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Cervicitis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Cervical inflammation; Inflammation - cervix

Treatment:

Infectious causes are treated with prescription medication (antibiotics or antifungals). Medications may be taken by mouth or placed in the vagina (cream or lotion).

Hormonal therapy may be recommend, especially in postmenopausal women. Cryosurgery , electrocauterization , and laser therapy are other treatment options that may be considered if other treatments do not work.

Expectations (prognosis):

Simple cervicitis typically heals with treatment if the cause is adequately identified and treatment is available for that specific cause.

Complications:

Chronic (long-term) cervicitis may develop and persist for months to years. Cervicitis may be a causative factor in dyspareunia (pain with intercourse).

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of cervicitis.

• Review Date: 5/10/2006
• Reviewed By: Melanie N. Smith, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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