Cervicitis

Definition

Cervicitis is an inflammation of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is often caused by bacterial or protozoan infections and can lead to various reproductive health issues.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cervicitis can be caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis.
2. Symptoms of cervicitis may include abnormal vaginal discharge, bleeding, pain, and discomfort during sexual intercourse.
3. Untreated cervicitis can lead to complications like infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and an increased risk of HIV transmission.
4. Diagnosis of cervicitis typically involves a pelvic exam, cervical swab, and laboratory tests to identify the causative pathogen.
5. Treatment for cervicitis often includes antibiotics or antifungal medications, depending on the underlying cause.

Review Questions

• Explain the connection between cervicitis and bacterial infections of the reproductive system.
  • Cervicitis is a common manifestation of bacterial infections affecting the reproductive system, as outlined in topic 23.3. Pathogenic bacteria, such as Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, can directly infect and inflame the cervix, leading to the symptoms and complications associated with cervicitis. Proper diagnosis and treatment of the underlying bacterial infection are crucial to resolving the cervicitis and preventing further spread of the infection to the upper genital tract.
• Describe how cervicitis can be linked to protozoan infections of the urogenital system.
  • As discussed in topic 23.6, the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis can also cause cervicitis. Trichomoniasis, the infection caused by T. vaginalis, is a common sexually transmitted infection that can lead to inflammation of the cervix. Cervicitis associated with trichomoniasis may present with similar symptoms to bacterial cervicitis, such as abnormal vaginal discharge, irritation, and discomfort. Recognizing the connection between cervicitis and protozoan infections of the urogenital system is important for proper diagnosis and effective treatment.
• Analyze the potential complications that can arise from untreated cervicitis and their impact on reproductive health.
  • Failure to properly diagnose and treat cervicitis can have serious consequences for an individual's reproductive health. As mentioned, untreated cervicitis can lead to the spread of infection to the upper genital tract, resulting in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can cause scarring and damage to the fallopian tubes, increasing the risk of infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain. Additionally, cervicitis can facilitate the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, further compromising reproductive and overall health. Understanding the potential complications of untreated cervicitis is crucial for promoting timely and effective management of this condition.

Related terms

Endocervicitis: Inflammation specifically affecting the inner lining of the cervix, known as the endocervix.

Ectocervicitis: Inflammation of the outer portion of the cervix, known as the ectocervix.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): A serious condition where the cervicitis spreads to other reproductive organs, causing inflammation in the upper genital tract.