Inflamed Cervix

Cervicitis is the infection of the lower genital tract that can be caused by certain sexually transmitted diseases. In some cases, it may be also due injury to the cervix from a foreign object inserted in the vagina, exposure to chemical irritants, from birth control devices like diaphragm or cervical cap, or even by cancer. Many times inflammation in the cervix is left untreated because women are ignorant of the conditions they are suffering from.

Causes of Cervicitis

The cervix is the passage, which connects the lower part of the womb (uterus) and the birth canal (vagina). Cervicitis is the inflammation or swelling of the cervix, which is the end of the vagina. The cervical canal opens into the uterus. Here are a few causes for cervicitis;

• Injury or irritation to the cervix caused due to insertion of a foreign object into the vagina.
• A sexually transmitted disease (STD), like trichomoniasis, chlamydia and gonorrhea, or a vaginal infection can cause cervicitis
• Health conditions like genital herpes, HIV, human papillomavirus (HPV) and condyloma or genital warts can put the person at a risk of contracting cervicitis.
• Over exposure to chemical irritants or irritation caused due to chemicals in contraceptives, douches or even a forgotten tampon can cause an infection in the cervix.
• Allergic reactions to contraceptive spermicides or latex in condoms also leads to cervicitis.
• Bacterial vaginosis, where the healthy bacteria in the vagina increase in an uncontrolled manner, is another cause for inflammation in the cervix. Bacteria like staphylococcus and streptococcus are also responsible for triggering this infection.
• The person is at an increased risk of contracting cervicitis if the person has had unhealthy sexual relations at an early age or with multiple partners who have a history of sexually transmitted diseases.
• If left untreated for a long time, this condition can also lead to cervical cancer, which may even prove to be fatal.

Inflamed Cervix Symptoms

Cervical inflammation or cervicitis is a common condition and more than half of the female population may develop an inflammation in the cervix at some point of time in their adult lives. Listed below are a few symptoms of this condition;

• The first symptom of this genital tract disorder is a foul-smelling vaginal discharge that becomes more noticeable following menstruation.
• A burning sensation during urination can be experienced.
• Cervical inflammation and bleeding are closely associated when there is an infection or inflammation on the inner cervical wall.
• Pain in the lower abdomen or mild back pain that can be felt sometimes only during sexual intercourse.
• Spotting or bleeding between periods or sexual intercourse.
• A feeling of itching and irritation of the external genitals, often followed by bleeding.
• If the infection in the cervix becomes severe, then it may show symptoms like profuse pus-like vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor, often accompanied by extreme itching of the vagina and pain in the abdomen.
• Other symptoms of cervicitis include fever and nausea

Treating Cervical Inflammation

You must immediately visit your doctor when you experience a great deal of discharge from the vagina, accompanied by fever, chills, vomiting induced nausea, dizziness and severe pain in the abdomen. The doctor may use the following methods of treatment;

• The doctor may ask you about your medical history related to any sexually transmitted disease or about the symptoms that you are experiencing.
• The doctor may also recommend a physical examination to study the symptoms of the disease in detail.
• A biopsy or a sample of tissue from your cervix will be taken if your cervix shows any abnormalities.
• The doctor may collect a sample of pap smears by swabbing the cervix in order to diagnose gonorrhea or chlamydia. If there are signs of abnormal pap smears, like the presence of gonorrhea or chlamydia virus, the doctor may recommend a cryotherapy.
• A speculum will be inserted in the vagina to inspect the vaginal lining and cervix for unusual discharge or sores, irritation and redness.
• After the tests are carried out, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics or anti-viral medications to treat genital herpes.

This was a brief overview on cervical inflammation. Regularly visit your doctor to prevent any further complications if you are suffering from inflamed cervix. It is also advisable to follow a healthy lifestyle, in order to curb such diseases from affecting health.