The female reproductive system is very complex and delicate. In the absence of any pathologies, a woman can live a full life: work productively, actively relax, have sex and give birth to children. But if any of the components of the reproductive system fails, various problems appear. As a rule, failures occur due to diseases and pathological processes. One of these processes is cervicitis. What is such a deviation and how to deal with it? Let's try to figure it out.

By its nature, cervicitis is a kind of inflammatory process that occurs in the vaginal segment of the cervix. In the presence of such a defect, specific discharge comes out of the vagina, pain discomfort in the lower abdomen may be present. In addition, pain may be accompanied by urination, as well as sexual contact.

This pathology is quite dangerous, because. it can lead to further complications. What causes cervicitis?

Causes of cervicitis

The fact is that the cervix is ​​a kind of natural shield that protects the uterus itself and the upper genital tract from infectious agents. Under the influence of harmful factors, the protective functionality of the cervix may fall. As a result of this weakening, pathogenic microflora penetrates into the uterus, and the pathological process begins. This process is called cervicitis.

Cervicitis of the cervix according to the localization of inflammation is divided into 2 types:

1. exocervicitis;
2. endocervicitis.

With exocervicitis, the vaginal part of the cervix becomes inflamed. With endocervicitis, the inner lining of the cervical canal is affected.

The occurrence of the considered pathology can be provoked by a variety of pathogens.

As a rule, cervical cervicitis occurs due to exposure to:

• staphylococcus;
• coli;
• streptococcus;
• pathogenic fungi;
• gonococcus;
• syphilis;
• trichomonas;
• certain protozoan infectious agents.

Mechanical damage to the cervix can also affect the formation of cervicitis.

Causes of cervicitis can be:

• trauma to the cervix during childbirth;
• damage to the inner lining of the vagina during prophylactic curettage;
• low-quality abortion;
• poor installation or unprofessional removal of the intrauterine device.

Inflammation can develop if a woman has benign formations in the vaginal area. Weakness of the immune system can contribute to the onset of such inflammation.

Often, cervicitis progresses on a large scale, provoking the appearance of additional defects. In particular, vaginitis, vulvitis, pseudo-erosion of the cervix may develop.

As for the risk group, women of reproductive age are in it. According to statistics, more than 70% of women who had any type of cervicitis were aged from 20 to 45 years. However, occasionally cervicitis can also be found in a woman at the menopausal stage.

Pathology is extremely dangerous for pregnant women. It can provoke premature birth or miscarriage.

Symptoms

Symptoms of cervicitis differ depending on the type of pathology. Medicine distinguishes several varieties of cervicitis (depending on the characteristics of the course). So, according to the flow time, they distinguish:

• chronic cervicitis;
• acute cervicitis;
• hidden cervicitis.

According to the degree of affecting the segments of the reproductive system, cervicitis can be

• focal
• diffuse.

Occasionally, a latent type of flow may occur. In acute cases, discharge of a mucous or purulent type may be present. Less commonly, a woman may be tormented by pain discomfort in the lower abdomen. Often there is swelling of the external opening of the cervical canal. Hemorrhages and ulcers may also be observed.

The severity of cervicitis also depends on the type of pathogen and the strength of the immune system, the symptoms may vary depending on the organism.

For example, the gonorrheal type of cervicitis is acute, with clear symptoms. Cervicitis is quickly diagnosed.

If the causative agent turned out to be chlamydia, the symptoms may be less pronounced.

When the cause of the pathology is herpes, there is a strong reddening of the cervix. In addition, with inflammation of a herpetic nature, ulcers often form on the uterine neck.

If cervicitis is of trichomonas origin, there is a high probability of weak hemorrhages. At the same time, a swab taken for analysis may contain atypical cellular components.

When the causative agents of cervicitis are actinomycetes, there is a so-called “yellow granular spot” symptom.

The human papillomavirus is also capable of causing this type of inflammation, the symptoms in this case have some differences. With this reason, condylomas may occur. Also, the likelihood of cervical ulcers is high.

In the absence of timely therapeutic measures, the inflammatory process becomes chronic, the symptoms change slightly. Chronic cervicitis is less pronounced. The discharge becomes more cloudy, pseudo-erosion of the vaginal component of the uterus may occur. With the transition to the chronic form, the main symptoms of cervicitis (such as swelling) become less pronounced. The pathological process may affect nearby tissues and glands. There is a high risk of cyst formation. Almost always, the structure of the cervix becomes atypically dense.

