Search
Powered By HealthLine
Special Offers
Health Tools
 Menopause Introduction
 STD Symptoms
 Your Love Life
 Sex Tips & Advice
 STD Prevention
 Ask The Gynecologist
 Safe Sex & STDs
 The Basics of Herpes
 Solve A Sexual Problem
 Herpes Q&A
 The Basics of ED
Featured Conditions
 Breast Cancer
 Erectile Dysfunction
 Menopause
 Incontinence
 Skin Care
 Food & Fitness
 Herpes
 Sexual Health
Resources
Healthscout News
3D Health Animations
Health Videos
Quizzes & Tools
Health Encyclopedia
In-Depth Reports
Library & Communities
News Archive
Drug Library
Find a Therapist
Enter City or Zip Code:
Powered by Psychology Today
PR Newswire
 Read latest







Channels
Home |  Today | Women| Men| Kids| Seniors| Diseases| Addictions| Sex & Relationships| Diet, Fitness, Looks| Alternative Medicine| Drug Checker
Medical Health Encyclopedia
 border=



Female reproductive anatomy
Female reproductive anatomy
Cervicitis
Cervicitis
Uterus
Uterus


Cervicitis

Alternative Names:
Cervical inflammation; Inflammation - cervix

Treatment:

Infectious causes are treated with prescription medication (antibiotics or antifungals). Medications may be taken orally (by mouth) or applied in the vagina (cream or lotion).

Text Continues Below



Hormonal therapy may be initiated, especially in postmenopausal women. Cryosurgery, electrocauterization, and laser therapy are other treatment options that may be considered, if less invasive measures are not successful.



Expectations (prognosis):

Simple cervicitis typically heals with treatment if the cause is adequately identified and treatment is available for that specific cause.



Complications:

Chronic (long-term) cervicitis may develop and persist for months to years. Cervicitis may be a causative factor in dyspareunia (pain with intercourse).



Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you are a woman, age 20 or older, and have had no prior pelvic examination and Pap smear.

Call for an appointment with the health care provider if you have not obtained a pelvic exam and Pap smear at the recommended intervals. Typical recommendations are:

  • every year initially
  • for women up to age 35 or 40: every 2 to 3 years after having three negative, consecutive annual Pap smear tests and a single sexual partner or no sexual partner
  • every year for women over age 35 or 40
  • every year for women who have had multiple sexual partners
  • every year for women who are taking oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
  • every 6 months for women who have a history of HPV (genital warts)
  • every year for women who were prenatally exposed to DES
  • the frequency recommended by your health care provider after an abnormal Pap smear



A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

 







About The HealthScout Network Contact Us
Copyright © 2001-2009. The HealthCentralNetwork, Inc. All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy: Updated as of April 1, 2009  Terms of Service   Site Map
Advertising Policy