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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, usually caught during sexual activity. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that can cause cervicitis include:

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

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 life. Risks include:

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

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: 2/21/2010
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Eckert LO, Lentz GM. Infections of the lower genital tract: Vulva, vagina, cervix, toxic shock syndrome, HIV infections. In: Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 22.

Biggs WS, Williams RM. Common gynecologic infections. Prim Care. 2009;36:33-51.

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force: Screening for Chlamydial Infection. June 2007. Accessed January 25, 2010.

Diseases characterized by urethritis and cervicitis. Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines 2006. Update to CDC's sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines. 2006: fluoroquinolones no longer recommended for treatment of gonococcal infections. Available at www.guidelines.gov. Accessed January 25, 2010.

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