Diagnostics

The main danger of cervicitis is that it often occurs without symptoms, which is why women rarely seek help from specialists. As a rule, this type of inflammation is detected during routine gynecological examinations of the cervix, or after examinations, when women come to the hospital for other problems. If there is a suspicion of cervicitis, all diagnostic measures are directed to determine the root cause of the pathology.

Often, the diagnosis of cervicitis includes:

• examination of the cervix with the help of mirrors;
• colposcopy, thanks to which you can clearly see atypical changes in the uterine epithelium;
• all kinds of laboratory examination methods (microexamination of smears, bakposevy, cytomorphological examinations).

In acute course, smears contain many leuko-lymphocytes and histiocytes. In chronic cervicitis, cellular components of the cylindrical epithelium of various sizes are visible. Occasionally it is possible to detect traces of cellular destruction.

Thanks to bacteriological examination, you can find out the genus and type of organisms that provoked inflammation. Also, through such an analysis, it is possible to select the most appropriate type of antibiotics.

Cytomorphology of the smear makes it possible to thoroughly study the damage to cellular components. Also, thanks to it, you can observe the dynamics of cellular changes at the stage of treatment. A procedure called PCR allows you to detect pathogens of an infectious nature (gonorrhea, chlamydia, papillomavirus).

Treatment

Fortunately, modern medicine knows a lot of techniques that can be used to treat cervicitis. Treatment is primarily aimed at eliminating provoking factors (weak immunity, hormonal disruptions). In addition, comorbidities must be treated.

Cervicitis is a pathology that can cause many complications and health problems. If you notice symptoms of cervicitis, contact a specialist. Treatment should be carried out by an experienced doctor!

As a rule, treatment involves the use of antibacterial and antiviral drugs. The selection of funds is carried out by the attending physician. The choice depends on the susceptibility of the pathogenic component to a particular drug and on the stage of the pathological process.

With chlamydial inflammation, tetracycline antibiotics (for example, monomycin), macrolides, quinolones are prescribed. With cervicitis of the candidal type, fluconazole is often prescribed. To get the best result, different drugs can be combined, which speeds up the treatment. The type of medicines can be different: both tablet forms of medicines and suppositories are used.

Local treatment can be activated when the pathological process is already beginning to weaken. With local therapy, the vagina and cervix can be treated with a three percent solution of dimethyl sulfoxide, a two percent chlorophyllipt solution. In addition, doctors often prescribe treatment with a silver nitrate solution.

Treating viral cervicitis is quite problematic. So, in the presence of genital herpes, the treatment is quite long. It involves taking antiviral agents (for example, acyclovir), special anti-herpes Ig, vitamin complexes, immune system stimulants.

To eliminate papillomavirus lesions, interferons, cytostatics are used; if necessary, warts are removed. If the inflammation is atrophic, treatment involves the use of female hormones. This measure helps to restore the vaginal and uterine epithelium. In addition, the balance of microflora and cervical tissue is restored. If there are specific infectious lesions, the sexual partner of the sick woman must also be treated.

In chronic cervicitis, conservative treatment measures are less effective. For this reason, doctors prescribe surgery:

• diathermocoagulation;
• cryotherapy;
• laser processing.

However, for the operation to be allowed, the woman must be free of infection. Before and after the operation, measures are taken to eliminate associated defects; efforts are also being made to normalize the balance of microflora.

So that the doctor can control the entire treatment process, a woman periodically undergoes a colposcopy. Also, swabs are taken for laboratory examination. The cervix may be examined on a gynecological chair to monitor treatment.

Prevention measures

As you can see, cervicitis is an extremely unpleasant pathology that can negatively affect a woman's life.

However, "acquaintance" with her can be avoided. To do this, you need to follow a number of simple preventive measures:

• regularly observe intimate hygiene;
• to be protected from unwanted pregnancy, so as not to have an abortion later, which can provoke inflammation and cervicitis;
• timely treat infectious lesions of the vagina and cervix;
• follow all medical recommendations during pregnancy and at the stage of childbirth, so as not to damage the cervix at the birth of a child;
• timely eliminate dysfunctions of the endocrine system.

These rules are quite enough to protect yourself from cervicitis and the related problems it causes.

