Cervicitis - Overview

Definition of Cervicitis:

Cervicitis is swelling (inflammation) of the end of the uterus (cervix).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

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.