The cervix is the opening of the uterus, which is located in the vagina. This area may become infected. When it does, it is known as cervicitis. Typical symptoms include vaginal discharge and/or pain. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease may be associated.
Most have no symptoms
Most common symptom is a vaginal discharge and occasionally pain or itching
Discharge can be of various colors and odors depending on cause
Common causes include gonorrhea and chlamydia infections. Please see specific diseases (sexually transmitted) for more details.
Redness and swelling of the entrance to the uterus (the cervix)
Usually caused by viral, bacterial, or fungal infections transmitted sexually
Rarely caused by chemical irritation such as douches or latex
Retained tampons
A complete gynecologic exam is necessary including:
Cultures for chlamydia, gonorrhea, or herpes.
Slides for a PAP smear, trichomonas, yeast, or warts.
Blood tests for syphilis or AIDS should be done.
Causes are not always found.
A combination of antibiotics for the bacterial causes.
Freezing of the cervix can be done for the viral causes.
Oral vaginal medication may be used for yeast causes.
Genital herpes and AIDS have no known cures.
Repeated cases may indicate an early cancer and require an examination of a sample under a microscope.
Infections can spread and cause infertility, long-term pain, scaring, and abnormal tubal pregnancies.
Infections can be transmitted to partners if safe sex is not practiced.
Practicing safe sex by use of condoms and avoiding high risk partners
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