Related videos

Cervicitis is an inflammatory process, the localization of which is concentrated in the region of the vaginal segment of the cervix. Cervicitis, the symptoms of which are characterized by turbid discharge, pain in the lower abdomen (pulling or dull), painful intercourse and urination, in its protracted chronic form can lead to erosion. In addition, such a course of it can provoke thickening (i.e. hypertrophy) or thinning of the cervix, as well as cause the spread of infection to the upper genital organs.

general description

The cervix itself acts as a barrier, which is an obstacle to penetration into the uterus, as well as into the upper genital tract (in the form of a protective secret, mucous plug and cervical canal) infection. The impact of certain factors provokes a violation in its protective functions, which leads to the entry of foreign microflora into this area, thereby contributing to the development of the inflammatory process. It is precisely such a process that cervicitis is, which also includes exocervicitis (inflammation of the exocervix, or the vaginal segment in the uterus) and endocervicitis (inflammation of the endocervix, or inflammation in the region of the inner membrane belonging to the cervical canal of the cervix).

The specified opportunistic microflora that provokes cervicitis in the uterus is through contact contact through the lymph and blood, as well as through the rectum. As for specific viruses, they enter the uterus sexually.

It should be noted that cervicitis can develop under the influence of certain factors, which include birth injuries related to the cervix, diagnostic curettage and termination of pregnancy, as well as the use of contraceptives (in particular, we are talking about installing and removing the intrauterine device). Various types of cicatricial deformities, as well as formations in the cervix of a benign type, are distinguished as factors provoking cervicitis. A decrease in immunity is also not excluded when considering the actual factors leading to the development of cervicitis.

Features of the development of cervicitis indicate that this disease rarely occurs in isolation - basically its “companions” are certain diseases related to the reproductive system: vulvitis, pseudo-erosion or eversion of the cervix, bartholinitis.

As for the age category, the disease we are considering most often occurs among women of reproductive age (about 70% of morbidity cases), less often cervicitis occurs with. It is noteworthy that cervicitis is one of the most common causes in which pregnancy becomes impossible, in addition, it is cervicitis that in most cases provokes premature birth. As a consequence of this disease, polyps are formed, as well as inflammation in the upper genital tract. Cervicitis occurs in acute or chronic form, in addition to its other varieties, which we will also consider below.

Acute cervicitis

Acute cervicitis is, accordingly, an acute inflammation that occurs in the cervix. In this case, inflammation mainly concerns only the endocervical glands, while in rare cases, damage to the squamous epithelium can also be noted. Some of the researchers are of the opinion that the nature of inflammation (that is, its persistence, area of ​​localization, distribution pathways) is directly determined based on the specific type of pathogen. Gonococci, for example, affect exclusively epithelial cells belonging to the endocervical glands, while they spread along the surface of the mucosa. If we are talking about inflammation provoked by staphylococci or streptococci, then their localization is concentrated directly in the endocervical glands, affecting the stroma of the cervix. The lymph flow ensures that pathogens reach other organs in the pelvis, which, accordingly, leads to their infection.

Focusing specifically on the symptoms, it should be noted that the first of them at the initial stage of the disease manifests itself in the form of secretions, and the nature of these secretions may be different. Meanwhile, the content of admixture of pus in them is most often noted with their profuse character at the same time, which is especially important in the case of the relevance of such a disease as gonorrhea.

In addition, the acute course of the disease is often accompanied by a slight increase in temperature, the occurrence of dull pain in the lower abdomen. Often there are sensations of hot flashes concentrated in the pelvic region of the organs. In addition, patients often experience lower back pain, urinary disorders (polyuria or dysuria, increased urine output or decreased urine output, respectively), and pain that occurs in the vulva and pelvic organs during sexual intercourse.

When diagnosing acute cervicitis, in addition to a gynecological examination, microscopic examination of smears is used, as well as sowing secretions of the cervical canal directly on a nutrient medium.

If we are talking about diagnosing gonorrheal cervicitis in an acute form, then here, as a rule, it is performed extremely rarely due to patients visiting a doctor only in those cases in which the inflammatory process already passes to the uterine appendages. Given this, in the presence of pain in the adnexal region in the acute form of the course of gonorrheal cervicitis, it is necessary to apply a slightly different treatment than in ordinary acute cervicitis, because in this case the inflammatory process is quite specific.

