Cervicitis overview
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
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Overview
Inflammation of the tissues of the cervix is known as cervicitis. Cervicitis in women has many features in common with urethritis in men and many of the causes are sexually transmitted.
Diagnosis
Symptoms
Mucopurulent cervicitis often is asymptomatic, but some women have an abnormal vaginal discharge and vaginal bleeding (e.g., after sexual intercourse).
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and others. Drugs called antivirals may be used to treat herpes infections. Hormonal therapy (with estrogen or progesterone) may be used in women who have reached menopause (postmenopausal). When these treatments have not worked or when cervicitis has been present for a long time, treatment may include cryosurgery (freezing), electrocauterization, laser therapy.