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Cervicitis - Overview

Alternative Names

Cervical inflammation; Inflammation - cervix

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:

Bacteria (such as staphylococcus and streptococcus) and too much growth of normal bacteria in the vagina (bacterial vaginosis), can also cause cervicitis.

  • Reviewed last on: 2/19/2008
  • Peter Chen, MD, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed byDavid Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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