IC Disease

Cervicitis is when there is inflammation of the cervix and it is most often caused by an infection. It can also be caused by a diaphragm, an allergic reaction to latex condoms and/or spermicides, a cervical cap, and exposure to certain chemicals.  Other causes of cervicitis are STDs such as genital herpes, HPV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Trichomoniasis. Bacteria and too much growth of normal bacteria in the vagina can also cause cervicitis.

Cervicitis is very common and approximately 50% of all women will be affected with this condition at some point in their lives. It can be healed though if caught early and treated appropriately. Symptoms of cervicitis may include:

• bleeding after intercourse, after menopause and between periods
• vaginal discharge that does not go away, has an unusual odor, and/or is gray, white or yellowish
• vaginal pain
• pain after sex
• a feeling of pressure in the pelvic region

When someone has cervicitis, their pelvic exam may show inflammation of the vaginal walls, cervix discharge, and redness of the cervix.  Cervicitis is diagnosed through testing a sample of the discharge and through pap smears.

To treat cervicitis, medications are used, crosurgery (freezing of the cervix), electrocauterization (process of destroying tissue with electricity), laser therapy. In postmenopausal women hormonal therapy is a treatment option.

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