AUTHORS: Helen B. Gomez Slagle, MD and Anthony Sciscione, DO
Cervicitis is an inflammation of the uterine cervix, primarily affecting the columnar epithelial cells of the endocervical glands. Acute cervicitis results from direct infection of the cervix secondary to a uterine or vaginal infection-most commonly chlamydia or gonorrhea-whereas chronic cervicitis is due to an exposure to a local irritant.
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The published prevalence of cervicitis varies greatly, ranging from 8% to as high as 40% of women attending sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics. Cervicitis is most common in women aged 15 to 24, but it can occur in any sexually active woman. Women who have had sex without condoms or sex with multiple partners are at increased risk of developing cervicitis as well as other STDs.
The diagnosis of acute cervicitis is clinical and based upon the presence of purulent or mucopurulent cervical exudate (Fig. E1) and/or cervical friability-bleeding induced by gently touching the area with a swab.
Figure E1 Mucopurulent cervicitis.
This may be a feature of infection with C. trachomatis or N. gonorrhoeae. The cervix, however, can look normal.
From Magowan BA: Clinical obstetrics and gynaecology, ed 4, Philadelphia, 2019, Elsevier.
If cervicitis is suspected, testing for infectious causes should be performed, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) should be excluded.
Bacterial cervicitis responds well to antibiotics. Possible complications to watch for include subsequent PID and infertility (found in 5% to 10% of patients with increasing rates with repeat episodes of PID). Repeat cervical cultures are recommended after treatment in pregnancy or if there is concern of treatment failure. Screening for reinfection is recommended within 3 mo. Condoms should be recommended, and sexual relations should be resumed after negative cultures for both partners.
Cervicitis (Patient Information)
Chlamydia Genital Infections (Related Key Topic)
Gonorrhea (Related Key Topic)
Urethritis, Nongonococcal (Related Key Topic)