammatory disease is treated with antibiotics for 2 weeks rather than with single-dose therapy.

Resources

My Vagina

The most common cause of cervicitis is a sexually transmitted infection such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia, genital herpes, and trichomoniasis, however you can get an inflamed cervix from physical damage, for example vigorous or inappropriate use of sex toys or other objects. Allergies or sensitivities to douches or condoms can also be a cause. Often times women who end up with cervicitis are immune-compromised, so it is going to be your responsibility to figure out why you have this, and how you can prevent it in future, based on your personal circumstances.

Harvard Health

Cervicitis can be caused by a sexually transmitted infection. Most common are chlamydia and gonorrhea. Trichomoniasis and genital herpes can also cause cervicitis. In some cases, cervicitis is not caused by infection. It may be due to trauma, frequent douching or exposure to chemical irritants.

StatPearls

Cervicitis is the inflammation of the ectocervix, which can be infectious or non-infectious. Due to the association of serious complications like infertility, cervicitis should be promptly investigated and treated.