Thursday, February, 09, 2012

Cervicitis

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Cervical inflammation; Inflammation - cervix


Treatment

Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and others. Drugs called antivirals may be used to treat herpes infections.

Hormonal therapy (with estrogen or progesterone) may be used in women who have reached menopause (postmenopausal).

When these treatments have not worked or when cervicitis has been present for a long time, treatment may include:

  • Cryosurgery (freezing)
  • Electrocauterization
  • Laser therapy

Support Groups


Expectations (prognosis)

Simple cervicitis usually heals with treatment if the cause is found and there is a treatment for that cause.


Complications

Cervicitis may last for months to years. Cervicitis may lead to pain with intercourse (dyspareunia).


Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of cervicitis.



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)