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Cervicitis - Overview

Nombres alternativos

Inflamación cervical; Inflamación del cuello uterino

Definición:

Es una hinchazón (inflamación) del extremo del útero ( cuello uterino).

Causas, incidencia y factores de riesgo:

La cervicitis casi siempre es causada por una infección, que por lo general se adquiere durante la actividad sexual. Las enfermedades de transmisión sexual (ETS) que pueden causar cervicitis abarcan:

Sin embargo, en unos pocos casos se pueden deber a:

  • Un dispositivo insertado en el área pélvica, como un:
    • Capuchón cervical
    • Dispositivo para sostener el útero (pesario)
    • Diafragma
  • Alergia a espermicidas empleados para el control natal o al látex en los condones
  • Exposición a un químico

La cervicitis es muy común y afecta a más de la mitad de todas las mujeres en algún momento de su vida adulta. Los riesgos abarcan:

  • Comportamiento sexual de alto riesgo
  • Antecedentes de enfermedades de transmisión sexual
  • Múltiples parejas sexuales
  • Sexo (relaciones sexuales) a temprana edad
  • Pareja(s) sexual(es) que se ha(n) involucrado en comportamientos sexuales de alto riesgo o ha(n) tenido una enfermedad de transmisión sexual

Las bacterias, como estafilococos y estreptococos, al igual que la proliferación excesiva de bacterias normales en la vagina (vaginosis bacteriana), también pueden causar cervicitis.

  • 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.

Referencias

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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