What is cervicitis
The cervix serves as a barrier between the vagina, where there is always microflora, and the sterile uterine cavity. Cervical mucus performs a protective function, preventing microorganisms from penetrating upward.
During inflammation, this barrier is broken. The mucous membrane becomes swollen, loose and bleeds easily, the protective properties of the mucus are reduced - and the path opens for infection to the endometrium, fallopian tubes and abdominal cavity.
- Exocervicitis - inflammation of the outer part of the cervix facing the vagina
- Endocervicitis - inflammation of the cervical canal mucosa
- Acute cervicitis - with pronounced manifestations
- Chronic cervicitis is a long-term, sluggish inflammation with scanty symptoms.
Reasons
- Chlamydia and gonococcus are the most common infectious causes of cervicitis
- Mycoplasma genitalium
- Trichomonas
- Herpes simplex virus
- Human papillomavirus
- Conditionally pathogenic flora in violation of microbiocenosis
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Mechanical factors: intrauterine device, interventions, childbirth, abortion
- Chemical irritation: spermicides, douching, aggressive antiseptics
- Atrophic changes in menopause
- Allergic reactions to latex and lubricants
Symptoms
- Increased amount of discharge, often mucopurulent
- Change in discharge color to yellowish or greenish
- Bloody discharge after sexual intercourse
- Spotting between periods
- Discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse
- Nagging pain in the lower abdomen
- Burning when urinating with concomitant urethritis
- Itching when combined with vaginitis
- Often - minimal or no symptoms
Why is it dangerous?
- Ascending spread of infection: endometritis, salpingoophoritis
- Inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs with adhesions
- Tubal infertility and increased risk of ectopic pregnancy
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Pregnancy complications: premature birth, infection of membranes
- Increased risk of contracting HIV and other infections
- Maintaining conditions for persistence of HPV and development of dysplasia
- Formation of cervical cysts during chronic course
Diagnostics
- Examination in the mirror - redness, swelling, purulent discharge from the canal, contact bleeding
- Smear microscopy - assessment of the number of leukocytes and flora
- PCR for chlamydia, gonococcus, mycoplasma genitalium, trichomonas
- Examination for herpes and HPV if the picture is appropriate
- Culture with sensitivity determination
- Femoflor - assessment of the state of microflora
- A Pap test is mandatory because inflammation and dysplasia can coexist
- Video colposcopy - assessment of the condition of the cervix, identification of suspicious areas
- Ultrasound of the pelvic organs for suspected ascending infection
- Examination of a partner when identifying an STI
An important detail: cytological examination against the background of severe inflammation may give an inaccurate result. Therefore, with active cervicitis, the Pap test is often repeated after treatment.
Treatment
- Antibacterial therapy selected according to the identified pathogen
- Mandatory simultaneous treatment of the sexual partner for STIs
- Antiviral therapy for herpetic nature
- Local treatment and sanitation of the vagina with concomitant vaginitis
- Correction of microflora in the second stage
- Local estrogens for atrophic cervicitis in menopause
- Removal of the intrauterine device due to its role in maintaining inflammation - according to the doctor’s decision
- Sexual rest for the period of treatment
- Control examination after the course
- Treatment of concomitant changes in the cervix after inflammation subsides
Where to get examined in Tashkent
An examination, smear, PCR for infections, cytology and video colposcopy are required.
In Tashkent, this examination and treatment of cervicitis is carried out at the UROLOGIC COMPLEX medical center and at the Tashkent Medical Park clinic.
If cervicitis is detected, be sure to get tested for sexually transmitted infections and discuss screening your partner. This is not a question of trust, but a question of the fact that in men such infections are very often asymptomatic. Clinic contacts are below.
