Design sans titre 10 300x300 1

Cervicitis: definitions, complications, and African care

By narso10
On 2025-08-01
0 comments

Cervicitis: definitions, complications, and African care
Need assistance from our health experts?

1. What is Cervicitis?

Cervicitis refers to the inflammation of the cervix, the lower, narrow part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. This inflammation can be acute, occurring suddenly and often with intense symptoms, or chronic, developing gradually and persisting for months or even years.

From a clinical standpoint, cervicitis is characterized by redness, swelling, and discharge from the cervix. It is typically caused by infectious agents but can also result from non-infectious factors such as chemical irritants or trauma.

Importantly, cervicitis is not a disease itself but a symptom of underlying problems, particularly infections, which must be addressed to prevent long-term complications.

2. Causes of Cervicitis

2.1 Infectious Causes

Most cases of cervicitis are caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including:

Chlamydia trachomatis

Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Trichomonas vaginalis

Herpes simplex virus (HSV)

Mycoplasma genitalium

These pathogens are commonly transmitted through unprotected sexual contact and can often coexist, making diagnosis and treatment more challenging.

2.2 Non-infectious Causes

In some instances, cervicitis may result from:

Allergic reactions to spermicides or latex in condoms

Chemical irritants in vaginal hygiene products

Physical trauma from sexual activity or medical procedures

Radiation therapy or intrauterine devices (IUDs)

Thus, while infections are the predominant cause, cervicitis may occur even in women who are not sexually active.

3. Common Symptoms

Although many women with cervicitis are asymptomatic, others may experience a range of troubling signs, including:

Unusual vaginal discharge, often thick, yellowish or gray

Bleeding between periods or after intercourse

Pain during sex (dyspareunia)

Pelvic pain or pressure

Burning sensation during urination

Due to the nonspecific nature of these symptoms, cervicitis is sometimes confused with other vaginal infections, which highlights the need for proper medical evaluation.

4. Complications of Untreated Cervicitis

If cervicitis is not diagnosed and treated promptly, it may lead to serious health complications, especially in women of childbearing age. These include:

4.1 Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Cervicitis can facilitate the spread of infection to the upper reproductive tract, resulting in PID—a severe condition that affects the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. PID can cause:

Chronic pelvic pain

Infertility

Ectopic pregnancy

4.2 Increased Risk of HIV Transmission

The inflammation and disruption of the cervical lining make it easier for HIV to enter the bloodstream, increasing susceptibility to HIV and other STIs.

4.3 Pregnancy Complications

In pregnant women, cervicitis can contribute to premature rupture of membranes, preterm delivery, or neonatal infections, particularly if the causative infection is passed to the baby during childbirth.

Therefore, the early detection and management of cervicitis are critical for protecting both the woman and her future offspring.