Inflammation of the cervix is a condition that is medically known as cervicitis and is usually caused by vaginal infections, sexually transmitted diseases, contact with irritants or injuries, and trauma to the area. It is a condition that is often diagnosed when a woman is undergoing a routine gynecological exam and can cause symptoms such as abnormal vaginal discharge, intermenstrual vaginal bleeding, lower belly pain, and dyspareunia (pain during sexual intercourse). Your treatment should be established based on the condition or condition causing it. Still, it is essential to start it as quickly as possible to prevent inflammation from becoming chronic and other more severe complications. In the following FastlyHealarticle, we will show in detail they are the causes, symptoms, and treatment of swollen cervix.
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Inflamed cervix: causes
The cervix is located between the vagina and the rectum and is the narrow end of the uterus. If the cervix becomes inflamed, it can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding, and you have what is known as cervicitis. Next, we are going to detail what the possible causes of an inflamed cervix may be:
- Vaginal infections such as, for example, bacterial vaginosis or candidiasis.
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Some STDs can lead to inflammation of the cervix, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, mycoplasma genitalium, trichomoniasis, genital herpes, or human papillomavirus.
- Allergic reactions to irritants, such as condoms, douches, or spermicides.
- Injuries caused during childbirth.
- Placement of the IUD or other elements inside the vagina that can end up causing injuries, such as diaphragms, pessaries, cervical caps, etc.
- Fibroids or uterine polyps.
Several factors can make a woman more prone to cervicitis at some point in her life, and these include the following:
- Maintain high-risk sexual practices.
- Do not use a condom during sexual intercourse.
- I had a history of sexually transmitted diseases.
- It was douching or using aggressive and irritating chemicals in the vaginal area.
- Being in premenopause or menopause, when estrogen levels are reduced in the female body, there is an increased risk of developing inflammation of the cervix.
Inflamed uterus: symptoms
On many occasions, when the cervix is inflamed, the affected woman may not have any noticeable symptoms. Therefore, most of the time, it is a condition that is diagnosed when a routine gynecological exam is performed. However, when cervicitis is symptomatic, the following signs and symptoms may occur:
- Abnormal and profuse vaginal discharge may be white, yellow, or gray and have a terrible odor.
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods or after sexual intercourse.
- Pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse.
- Pain on urination.
- Frequent or difficult urination.
- Stinging and itching in the vagina.
- Pain or pressure in the lower belly.
- I was feeling bloating in the lower abdominal area.
Cytology to detect inflammation of the cervix
One of the first medical tests to detect if the cervix is inflamed is cytology. This gynecological test allows analyzing the cervix cells and diagnosing possible abnormalities in the cells or the walls of this end of the uterus. It is a test that all women should do routinely once they have had sexual intercourse and from 21, even though they are not sexually active women.
To confirm the diagnosis of inflammation of the cervix, cytology may be accompanied by other medical tests such as:
- Colposcopy, in which the cervix is inspected with an optical instrument.
- Analysis of a sample of vaginal discharge.
- Urine analysis.
- Blood test.
- Tests to detect if you have a sexually transmitted disease such as gonorrhea or chlamydia.
- Biopsy of the cervix.
Swollen cervix: treatment
The treatment of the inflamed cervix will depend on the original cause of the inflammation in each case. That is why treatment may include the following:
- I was taking antibiotic medications for vaginal infections caused by bacteria.
- I am taking antiviral medications for vaginal infections caused by viruses.
- I am taking antifungal medications in case of infections caused by an overgrowth of fungi.
- When irritating objects or products cause inflammation of the cervix, they should be stopped immediately, and some anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed.
- The hormonal therapy can be used in women who have reached menopause and are suffering the consequences of declining estrogen levels in their bodies.
In the case of vaginal or sexually transmitted infections in which there is a risk of contagion, it is essential that the partner of the affected woman also undergoes timely medical examinations and initiates treatment if necessary.
When drug treatment is not enough to cure the inflammation of the cervix, or it occurs for a long time, other medical treatments may be suggested, such as:
- Laser treatment destroys the damaged tissue of the uterus by applying a beam of intense light.
- Cryosurgery or freezing of the damaged tissue of the uterus.
- Electrocautery: The damaged tissue is removed from the uterus through electricity.
It is imperative to receive treatment for an inflamed cervix to avoid possible complications such as prolonged pain during intimate relationships and pelvic inflammatory disease, the inflammation, and infection of the main female reproductive organs, such as the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
Measures to prevent inflammation of the cervix
The risk of developing cervicitis can be reduced by implementing measures such as those shown in the following lines:
- Avoid the use of irritating intimate products. Douching, scented tampons, or vaginal deodorants are not advisable.
- Maintain good sexual hygiene and use a condom in all personal relationships.
- Make sure that any object that has been inserted into the vagina is adequately positioned and does not cause injury.
- Be sure that the sexual partner does not suffer from a sexually transmitted disease.
- Do not carry out high-risk sexual practices.
Swollen cervix in pregnancy
Inflammation of the cervix can occur in pregnancy, but if it is treated early and correctly, it does not have to interfere with the normal development of the fetus. However, the original cause must always be detected quickly since if there is a sexually transmitted disease, it can cause significant complications in the health of the woman and the baby.
In addition to the above, it is essential to insist on receiving early treatment if the cervix is inflamed. Fertility problems may occur if the inflammation lasts long and you suffer from chronic cervicitis.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Inflamed cervix: causes, symptoms, and treatment, we recommend that you enter our category of Female reproductive system.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.