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Cervicitis - Symptom

Alternative Names

Cervical inflammation; Inflammation - cervix

Symptoms:

Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- After intercourse
- After menopause
- Between periods
Unusual vaginal discharge
- Does not go away
- Gray, white, or yellow color
- May have an odor
Painful sexual intercourse
Pain in the vagina
Pressure or heaviness in the pelvis

Note: There may be no symptoms, so it is recommended that certain women be tested for chlamydia, even if they do not have symptoms.

Signs and tests:

A pelvic examination may show:

Discharge from the cervix
Redness of the cervix
Swelling (inflammation) of the walls of the vagina

Tests:

Inspection of the discharge under a microscope (may show candidiasis, trichomoniasis, or bacterial vaginosis)
Pap smear
Tests for gonorrhea or chlamydia

Rarely, colposcopy and biopsy of the cervix is necessary.

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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