Cervicitis
Definition
Cervicitis is swelling (inflammation) of the end of the uterus (cervix).
Alternative Names
Cervical inflammation; Inflammation - cervixCauses
Cervicitis is most often caused by an infection. However, in a few cases it may be due to:
- A device inserted into the pelvic area such as:
- Cervical cap
- Device to support the uterus (pessary)
- Diaphragm
- An allergy to spermicides used for birth control or to latex in condoms
- Exposure to a chemical
Cervicitis is very common, affecting more than half of all women at some point during their adult lives. Risks include:
- High-risk sexual behavior
- History of sexually transmitted disease (STD)
- Many sexual partners
- Sex (intercourse) at an early age
- Sexual partner(s) who have engaged in high-risk sexual behavior or have had an STD
STDs that can cause cervicitis include:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Herpes virus (genital herpes)
- Human papilloma virus (genital warts)
- Trichomoniasis
Bacteria (such as staphylococcus and streptococcus) and too much growth of normal bacteria in the vagina (bacterial vaginosis), can also cause cervicitis.
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