Cervicitis

Diagnosis

To diagnose cervicitis, your doctor will likely perform a physical exam that includes:

• A pelvic exam. During this exam, your doctor checks your pelvic organs for areas of swelling and tenderness. He or she may also place a speculum in your vagina to view the upper, lower and side walls of the vagina and the cervix.
• A specimen collection. In a process similar to a Pap test, your doctor uses a small cotton swab or a brush to gently remove a sample of cervical and vaginal fluid. Your doctor sends the sample to a lab to test for infections. Lab tests may also be performed on a urine sample.

Treatment

You won't need treatment for cervicitis caused by an allergic reaction to products such as spermicide or feminine hygiene products. If you have cervicitis caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI), both you and your partner will need treatment, often with an antibiotic medication. Antibiotics are prescribed for STIs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia or bacterial infections, including bacterial vaginosis.

Your doctor may offer antiviral medication if you have genital herpes, which helps decrease the amount of time you have cervicitis symptoms. However, there is no cure for herpes. Herpes is a chronic condition that may be passed to your sexual partner at any time.

Your doctor may also recommend repeat testing for cervicitis caused by gonorrhea or chlamydia.

To avoid passing a bacterial infection along to your partner, wait to have sex until you're finished with the treatment recommended by your doctor.

Preparing for your appointment

Cervicitis may be discovered incidentally during a routine pelvic exam and may not require treatment if it's not due to an infection. If, however, you experience unusual vaginal symptoms that lead you to schedule an appointment, you'll most likely see a gynecologist or primary care doctor.

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

• Avoid using tampons.
• Don't douche.
• Know the name of your partner, and the dates you had sexual relations.
• Make a list of all medications or supplements you're taking.
• Know your allergies.
• Write down questions you have.

Some basic questions include:

• How did I get this condition?
• Do I need to take medicine?
• Are there any over-the-counter products that will treat my condition?
• Does my partner also need to be tested or treated?
• What should I do if my symptoms return after treatment?
• What can I do to prevent cervicitis in the future?

Don't hesitate to ask additional questions during your appointment if you think of something else.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor will likely perform a physical exam that may include a pelvic exam and Pap test. He or she may collect a fluid specimen from your vagina or cervix to send for testing.

Your doctor may also ask you a number of questions about your condition, such as:

• What vaginal symptoms are you experiencing?
• Are you experiencing any urinary problems, such as pain during urination?
• How long have you had your symptoms?
• Are you sexually active?
• Have you or your partner ever had a sexually transmitted infection?
• Do you experience pain or bleeding during sex?
• Do you douche or use any feminine hygiene products?
• Are you pregnant?
• Have you tried any over-the-counter products to treat your symptoms?