Cervicitis

Diagnosis

To diagnose cervicitis, your doctor will likely begin with a physical examination and additional lab tests to identify the underlying cause.

The diagnostic process may include:

• Pelvic exam: During this exam, your doctor checks your pelvic organs for areas of swelling or tenderness. A speculum may be inserted into the vagina to examine the cervix and vaginal walls.

• Specimen collection: Similar to a Pap test, a small cotton swab or brush is used to gently collect a sample of cervical and vaginal fluid. The sample is sent to a laboratory for testing to identify possible infections.

• Urine tests: Lab tests may also be performed on a urine sample to check for infections or sexually transmitted diseases (STIs).

More Information:
Pelvic exam
Urinalysis

Treatment

Treatment for cervicitis depends on its cause.

• If cervicitis is caused by an allergic reaction to products such as spermicides, feminine hygiene products, or latex condoms, no specific treatment is usually needed once the irritant is removed.

• If cervicitis is caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI), both you and your partner will need treatment, typically with antibiotics. Antibiotics are effective against infections such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, or bacterial vaginosis.

• For genital herpes, antiviral medications may be prescribed to help shorten the duration of symptoms. While these medicines reduce outbreaks, herpes is a lifelong condition and can still be transmitted to a partner.

• Your doctor may recommend repeat testing after treatment, especially for infections caused by gonorrhea or chlamydia, to ensure the infection has cleared.

To prevent reinfection or transmission, avoid sexual activity until you and your partner have completed all recommended treatments.