Skip navigation | ||
|
||
Medical Encyclopedia |
|
Other encyclopedia topics: | A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
|
|
|
Alternative Names Return to top
Cervical inflammation; Inflammation - cervixDefinition Return to top
Cervicitis is swelling (inflammation) of the end of the uterus (cervix).
Causes Return to top
Cervicitis is most often caused by an infection. However, in a few cases it may be due to:
Cervicitis is very common, affecting more than half of all women at some point during their adult lives. Risks include:
STDs that can cause cervicitis include:
Bacteria (such as staphylococcus and streptococcus) and too much growth of normal bacteria in the vagina (bacterial vaginosis), can also cause cervicitis.
Symptoms Return to top
Note: There may be no symptoms.
Exams and Tests Return to top
A pelvic examination may show:
Tests:
Treatment Return to top
Treatments include:
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
Simple cervicitis usually heals with treatment if the cause is found and there is a treatment for that cause.
Possible Complications Return to top
Cervicitis may last for months to years. Cervicitis may lead to pain with intercourse (dyspareunia).
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of cervicitis.
Prevention Return to top
Ways to reduce the risk of cervicitis include:
Home | Health Topics | Drugs & Supplements | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Disclaimers | Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Quality Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 25 September 2008 |