Chronic cervicitis

Chronic cervicitis is formed when the genital organs are affected by various bacteria, as well as when they are affected by fungi and viruses. The onset of the infectious process in this case can occur when the cervix or vagina is prolapsed, as well as when hormonal and contraceptive drugs are used improperly. In addition, concomitant factors in the development of chronic cervicitis are promiscuity, poor hygiene and inflammatory diseases in the pelvic organs.

The clinical manifestations of this form of cervicitis are determined by the specific type of pathogen, as well as the general reactivity in each specific case of the patient's body. Among the main symptoms are scanty mucous discharge of a cloudy consistency, in some cases an admixture of pus is possible. There is also reddening of the uterine mucosa, its swelling. The acute form of the manifestation of the chronic form of the pathology is manifested, respectively, in a greater severity of symptoms. Again, there are dull pains that occur in the lower abdomen, itching, pain and burning during urination, bleeding that occurs after intercourse.

The disease is more than serious for a woman, because the delay in treatment leads to thickening of the walls of the cervix, followed by hypertrophy, which contributes to the formation of another type of pathology. Due to this, the risk of possible oncological diseases, infertility and dysplasia in the considered area of ​​the genital organs also increases.

To make a diagnosis, the uterus is examined using a colposcope and a mirror. Blood and urine are examined for the presence of sexually transmitted infections. Ultrasound is also performed, followed by a study of the state of the pelvic organs.

Purulent cervicitis

Purulent mucous cervicitis provides for the presence of an inflammatory process in the region of the cylindrical layer of epithelial cells, as well as the relevance of subepithelial lesions of the cervical region. In addition, damage can also occur in all simultaneously sections of the cylindrical epithelium, which is ectopically concentrated on the outside of the cervix (that is, the unnatural displacement of the epithelium is noted).

Remarkably, if a woman has purulent cervicitis, it can almost certainly be argued that her partner has a similar type of pathogens, but with great difficulty in diagnosing. Purulent cervicitis is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, as well as serving as the most common cause of inflammatory processes localized in the pelvic organs. In the presence of symptoms of purulent cervicitis among expectant mothers, the risk of disrupting the normal course of the entire pregnancy, as well as subsequent childbirth, greatly increases.

As a rule, the cause of the formation of pathology lies in the gonococci or in the trachoma bacillus. Unofficial statistics indicate that one in three cases is marked by the occurrence of the disease due to exposure to ureaplasmas. Symptoms in this case are similar to diseases caused by the herpes virus and Trichomonas. In general, purulent cervicitis is formed against the background of the course of gonorrhea.

Viral cervicitis

Viral cervicitis with its characteristic inflammatory process occurs when the infection is transmitted sexually. Localization of the inflammatory infectious process determines such forms of the disease as exocervicitis and endocervicitis, with damage to the outer tissues of the cervix and damage to its inner part, respectively.

The generally accepted classification determines the division of the inflammatory process into a specific form of its course and non-specific. The specific form is a concomitant manifestation of viral cervicitis, respectively, we are talking about a viral etiology with the actual transmission of the virus through sexual contact (, HPV).

As a rule, women of the age of the childbearing group are affected. The main symptoms include pain in the lower abdomen, general discomfort and severe itching that occurs on the outside of the genitals. In addition, there are discharges with impurities in the form of pus or mucus. In the acute stage of viral cervicitis, the discharge is characterized by abundance, in the chronic stage - by scarcity.

Bacterial cervicitis

Bacterial cervicitis is also quite common in cases of patients visiting a gynecologist. The disease is infectious, while its localization is concentrated in the cervical canal or in the vagina in the region of the area bordering the cervix. Accompanying its course is a violation of the vaginal microflora, there is no strong inflammatory reaction.

Cervicitis occurs exogenously, while its development occurs against the background of affected mucous membranes such as herpes, papillomavirus, or, however, there is no connection with the sexual infections themselves in this case. In addition to the listed causes that cause bacterial cervicitis, urogenital tuberculosis is also isolated. Bacterial vaginosis is the most common cause for the formation of nonspecific chronic cervicitis.

The most common symptoms of this form of the disease are dysuria (i.e. urinary disorders), dull pulling pains that occur in the lower abdomen, as well as painful sensations that accompany sexual intercourse. In addition, patients have vaginal discharge of various consistency, while their abundance or, conversely, scarcity. The presence of impurities in the form of mucus or pus is also noted.

