How to Treat Cervicitis: 13 Steps (with Pictures)

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How to Treat Cervicitis: 13 Steps (with Pictures)
How to Treat Cervicitis: 13 Steps (with Pictures)

Video: How to Treat Cervicitis: 13 Steps (with Pictures)

Video: How to Treat Cervicitis: 13 Steps (with Pictures)
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Cervicitis is an inflammation or infection of the cervix, which is the thick tissue that connects the uterus to the vagina. Cervicitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including sexually transmitted infections, allergies, and chemical or physical irritants. To treat cervicitis effectively, doctors need to identify the cause of the infection and recommend specific treatment according to that cause.

Step

Part 1 of 4: Diagnosing Cervicitis

Heal Cervicitis Step 1
Heal Cervicitis Step 1

Step 1. Watch for symptoms of cervicitis

In some women, cervicitis is asymptomatic; You may not notice cervicitis until your doctor discovers a problem during your routine gynecological exam. However, most women are aware of the onset of symptoms. These symptoms include:

  • Abnormal vaginal discharge that smells bad or is gray or yellow in color.
  • Light vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods or after intercourse.
  • The lower abdomen feels heavy, especially during intercourse.
  • A burning or itching sensation when urinating.
Heal Cervicitis Step 3
Heal Cervicitis Step 3

Step 2. Allow the doctor to perform a pelvic exam

Because the symptoms of cervicitis can mimic those of other conditions, don't try to diagnose cervicitis on your own. Consult your doctor or gynecologist if you suspect you have cervicitis. If the doctor suspects cervicitis, he or she will perform a standard pelvic exam using a speculum to examine the cervix.

If a pelvic exam reveals cervicitis, your doctor will order appropriate laboratory tests to confirm the cervicitis and determine the cause. These tests can include cultures of discharge from the cervix, cultures of cervical cells themselves, blood tests, and, if you are sexually active, tests for sexually transmitted infections, including gonorrhea and chlamydia

Heal Cervicitis Step 6
Heal Cervicitis Step 6

Step 3. Determine the cause of the cervicitis

Through proper examination, the doctor will be able to identify the cause of cervicitis. There are two types of cervicitis: infectious (also known as “acute”) and non-infectious (also known as “chronic”). Infectious cervicitis and non-infectious cervicitis arise due to different causes and therefore require different ways of treatment.

  • Infectious cervicitis is almost always caused by a virus, such as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), human papilloma virus (HPV), gonorrhea, or chlamydia. Cervicitis is generally treated with antiviral drugs.
  • Non-communicable cervicitis can be caused by a variety of things, including foreign objects, such as an intrauterine device (IUD) and cervical cap, allergic reactions to latex related to using latex condoms during intercourse, douches, vaginal cleaners, and other products that can irritate the vagina and cervix. This cervicitis is generally treated with antibiotics and by removing the associated causative agent.

Part 2 of 4: Treating Infectious Cervicitis with Medication

Heal Cervicitis Step 7
Heal Cervicitis Step 7

Step 1. Take the antibiotics prescribed for STIs

If you have cervicitis caused by a sexually transmitted infection such as HPV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, or syphilis, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.

  • If you have gonorrhea, your doctor will prescribe Ceftriaxone, an antibiotic that can be given as much as 250 milligrams in one injection. In cases of complex or more severe infections, you may need stronger doses and/or additional oral antibiotics. Your doctor may also prescribe Azithromycin or Doxycycline to treat chlamydia. This step was taken because patients are often infected with both types of STIs.
  • If you have chlamydia, your doctor will prescribe Azithromycin, an antibiotic that can be taken as much as 1 gram in one oral dose. Alternatively, your doctor may prescribe Erythromycin, Doxycycline, or Ofloxacin; These medications are generally taken for seven days. In addition, the doctor will prescribe Ceftriaxone to treat gonorrhea because these two infections often occur together.
  • If you have trichomoniasis, your doctor will prescribe Flagyl, an antibiotic that can be given in a single dose.
  • If you have syphilis, your doctor will prescribe penicillin. One dose of penicillin should be enough to cure early-phase syphilis, when the infection is less than a year old. For more severe cases, you may also need additional injection doses or other medications. If you are allergic to penicillin, your doctor will prescribe Azithromycin.
Heal Cervicitis Step 8
Heal Cervicitis Step 8

Step 2. Take antiviral medication as prescribed

If you have cervicitis caused by a virus, such as genital herpes, your doctor will prescribe an antiviral medication to treat the virus.

