Cervical inflammation; Inflammation - cervix
Prevention
Ways to reduce the risk of cervicitis include:
- Avoid
chemical irritants such as douches and deodorant tampons. - Make sure that any foreign objects you insert into your vagina (such as tampons) are placed properly. Be sure to follow the guidelines on how long to leave the object inside, how often to change it, or how often to clean it.
- Not having sexual intercourse (abstinence) is the only absolute method of preventing sexually transmitted cervicitis. A monogamous sexual relationship with someone who is known to be free of any STD can reduce the risk. Monogamous means you and your partner do not have sex with any other people.
- You can greatly lower your risk of catching an STD by using a condom every time you have sex. Condoms are available for both men and women, but are most commonly worn by the man. A condom must be used properly every time.
See also:
Condoms Female condoms Safe sex
References
Eckert LO, Lentz GM. Infections of the lower genital tract: Vulva, vagina, cervix, toxic shock syndrome, HIV infections. In: Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 22.
Biggs WS, Williams RM. Common gynecologic infections. Prim Care. 2009;36:33-51.
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force: Screening for Chlamydial Infection. June 2007. Accessed January 25, 2010.
Diseases characterized by urethritis and cervicitis. Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines 2006. Update to CDC's sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines. 2006: fluoroquinolones no longer recommended for treatment of gonococcal infections. Available at www.guidelines.gov. Accessed January 25, 2010.
Previous Section
Review Date: 02/21/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of
Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of
Medicine; and Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department
of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget
Sound, Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department
of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of
Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director,
A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
