Cervicitis

Cervicitis is the inflammation of the cervix, the lower end of the uterus that opens into the vagina. The most common cause of the condition is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Other causes include allergies, bacterial or hormonal imbalances, cancer, injury, or irritation. The underlying cause of cervicitis must be treated to clear up the infection. Cervicitis is a common condition, affecting a significant percentage of women and other people with a cervix at some point in their lives. Studies suggest that most sexually active women will experience some form of cervical inflammation.

Causes

Two types of cervicitis exist: acute and chronic. Acute cervicitis comes on quickly and is typically caused by an infection. Infections, especially STIs, are the most common cause of cervicitis, as sexual contact easily spreads bacterial and viral infections. Common STIs that can lead to cervicitis include chlamydia, genital herpes, gonorrhea, the human papillomavirus (HPV), trichomoniasis, and Mycoplasma genitalium.

Chronic cervicitis can last as long as several months to years and is caused by factors other than infection. It is very common during pregnancy and after childbirth. This is because during pregnancy, the body produces extra hormones that increase blood flow to the cervix and can cause it to become inflamed.

Other causes of both types of cervicitis include allergic reactions or irritations to latex condoms, contraceptive spermicides, cervical caps, diaphragms, or feminine hygiene products, such as douches, deodorants, tampons, or suppositories. Bacterial imbalances, such as an overgrowth of vaginal bacteria (bacterial vaginosis), are known to cause the condition. Hormonal imbalances, such as low estrogen or high progesterone, as well as cancer and some cancer treatments like radiation therapy, may cause changes to cervical tissue and cause cervicitis. Other noninfectious causes include exposure to chemicals found in hygiene products, autoimmune disorders such as lupus, and some gynecologic procedures.

Complications

When the cervix is inflamed and infected, its ability to keep bacteria and viruses from entering the uterus is compromised, leading to infections of the uterine lining and fallopian tubes. If left untreated, cervicitis caused by STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which may result in complications such as chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. Cervicitis can also increase the risk of a person acquiring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from an infected sexual partner.

Signs and Symptoms

Some patients do not have any signs or symptoms of cervicitis. They may learn of the condition after having a biopsy for an unrelated condition or as part of a routine Pap test or pelvic exam. Many symptoms can be related to STIs. The most common symptoms include

• backaches
• bleeding between menstrual periods or after menopause
• difficult, frequent, or painful urination
• fever
• pain or bleeding during and after sexual intercourse
• unexplained vaginal pain that includes feelings of pressure or heaviness, especially in the pelvic region
• unusual and persistent vaginal discharge that is pus-like, brown, gray, green, or yellow in color and has an unpleasant odor

Diagnosis

Cervicitis is detected during routine Pap tests, pelvic exams, and other procedures. During a Pap test, also called a Pap smear, the doctor uses a cotton swab or small brush to collect cells from the vagina and cervix. The cells are then tested to determine if any abnormalities are present. In addition, the doctor may use the same procedure to collect cervical and vaginal fluids, which are viewed under a microscope for the presence of infections such as candidiasis (yeast infection), bacterial vaginosis, or trichomoniasis. A urine sample may also be sent for further testing.

During a pelvic exam, the doctor checks the pelvic organs for signs of tenderness and swelling. The doctor may also insert a device known as a speculum into the vagina to further view the inside of the vagina and the cervix to check for redness or discharge.

A cervical biopsy may be performed when a Pap test shows abnormalities. During this test, a doctor inserts a speculum into the vagina and views the vagina and cervix with a colposcope (a small microscope) to look for abnormalities. The doctor will also take tissue samples to send for further testing. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are commonly used to test for chlamydia and gonorrhea on vaginal, cervical, or urine samples, and they may also be used in further testing for trichomoniasis or Mycoplasma genitalium.

In addition to these tests, the doctor will test the patient for STIs. Since STIs have their own symptoms, these must be treated to heal the cervical inflammation.

Treatment

If cervicitis is caused by any reason other than an STI, no treatment may be needed because the condition usually clears up on its own. If an infection or STI is the cause of cervicitis, treatment is needed. In addition, if an STI is the cause, a person’s sexual partners may also need to be treated. Patients should refrain from sexual intercourse until the case of cervicitis clears up or until they are finished with the course of treatment. This helps to prevent passing bacterial infections to sexual partners.

Some treatments include antibiotics for bacterial infections, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, and antiviral medications for viral infections such as genital herpes. Genital herpes has no cure, and medications are used to control the symptoms of the virus.

Hormone therapy may be used in menopausal women. Topical estrogen therapy may help restore cervical tissue integrity and reduce inflammation. Other treatments, especially for chronic cervicitis, include cryosurgery (freezing), electrocauterization (using electricity to heat tissue), and laser therapy to stop bleeding and reduce inflammation.

Prevention

To prevent cervicitis, people need to reduce their risk of acquiring STIs. They should use condoms, limit sexual partners, and avoid sexual contact with those who have STIs. They should limit or eliminate the use of feminine hygiene products, such as feminine deodorants and douches, which can irritate the vagina and cervix. They should also avoid using contraceptive devices such as cervical caps, diaphragms, and spermicides if they are known to irritate the vagina and cervix or cause an allergic reaction. Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) may also reduce the risk of HPV infection and support overall cervical health.

Bibliography

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"Diseases Characterized by Urethritis and Cervicitis." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 21 Sept. 2021, . Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.

Goje, Oluwatosin. "Cervicitis." Merck Manual Professional Version, Nov. 2025, www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gynecology-and-obstetrics/vaginitis-cervicitis-and-pelvic-inflammatory-disease/cervicitis. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.

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