If you have genital herpes, your doctor will prescribe Acyclovir, an antiviral medication that is taken for five days. Alternatively, your doctor may prescribe Valacyclovir or Famciclovir to be used for three days and one day in a row. If the condition is severe or complex, you may need additional medication and/or higher doses. Keep in mind that genital herpes is a chronic infection that has lasted a long time so it needs to be treated regularly

Heal Cervicitis Step 11
Heal Cervicitis Step 11

Step 3. Make sure your sex partner is getting treatment for cervicitis

If you have sexually transmitted cervicitis and are sexually active, your partner will also need to be examined and treated. Sexually transmitted infections can occur in both men and women with no symptoms at all, untreated STIs can one day infect you again. Make sure your sex partners check with your doctor.

Heal Cervicitis Step 10
Heal Cervicitis Step 10

Step 4. Follow the doctor's instructions and take the medication as directed

You also need to tell your doctor if you are pregnant (or likely to become pregnant), breastfeeding, or have any other health problems before you get any medication. Call your doctor if you have a drug-resistant reaction, including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and a rash (red bumps on the skin).

Cervicitis can be a serious problem for a long time if not treated with the right medication and time to recover. Through proper medication and treatment, you can completely cure cervicitis. However, if you have genital herpes, you need to commit to long-term treatment to treat this chronic infection

Part 3 of 4: Treating Non-Infectious Cervicitis with Surgery

Heal Cervicitis Step 12
Heal Cervicitis Step 12

Step 1. Consider cryosurgery

If you have persistent non-infectious cervicitis, you may need to treat it surgically with cryosurgery (also known as surgery/freeze therapy).

  • Cryosurgery utilizes extreme cold to destroy abnormal tissue. A cryoprob, which is an instrument filled with liquid nitrogen, is inserted into the vagina. The cold compressed nitrogen gives the metal instrument a temperature cold enough to destroy diseased tissue. Freezing is done for three minutes. Then, the cervix is allowed to "soften" and the clotting is repeated for three minutes.
  • Cryosurgery is relatively painless, but you may experience cramping, bleeding, and, in more serious cases, infection and scarring. For two to three weeks after surgery, you may notice a watery discharge from the vagina. It is caused by aborting dead cervical tissue.
Heal Cervicitis Step 13
Heal Cervicitis Step 13

Step 2. Talk to your doctor about cauterization

Another surgical alternative for persistent non-infectious cervicitis is cauterization (also known as heat therapy).

  • Cauterization is an outpatient procedure performed by burning inflamed or infected cells. You will be laid down with your feet on a support and a speculum will be inserted into your vagina to keep it open. The cervix is then cleaned with a vaginal swab and the diseased tissue is crushed using a heated probe.
  • To prevent discomfort, anesthesia may be given before cauterization. You may experience cramping, bleeding, and a watery discharge from your vagina for up to four weeks. Call your doctor if the discharge has a strong odor or if the bleeding is heavy.
Heal Cervicitis Step 14
Heal Cervicitis Step 14

Step 3. Ask your doctor about laser therapy

A third surgical alternative for persistent non-infectious cervicitis is laser therapy.

  • Laser therapy is usually performed in the operating room under general anesthesia and utilizes an intense laser beam to burn/destroy abnormal tissue. A speculum is inserted into the vagina to keep it open. The laser beam is directed at the abnormal tissues.
  • Anesthesia will minimize discomfort during therapy. After that, you may notice cramping and a runny, bloody discharge from the vagina for two to three weeks. Call your doctor if the discharge has a strong odor or if there is increased bleeding or pelvic bone pain.

Part 4 of 4: Treating Cervicitis Symptoms at Home

Heal Cervicitis Step 15
Heal Cervicitis Step 15

Step 1. Abstinence from sexual activity

You cannot cure cervicitis without medical treatment, especially infectious cervicitis. However, there are some things you can do at home to make yourself more comfortable and help the medication to work effectively. You will need to abstain from sexual activity until your doctor confirms that the infection has cleared.

If cervicitis is contagious, you need to avoid spreading bacteria or viruses; although cervicitis is not contagious, avoid sexual intercourse as this can irritate the cervix more and worsen the symptoms of cervicitis

Stop Vaginal Bleeding During Pregnancy Step 5
Stop Vaginal Bleeding During Pregnancy Step 5

Step 2. Avoid anything that can irritate the vagina

Do not use products that can increase irritation or inflammation to the vagina or cervix, including tampons and douches.

  • Use sanitary napkins instead of tampons during menstruation.
  • Do not use perfumed soaps, sprays, or lotions. Such products can cause irritation.
  • Do not use diaphragmatic contraceptives.
Maintain a Clean and Healthy Vagina Step 2
Maintain a Clean and Healthy Vagina Step 2

Step 3. Wear comfortable cotton underwear

Avoid tight and tight underwear made of synthetic fabrics because these types of products can cause irritation and trigger moisture in the genital area. Look for 100% cotton underwear so the genital area can breathe and keep it clean.

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