Cervicitis In Adolescents

What is Cervicitis?

Cervicitis is the inflammation of the cervix.¹ Inflammation is the body’s response to an infection or irritant. The major signs of inflammation include redness, swelling, heat, pain and loss of function.²

The cervix is the narrow end of the uterus (also known as the womb), that connects the uterus to the vagina. It allows menstrual blood to flow through from the uterus to the vagina, and it widens during childbirth, allowing a baby to pass through to be born.³

Cervicitis has recently become more common. A study showed that 75.1% of women tested for the condition had cervicitis.⁴ Cervicitis is usually caused by a sexually transmitted infection, or an irritant from radiation or mechanical sources (e.g., tampons or condoms).

Adolescents should be aware that cervicitis is curable. In this article, you will understand the causes of cervicitis, the signs and symptoms, how it is diagnosed, how it can be prevented and treated.

Causes of cervicitis

Cervicitis is often caused by microorganisms, like bacteria, that are transmitted through sexual intercourse. Some of these bacteria include:

• Gonorrhea 
• Chlamydia 
• Trichomoniasis 
• Genital herpes 
• Mycoplasma genitalium

Other causes of cervicitis include the irritation of the cervix through chemical or mechanical irritation. These causes are not sexually transmitted. 

• Chemical irritation from latex condoms
• Cancer treatments that affect cervical tissue 
• Radiation 
• Mechanical irritation from inserting tampons, cervical caps or things inserted into the vagina through to the cervix

Risk factors

Cervicitis is contagious and can be transferred sexually from one sexual partner to another. Biological men do not have a cervix and so they cannot have cervicitis, but they can transfer the disease to biological women. Having multiple partners or a sexual partner that has other sexual partners increases the risk of cervicitis. It is extremely important to practise protected sex.

Cervicitis can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This is because cervicitis and PID both affect the upper genital tract. PID can affect the fallopian tubes, cause the formation of abscess, chronic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and even lead to infertility.⁵

Signs and symptoms

If you are worried you might have cervicitis, speak to your  healthcare provider as soon as possible. Here are some signs and symptoms to look out for:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge that might be of varying colours such as yellow, white or grey. Usually followed by an unpleasant smell
• Vaginal irritations
• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Painful sex

It is important to note that not all women exhibit these signs and symptoms, so it is important to see a healthcare provider and have a cervical scan done periodically. You should also see your healthcare provider if you have had a sexually transmitted disease in the past when you are unsure if you have cervicitis or not. 

Diagnosis

Cervicitis can be diagnosed through these methods:

• Pelvic scan: This scan checks the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, bladder, and rectum for any abnormalities. The cervix walls are examined for any inflammation, such as redness and swelling. This scan can help detect both bacteria and irritation causing cervicitis.
• Pap smear: This is done to discover abnormal cell growth in the cervix that can cause cervical cancer. The major microorganism checked for is human papilloma virus (HPV).
• Vaginal discharge examination: Here, your vaginal discharge is collected and analysed for any abnormal bacteria growth.   

Treatment

For bacterial causes of cervicitis, antibiotics can be used. However, knowing the particular bacteria causing the infection will provide guidance on the particular antibiotics to be used.⁵ It is advisable to see a healthcare provider to be able to discover the particular bacteria causing cervicitis and to advise what particular antibiotic to take. 

It takes about two weeks or less for cervicitis to clear up. It is advisable to not have sex during these times to prevent transfer of the bacteria and also to prevent bacteria overburden.

For cervicitis caused by chemical or mechanical irritation, understanding the history of contact with a chemical substance or mechanical method can be a pointer to what is causing cervicitis. Hence, dealing with the irritation should treat the condition.

Prevention

 Cervicitis can be prevented through the following ways:

• Practise safe sex.
• When inserting tampons,diaphragms, or any device into the vagina, do it in a sterile environment and with sterile hands.
• Speak up quickly if you feel or notice any unusual thing in your reproductive system.

Summary

Recently, about 75.1% of adolescents are living with cervicitis. Cervicitis can be contracted through sexual intercourse, where bacteria is passed from one sexual partner to the other, or by irritation caused by chemical or mechanical means (e.g. wearing tampons, cervical caps, cancer treatment drugs, radiation).

Cervicitis is curable. If you have any signs or symptoms or any abnormalities with your reproductive system speak with your healthcare provider who will advise you on the next steps to take.