The uterus is connected to the vagina by a thin tissue called the cervix.Sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea and chlamydia are the most common causes of cervicalitis.More than half of women experience cervicitis at some point.Some women don't have symptoms of cervicitis, but others may have bleeding after sex.If you have cervicitis, it is important to recognize and treat the infections that typically occur with it, otherwise it could lead to infections in the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries.PID and infertility can be caused by cervicitis that is left untreated.
Step 1: Check for a discharge that is abnormal.
Vaginal discharge can vary in color, amount, and consistency over the course of a menstrual cycle.Make an appointment with your doctor if you experience abnormal discharge.Abnormal can mean a variety of things because vaginal discharge can vary so much.If there is a vaginal discharge with an unusual odor, color, or appearance, pay particular attention to it.
Step 2: Between menstrual periods and after sex is where to look for spotting.
Bleeding after sexual intercourse could be a sign of cervicitis.An inflammatory cervix is more likely to bleed than a normal one.If you notice this symptom, call your doctor.You may notice that you have a spotting after sexual intercourse.This can be a symptom of cervicitis.If you spot a symptom of other issues besides cervicitis, you should get it checked.
Step 3: It's a good idea to check for pain during intercourse.
Pain during intercourse, also known as dyspareunia, is a common symptom and can indicate a variety of problems.You should make an appointment with your doctor to discuss the issue.There is no reason to think that pain is normal.
Step 4: It's a good idea to see a feeling of heaviness in your lower abdomen.
Some women with cervicitis have a feeling of being bloated in the lower abdomen.If you have this problem, make an appointment with your doctor.Other medical issues can cause nausea in your lower abdomen.If you suspect you may have cervicitis, you should get it checked out.
Step 5: The symptoms of co-infections can be seen.
Women with cervicitis can experience inflammation in the vagina or urinary tract, which can cause itching, burning, and pain.These symptoms are not technically signs of cervicitis, but they do suggest co-infections, so you should see your doctor regardless.
Step 6: There are less common symptoms of cervicitis.
In addition to the symptoms above, there are some signs of cervicitis that occur very rarely, usually only in those few cases in which an illness starts as a bug and then spreads to other parts of the body.Nausea Vomiting and a general feeling of sickness are some of the symptoms.
Step 7: You should make a doctor's appointment.
Don't try to diagnose cervicitis yourself.The symptoms are easily confused with other conditions, such as yeast infections, and more importantly, your cervicitis may have developed because of a serious infection, like an STD, which requires medical treatment.
Step 8: There is a Pelvic exam.
A Pelvic exam is a first step in the diagnosis of cervicitis.They will insert a speculum and observe your cervix, making note of any redness, ulcerations, inflammation, swelling, or abnormal discharge.
Step 9: Lab tests can be scheduled.
If your exam shows signs of cervicitis, your doctor will order a culture of your cervix, as well as tests for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and other sexually transmitted infections.Depending on the results of the tests, your doctor may order additional testing, such as a colposcopy, which is an examination with a special magnifying device.
Step 10: The doctor will give you a diagnosis.
There are two types of cervicitis, infectious and non-infectious.Non-infectious cervicitis is more common than infectious.Your doctor will tell you what type you have.Sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause infectious cervicitis.Even if you have a specific diagnosis of infectious cervicitis, your doctor may start treating you for STIs immediately.It is less common than infectious cervicitis.There are a number of causes, including foreign objects, allergic reactions to latex, and douches and other vaginal washes.Acute or chronic cervicitis may be referred to by your doctor.Acute and chronic cervicitis are not infectious.
Step 11: Take your medication.
If you have an infectious cervicitis, your doctor will probably prescribe antibiotics.There are drugs that can be prescribed to treat conditions like genital herpes.In rare cases, they may recommend taking hormones to help with inflammation.Nausea, upset stomach, and fatigue are some of the side effects of these medications.Before you take these medications, your doctor should tell you about the side effects.
Step 12: Consider the effects of ecclesiastic activity.
Antibiotics and antivirals won't eliminate the problem for non-infectious cervicitis.One of three surgical treatment options may be suggested by your doctor.A doctor uses electricity to remove unwanted tissue during a surgical procedure.
Step 13: Discuss the procedure with your doctor
If you have a case of non-infectious cervicitis, your doctor may recommend cryosurgery.The word "cryosurgery" comes from the Greek for "icy hand work" and involves the use of extreme cold to "freeze off" or eliminate abnormal tissue.
Step 14: Consider the benefits of laser therapy.
Laser therapy may be recommended for cases of non-infectious cervicitis.Laser therapy uses intense beams of light to burn, destroy, or cut.
Step 15: It's a good idea to avoid irritating your vagina.
While pursuing treatment options with your doctor, you can also take steps to be less uncomfortable.Douches, vaginal rinses and sexual intercourse should all be avoided.
Step 16: Sex is forbidden until your treatment is complete.
If you receive treatment for cervicitis, you may need to abstain from sex for up to a week.Ask your doctor how long you should wait before having sex again.
Step 17: Inform your sex partners.
Sexual partners should also seek treatment for cervicitis.Even if they have no symptoms, they can re-infect you even after you follow the treatment regimen recommended by your doctor.It is important for your health and that of your partner that they seek treatment as well.