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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffCervicitis is an inflammation of the cervix, the lower, narrow end of your uterus that opens into your vagina. Most cases of cervicitis are without symptoms (asymptomatic) and of little consequence; however, some cases of cervicitis are caused by infection with sexually transmitted diseases, including gonorrhea and chlamydia.
Successful treatment of cervicitis may involve addressing the cause of the inflammation. In some cases of cervicitis, antibiotics are used to clear an underlying infection.
You can reduce your risk of developing significant cervicitis by practicing safer sex and by following your doctor's recommended Pap screening schedule.
- McCormack WM. Vulvovaginitis and cervicitis. In: Mandell GL, et al. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's: Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2005. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/161833431-5/0/1259/794.html?tocnode=51379230&fromURL=794.html. Accessed Sept. 23, 2009.
- Marrazzo J. Cervicitis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 23, 2009.
- Eckert LO, et al. Infections of the lower genital tract: Vulva, vagina, cervix, toxic shock syndrome, HIV infections. In: Katz VL, et al. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/161833431-5/0/1524/147.html?tocnode=53759472&fromURL=147.html. Accessed Sept. 23, 2009
- Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines 2006: Diseases characterized by urethritis and cervicitis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/2006/urethritis-and-cervicitis.htm. Accessed Sept. 25, 2009.
- Marrazzo J. Cervicitis. In: Klausner JD, et al. Current Diagnosis & Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2007. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=3025026. Accessed Sept. 25, 2009.