Atrophic cervicitis

Atrophic cervicitis has a number of features, but its development proceeds in accordance with the general principles that are relevant for cervicitis. The causes that provoke the occurrence of this form of cervicitis can be various types of diseases that form in the genitourinary system (cervical erosion, inflammation of the appendages). In addition, the development of an atrophic form of cervicitis is also possible with unprotected sexual contact, in particular when pathogens of one or another type of sexually transmitted diseases enter the body. Mycoplasmosis, as well as viral diseases, act as infectious agents. In addition, non-specific infections (staphylococci, streptococci) are also isolated.

The development of atrophic cervicitis also occurs in the area of ​​the damaged area. The cause of injury in this case can be curettage, abortion, rupture of the uterus during its labor activity. Atrophic cervicitis is accompanied by a characteristic thinning that occurs in the tissues of the cervix. In severe forms of atrophy, urination disorders occur. As a rule, this form of the disease becomes the result of a chronic course of cervicitis.

Cystic cervicitis

In this case, a combination of infections (chlamydia, gonococci, streptococci, fungi, staphylococci, gardnerella, Trichomonas, etc.) is identified as the cause of the disease, which leads to the growth of the cylindrical epithelium along the surface of the uterus. This, in turn, leads to a gradual and continuous overgrowth of cysts. Quite often cysts are combined with manifestations in the form of erosions.

Diagnosis of cervicitis

Quite often, as we have already noted, cervicitis occurs without any symptoms, which, accordingly, leads to an untimely visit to a specialist. As a rule, the detection of the disease occurs randomly during a routine physical examination or when visiting a doctor with suspicion of another disease.

Diagnosis of cervicitis occurs on the basis of data such as:

• examination of the cervix through the use of mirrors for this;
• upon receipt of the results of colposcopy, allowing to detail the pathological changes in the epithelium in case of relevance of cervicitis;
• based on the results of laboratory tests (smear microscopy, microflora culture, PCR).

Treatment of cervicitis

In modern conditions, gynecology has many different methodological possibilities that allow the treatment of cervicitis. Meanwhile, the first thing that needs to be done in this treatment is to eliminate the factors predisposing to the development of the disease in question.

In the treatment of cervicitis, antiviral, antibacterial and other agents are used, which is determined based on the specific pathogen identified and its characteristic sensitivity to the selected drug. The stage in which the inflammatory process is located is also taken into account. Widely applicable in the treatment of cervicitis local preparations of the combined type, as well as creams and suppositories.

Specific infections require concurrent partner treatment.

The chronic stage of the disease is characterized by less success of conservative treatment, which, accordingly, determines the need for the use of surgical methods (cryotherapy, diathermocoagulation, laser therapy) in the preliminary disposal of infections.

In case of suspicion of cervicitis, as well as the presence of symptoms corresponding to this disease in one form or another of their manifestation, you should consult a gynecologist. Additionally, you may also need an examination by a urologist.

- this is inflammation of the tissues of the cervix, caused by bacteria, viruses or other pathogens, which can occur in an acute or chronic form. Clinical symptoms are often absent, discharge, itching, burning, pain are possible. For diagnosis, a smear from the external pharynx, simple and extended colposcopy are used. Bacteriological methods and PCR diagnostics help to establish the pathogen, the condition of the cervix is ​​additionally assessed using ultrasound. Treatment is carried out with medications, according to indications, destructive and surgical methods are used.

General information

Cervicitis is more often detected in women aged 19-45 who have an active sex life. Inflammation rarely occurs in isolation. The cervix forms a single system with the vagina and vulva, so cervicitis is combined with vulvitis and vaginitis. Pathology is found in 70% of women of reproductive age, the exact prevalence has not been established due to the possible asymptomatic course of the disease. Chronic cervicitis, combined with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, increases the risk of cervical neoplastic processes.

Causes of cervicitis

In healthy women, mucus from the cervical canal acts as a protective factor that prevents the growth of pathogenic microflora. Infection prevents the normal biocenosis of the vagina, the production of lactic acid by Dederlein sticks. If their content decreases, conditions arise for the reproduction of opportunistic flora or the penetration of pathogens. The following types of infection lead to symptoms of cervicitis:

