Cervicitis is inflammation of the cervix or cervix. The cervix is the lowest part of the uterus that is connected to the vagina. Like other tissues in the body, the cervix can also become inflamed for various reasons, namely infection (eg sexually transmitted infections) and non-infectious factors (eg irritation or allergies). This inflammation can be indicated by bleeding from the vagina outside of menstruation, or pain during sexual intercourse, as well as abnormal discharge from the vagina.
Cervicitis can be acute, which occurs suddenly and is severe, or chronic, which develops over a long period of time. If this condition is not treated, then cervicitis that occurs due to infection can spread to the abdominal cavity, causing fertility problems, as well as problems in the fetus for pregnant women.
Symptoms of Cervicitis
Most people with cervicitis do not feel any symptoms, and they only realize they have this disease after undergoing a doctor's examination for other reasons. On the other hand, there are some patients who experience or feel the symptoms of cervicitis. Among others are:
- Unusual and large amounts of vaginal discharge. This liquid can be pale yellow to gray with an unpleasant odor.
- Frequent and painful urination.
- Dyspareunia.
- Bleeding from the vagina after sexual intercourse.
- Vaginal pain.
- The pelvis feels depressed.
- Back pain.
- Pain in the pelvis or abdomen.
- Fever.
Inflammation of the cervix can become severe if it develops further, which is characterized by the formation of open sores or discharge from the vagina in the form of pus.
Causes of Cervicitis
Cervicitis is caused by a bacterial or viral infection that occurs during sexual intercourse. Examples of infections that are spread through sexual contact are gonorrhea,chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and genital herpes. Apart from infection, some conditions that can cause cervicitis are:
- Allergic reactions, to spermicides (substances that can kill sperm) or latex materials from contraceptives, and feminine products.
- Uncontrolled growth of normal flora (good bacteria) in the vagina.
- Irritation or injury from using tampons.
- Hormonal imbalance, where estrogen levels are much lower than progesterone levels, thus interfering with the body's ability to maintain cervical health
- Cancer or side effects of cancer treatment.
Some of the factors that can make a person more at risk of developing cervicitis are:
- Having unsafe sex, including frequent changes of partners and having unprotected sex.
- Active sexual intercourse from a young age.
- Have a history of cervicitis or sexually transmitted diseases.
Cervicitis Diagnosis
A patient can be suspected by a doctor of having cervicitis based on his symptoms and physical examination. This examination includes observing the pelvis to see areas of inflammation in the form of swelling or tender parts, as well as observing the condition of the vagina and cervix with a speculum.
To confirm the diagnosis, doctors usually still have to carry out additional examinations. One of them is with PAP smear, where the doctor will take fluid samples from the cervix and vagina, for further investigation in the laboratory. Another type of examination is to use a camera tube (endoscope), to see any abnormal conditions in the vagina and cervix more clearly.
Cervicitis Treatment
Treatment for cervicitis is based on the cause and severity. For non-infectious cervicitis, such as irritation to the use of certain materials, tools, or products, the patient needs to stop using them until they heal.
Meanwhile, for cases of cervicitis due to sexually transmitted infections, medication is needed, both for sufferers and their partners. The goal is to eliminate infection and prevent transmission. Examples of drugs that can be given based on the organism causing the infection are:
- Antibiotics. This drug is used to treat cervicitis due to bacterial infections, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and bacterial vaginosis.
- Antivirals. This medication is used to treat cervicitis caused by a viral infection, such as genital herpes or genital warts.
- antifungal. This drug is used to treat cervicitis due to fungal infections.
If the above medicines are not effective in treating cervicitis, because the condition is severe enough, the doctor will advise the patient to undergo the following treatment methods:
- Cryosurgery. The doctor will use a special medium that can freeze the tissue affected by cervicitis. After being frozen at this very cold temperature, the tissue will self-destruct.
- Electrosurgery. This is a surgical technique that uses electricity to burn or destroy tissue affected by cervicitis.
- Laser therapy. The doctor will use a special instrument that can emit strong light waves, to cut, burn, and destroy the tissue affected by cervicitis.
Cervicitis Prevention
There are several ways we can do to avoid getting this disease. These include:
- Practice safe sex, such as not changing partners.
- Avoid feminine products that contain perfume, because it can cause irritation to the vagina and cervix.