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Cervicitis - Overview

Alternative Names

Cervical inflammation; Inflammation - cervix

Definition of Cervicitis:

Cervicitis is swelling (inflammation) of the end of the uterus (cervix).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Cervicitis is most often caused by an infection. However, in a few cases it may be due to:

A device inserted into the pelvic area such as:
- Cervical cap
- Device to support the uterus (pessary)
- Diaphragm
An allergy to spermicides used for birth control or to latex in condoms
Exposure to a chemical

Cervicitis is very common, affecting more than half of all women at some point during their adult lives. Risks include:

High-risk sexual behavior
History of sexually transmitted disease (STD)
Many sexual partners
Sex (intercourse) at an early age
Sexual partner(s) who have engaged in high-risk sexual behavior or have had an STD

STDs that can cause cervicitis include:

Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Herpes virus (genital herpes)
Human papilloma virus (genital warts)
Trichomoniasis

Bacteria (such as staphylococcus and streptococcus) and too much growth of normal bacteria in the vagina (bacterial vaginosis), can also cause cervicitis.

Female reproductive anatomy

Cervicitis

Uterus

Reviewed last on: 2/19/2008
Peter Chen, MD, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed byDavid Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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