CERVICITIS
04 Jun 2019
ABSTRACT –
Cervicitis is an inflammation of the cervix, the lowermost part of the uterus that opens in the vagina. It is a very common condition in women.
CAUSES –
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) like Chlamydia, Gonorrhea etc.
- Allergy to latex condom or contraceptive spermicides
- Overgrowth of bacteria
- Insertion of foreign things like tampons, diaphragms etc.
- Exposure to a chemical
- Genetics
- High risk sexual behavior like sex with multiple partners, unprotected sex etc.
- Hormonal imbalance
- Cancer and its treatment
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS –
Cervicitis usually doesn’t show symptoms but if the symptoms are seen, they might be:
- Pain in the vagina
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Gray, white or yellow vaginal discharge
- Bleeding between menstrual periods or during intercourse
- Pressure or heaviness in the pelvis
- Difficult, painful or frequent urination
DIAGNOSIS –
- Pelvic examination
- Testing discharge using microscope
- Pap test
- Test for Gonorrhea or Chlamydia
TREATMENT –
- Antibiotics to treat STDs
- Antivirals to treat Herpes
- Hormonal therapy using estrogen or progesterone
RISK FACTORS –
- High risk sexual behavior
- Intercourse at an early age
- Genetics
COMPLICATIONS –
- Pelvic Inflammatory disease (PID)
- HIV
PREVENTION –
- Using condoms during intercourse
- Following proper instructions while inserting any foreign substance like tampons etc.
- Avoiding irritants like douches and deodorant tampons
EPIDEMIOLOGY –
- Women aged from 20 to 24 years are at a higher risk of getting Chlamydial infection.
- Black people are more likely to be infected with Cervicitis than white people.