Abnormal vaginal discharge that has an odor or is a gray or yellow color. Spotting between menstrual periods or after sexual intercourse. A feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen, especially during sex. A burning or itchy sensation when you urinate.
If your pelvic exam reveals cervicitis, your doctor will order the appropriate laboratory tests to confirm the cervicitis and determine its cause. These tests may include a culture of your cervical discharge, a culture of the cervical cells themselves, blood tests, and, if you are sexually active, tests for sexually transmitted infections, including gonorrhoea and chlamydia.
Infectious cervicitis is typically caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as gonorrhoea or chlamydia. It is usually treated with antibiotic medication. Noninfectious cervicitis can be caused by a number of things, including foreign objects, such as intrauterine devices and cervical caps, an allergic reaction to latex due to sexual intercourse with latex condoms, and douches, vaginal washes, and other products that can irritate the vagina and cervix. It is usually treated with antibiotics and with removal of the offending agent.
If you have gonorrhoea, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic called Ceftriaxone, which can be administered in a single injection of 250 milligrams. [6] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source In complicated or advanced infections, you may need stronger doses and/or additional oral antibiotics. Your doctor may also prescribe Azithromycin or Doxycycline, which are used to treat chlamydia. This step is taken because patients are often infected with both STIs. [7] X Research source If you have chlamydia, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic called Azithromycin, which can be taken in a single oral dose of 1 gram. [8] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source Alternatively, she may prescribe Erythromycin, Doxycycline, or Ofloxacin; these drugs are typically taken for seven days. Additionally, your doctor will prescribe Ceftriaxone to treat gonorrhoea, as the two infections often co-exist. [9] X Research source If you have trichomoniasis, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic called Metronidazole, which can be administered in a single dose. [10] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source If you have syphilis, your doctor will prescribe penicillin. A one-time dose should be sufficient to cure syphilis in its early stages, when the infection is less than one year old. For more advanced cases, you may also need additional injections or other treatments. If you are allergic to penicillin, your doctor will prescribe Azithromycin. [11] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
If you have genital herpes, your doctor will prescribe the antiviral drug Acyclovir, which is taken for five days. Alternatively, she may prescribe Valacyclovir or Famciclovir, used for three days and one day, respectively. If you have a severe or complicated case, you may need additional treatments and/or increased dosages. Keep in mind genital herpes is a chronic, lifelong infection and you will need to treat the disease continually once you contract it. [13] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Cervicitis can become a serious, long term problem if it is not treated with the right medication and given time to heal properly. With the right medication and treatment, you can make a full recovery from cervicitis. However, if you have genital herpes, you will need to commit to lifelong management of this chronic infection.
Cryosurgery involves the use of extreme cold to destroy abnormal tissue. A cryoprobe, which is an instrument that contains liquid nitrogen, is inserted into the vagina. The cold compressed nitrogen makes the metal instrument cold enough to destroy the diseased tissues. Freezing is done for three minutes. The cervix is then allowed to thaw, and freezing is repeated for another three minutes. Cryosurgery is relatively painless, but you may experience cramping, bleeding, and, in more serious cases, infection and scarring. For two to three weeks after your surgery, you can expect to notice a watery discharge. This is caused by the shedding of dead cervical tissue.
Cauterization is an outpatient procedure that burns away the inflamed or infected cells. You will lie on your back with your legs in stirrups, and a speculum will be inserted into the vagina to hold it open. The cervix is then cleansed using a vaginal swab, and a heated probe is used to destroy the diseased tissues. Anesthesia may be used to prevent discomfort before cauterization. You may experience cramping, bleeding, and watery discharge for up to four weeks. Call your doctor, however, if the discharge has an offensive smell, or if the bleeding is heavy.
Laser therapy is typically done in an operating room under general anesthesia and involves the use of an intense laser beam/light to burn/destroy abnormal tissues. A speculum is inserted into the vagina to hold it open. The laser beam is directed toward any abnormal tissue. Anesthesia will limit your discomfort during the procedure. Afterward, you may notice cramping and bloody, watery discharge for two to three weeks. Call your doctor if this discharge has an offensive smell, or if you notice increased bleeding or pelvic pain.
If your cervicitis is infectious, you need to avoid spreading the bacteria or virus; even if your cervicitis is non-infectious, avoid having sexual intercourse as this could further irritate your cervix and make your symptoms worse.
Use menstrual pads instead of tampons. Do not use scented soaps, sprays, or lotions. These and other products may cause irritation. Do not use a diaphragm for birth control.
