women s health issues
Cervicitis
Introduction
Cervicitis is inflammation of the cervix (the lower, narrow part of the uterus that opens into the vagina). It may be caused by an infection or another condition. Cervicitis is often caused by a Overview of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) but may result from other conditions. The most common symptoms are an unusual discharge from the vagina and vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods or after sexual intercourse, but women may not have any symptoms. If symptoms suggest a cervical infection, doctors use a swab to obtain a sample from the cervix to be tested for infectious organisms. Women are often given antibiotics that are effective against Chlamydia and Other Nongonococcal Infections and Cervicitis may spread upward from the cervix and affect the lining of the uterus (causing endometritis) and other reproductive organs, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. This is called Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) . 