Cervicitis – inflammation of ectocervix
Cervicitis is defines as the inflammation of the endocervical glands or the ectocervix. It can be acute which occur at short time or it may be chronic cases which occur persistently for a prolonged period. Cervicitis usually presents with mucopurulent discharge. There is cerivical erythema (redness) on examination. Ulceration and contact bleeding may present. Cervicitis is just a benign condition of the cervix however it is important to rule out any possibility of underlying malignancy.
Most of the time, cervicitis is occur due to infections. The infections can be sexual transmitted disease or maybe not. Sexual transmitted diseases include Chlamydia trachomatis, Nisseriae gonorrhoeae, herpes simplex or trichomonas. Other infections are fungal, gram positive or negative organism.
Investigations and management are mainly similar to other vaginal discharge. Pap smear is very important to rule out CIN (Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia). Vaginal and cervical swabs should be sent for culture and sensitivity to look for any underlying infection. Ultrasound of pelvis is useful to look for any mass.
Treatment is mainly depends on the possible causes. It is important to rule out malignancy and polyps before proceed with the management. In post menopausal women, topical conjugated equine cream can be given 3 times per week. In selected cases, hormone replacement therapy can be given either oral or transdermal)
Sometimes, the excessive discharge may be caused by IUDs or COCs. In this case, other methods can be tried. Frequent douching should be avoided and it is important to have a good hygiene practice. Local irritants, lubricants or soaps should be avoided.
Reference:
1) Lee Say Fatt. Quick Management Guide in Gynaecology. 2007. University Malaya Press.
2) Janice et al. gynaecology in Focus. 2005. Elsevier.
Tags: cervicitis, CIN, discharge, ectocervix, sexual transmitted disease
Technorati Tags: cervicitis, CIN, discharge, ectocervix, sexual transmitted disease
thanks for this info… Health is important, one must be cautious especially when it concern with any disease.