Cervicitis is the inflammation of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. While inflammation is commonly considered a simple condition, Cervicitis can be complicated and may increase the risk of pregnancy complications, infertility, and pelvic inflammatory disease. It also significantly increases the chance of sexually transmitted infections.

So, what is Cervicitis, and how is it identified and treated to lower its impact on women’s reproductive health? We asked the top gynaecologist in Mumbai, Dr. Neelima Mantri, and read on to find the answers.

What is Cervicitis? What are its Symptoms?

The cervix is a narrow, tunnel-like structural pathway that connects the vagina with the uterus. When a woman has her period, the discharge comes from the uterus through the cervix and the vagina. So, when this pathway becomes inflamed due to one reason or another, a woman may develop Cervicitis.

Cervicitis manifests in women as abnormal vaginal bleeding, back pain, prolonged vaginal discharge, vaginal pain, pain during sexual intercourse, and a pressure sensation on the pelvis. In severe cases of Cervicitis, women may experience pus-like vaginal discharge too.

What Causes Cervicitis?

The causes for inflammation are usually sexually transmitted infections like Chlamydia, Herpes, Gonorrhoea, and Trichomoniasis. They trigger an acute form of Cervicitis which starts with sudden symptoms and will lonely last for days and is relieved using the proper medications; chronic Cervicitis is also a condition experienced by women in a few cases, which may prolong for months at a stretch.

Not all the causes of Cervicitis are serious infections. Inflammation of the cervix can also be triggered by regular vaginal bacteria, allergy to the latex of the condom, or even chemicals found in the tampons, according to the female gynaecologist in Mumbai, Dr. Neelima Mantri. In rare cases, Cervicitis is also a condition that precedes cervical cancer.

When left untreated, Cervicitis can move up to the fallopian tubes and uterine lining, leading to pelvic inflammatory disease that causes infertility problems, vaginal discharge, and pregnancy complications.

Cervicitis – Diagnosis & Treatment Options:

Cervicitis, in some cases, doesn’t show any symptoms and is even identified during routine pelvic exams. Pap tests, cervical biopsy, and cervical discharge cultures are some exams to diagnose the condition.

Upon identification, the treatment for Cervicitis is based on the severity, overall health, medical history, and causes of Cervicitis. The treatment plan for Cervicitis usually involves antibiotics and watchful waiting. If Cervicitis is caused by cervical cancer or another cancerous condition, the treatment requires cryosurgery or freezing abnormal cells to destroy them. The treatment for Cervicitis must begin as soon as the condition is identified. Delaying the treatment can lead to prolonged vaginal discharge and pain during sexual intercourse.

Following healthy sexual practices, avoiding scented vaginal products, and adhering to vaginal hygiene can help reduce the risk of Cervicitis in women, according to the best gynaecologist in Mumbai, Dr. Neelima Mantri. For more information on the prevention and treatment of Cervicitis in Mumbai, you can contact Dr. Neelima Mantri here.