Cervicitis is an inflammation of the uterine cervix, usually caused by infection.

Cervicitis is most often caused by an infection. However, in a few cases it may be due to chemical exposure or a device inserted into the pelvic area such as a pessary (a device to support the uterus), cervical cap (a birth control device), or diaphragm. The presence of the foreign object may make the cervix more susceptible to infection.

The condition may also be caused by an allergy to contraceptive spermicides or to latex in condoms.

Cervicitis is very common, affecting more than half of all women at some point during their adult lives. Intercourse at an early age, high-risk sexual behavior, multiple sexual partners, and a history of sexually transmitted disease increase a woman's risk of cervicitis.

A woman's risk increases if her sexual partner(s) have engaged in high-risk sexual behavior or have had a previous sexually transmitted disease. Gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomonas are commonly seen sexually transmitted infections that can cause cervicitis.

The herpes virus (genital herpes) and human papilloma virus (genital warts) are two other sexually transmitted diseases that can cause cervicitis. Bacteria, such as staphylococcus and streptococcus, and excessive growth of normal vaginal bacteria (bacterial vaginosis), can also cause cervicitis.

• Unusual vaginal discharge
  • Persistent
  • May have an odor
  • Gray, white or yellow color
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • After intercourse
  • Between periods
  • After menopause
• Pelvic pressure or heaviness
• Painful sexual intercourse
• Vaginal pain

Note: There may be no symptoms.

A pelvic examination reveals redness of the cervix or evidence of a cervical discharge. It may also reveal inflammation of the vaginal walls caused by the infected discharge.

Tests:

• Tests for gonorrhea or Chlamydia may be positive.
• A wet mount inspection of the discharge may show evidence of candidiasis, Trichomonas, or bacterial vaginosis.
• A Pap smear may show evidence of inflammation or infection.