What is cervicitis?
Cervicitis is an inflammation of the cervix caused by an infection that is usually acquired during sexual activity.
What are the symptoms?
Women with cervicitis may not notice any symptoms. However, cervicitis usually causes increased vaginal discharge, pain during intercourse, burning, cystitis, pelvic pressure or heaviness, and abnormal vaginal bleeding (after intercourse, between periods, or even after the onset of menopause). Skin lesions around the pubic hair may also occur.
Causes of cervicitis or why it occurs
Cervicitis is always caused by an infection acquired during sexual activity. Among the sexually transmitted infections that can cause cervicitis, the most common are chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes virus, human papillomavirus and trichomoniasis.
There are other factors that can also cause this disease. For example, allergy to latex in condoms or exposure to certain chemicals.
Can it be prevented?
Certain measures can be taken to prevent cervicitis, such as avoiding chemical irritants like douching and tampons with deodorant. It is important to insert objects correctly into the vagina, such as tampons, and make sure they remain in for the recommended time.
In addition, you should make sure that your partner does not have any sexually transmitted diseases and use a condom every time you have sex.
What does the treatment consist of?
Cervicitis is usually treated with antibiotics for bacterial infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. Herpes infections are treated with antivirals. Hormone treatment may also be used for women who have reached menopause.
If not treated in time, the infection may affect the fallopian tubes and uterus, but it is important to perform a pelvic examination at the onset of symptoms.