• Opportunistic pathogens. They are the main cause of the disease. Gram-negative flora (Klebsiella, Escherichia coli, enterococci), non-clostridial anaerobes (Proteus, bacteroids) are more often determined. Staphylococci, streptococci can be detected.
• Viruses. In women with symptoms of chronic cervicitis, HPV is diagnosed in 80% of cases. A viral infection is characterized by a subclinical or latent form, sometimes the pathogen is detected only during an in-depth examination. Cytomegalovirus, herpes virus, less often adenovirus can also act as a pathogenic agent.
• Chlamydia. They are the causative agent of acute cervicitis. Found in 45% of patients. In its pure form, chlamydial infection is not typical for the symptoms of chronic inflammation; its association with obligate flora is more common.
• Trichomonas. They are determined in 5-25% of women who turn to a gynecologist with symptoms of inflammation. Cervicitis often occurs with minimal signs of infection. The peak incidence occurs at the age of 40 years.
• Gonococci. Cause acute vaginitis and cervicitis, which may be associated with symptoms of urethritis. In chronic infections, they are detected in 2% of patients. Often spread to the overlying parts of the reproductive system, which causes a combination of symptoms of cervicitis with manifestations of chronic endometritis, adnexitis.
• candida. A fungal infection develops with a decrease in immune factors, a violation of the vaginal biocenosis. Candida cervicitis is complemented by symptoms of colpitis. Exacerbations can provoke chronic diseases, antibiotic therapy, hormonal changes.

The cause of the disease can be causative agents of syphilis, tuberculosis. Sometimes there is a combination of several infections. The risk factor for the development of cervicitis is abortion and any traumatic manipulation that damages the cervix. The likelihood of pathology increases with cervical ectopia or ectropion. The spread of genital infections is facilitated by low sexual culture, frequent change of sexual partners, and the rejection of barrier contraception.

Pathogenesis

Exocervix performs a protective function. Its cells contain clumps of keratin, which provide mechanical strength, and glycogen is a nutrient substrate for the vaginal microflora. The cylindrical epithelium of the endocervix performs a secretory function; mucus is secreted in it, the composition of which changes in each phase of the cycle. A feature of the secret is the content of immunoglobulins.

With a decrease in protective functions, trauma to the neck, pathogenic microorganisms penetrate the epithelium of the exo- or endocervix. After the alteration stage, desquamation of the surface epithelium starts, the basement membrane is exposed, and the glands are damaged. The composition of the secret changes, as a result, intercellular contacts are disturbed, and immune cells are activated: macrophages, lymphocytes, histiocytes. The inflammatory reaction leads to a violation of the nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio in the cells.

With the transition of acute cervicitis to chronic, the infection penetrates into the deep layers of tissues, destructive changes are observed in the cells. Cellular regeneration is activated, while apoptosis is slowed down, which leads to the appearance of young undifferentiated cells. When chronic cervicitis is combined with papillomavirus, dysplastic changes occur that can turn into cancer.

Classification

Cervicitis is classified on the basis of the clinical and morphological picture, the characteristics of the course of the disease. The duration of the inflammatory process, its prevalence is taken into account. Particular attention is paid to the severity of changes in the stromal and epithelial components of the tissues of the cervix. You can determine the type of cervicitis during colposcopy and with the help of histological examination:

• Acute cervicitis. Characterized by pronounced symptoms of an inflammatory reaction, serous-purulent discharge. The mucous membrane of the neck is edematous, prone to bleeding. Pathology can be focal, when delimited rounded foci appear on the surface of the exocervix, and diffuse, when inflammation spreads to a significant part of the neck.
• Chronic cervicitis. There is hypertrophy of the neck, thickened folds of the mucous membrane of the cervical canal are formed. Cells are dystrophically changed. With endocervicitis, there is no hyperemia around the external pharynx, cloudy mucus is secreted, sometimes with an admixture of pus.

The structure of the outer part of the cervix differs from the mucous membrane of the endocervix. Outside, the epithelium is stratified squamous, in the cervical canal - cylindrical. The inflammatory reaction may cover one of these areas, then cervicitis is classified as follows:

• Endocervicitis. Inflammatory reaction that occurred in the cervical canal.
• Exocervicitis. Inflamed epithelium of the vaginal part of the cervix.

The etiological classification of cervicitis is based on the types of pathogens that caused inflammation. It is necessary to choose the method of therapy, the correct selection of medications and determine the prognosis. The type of infection can be suggested by colposcopy and confirmed by culture or PCR. There are the following types:

• Nonspecific cervicitis. Symptoms appear during the reproduction of obligate microflora (E. coli, staphylococci, streptococci), as well as hormonal changes in the body.
• Specific cervicitis. Manifestations of pathology occur after infection with sexually transmitted infections. More often it is chlamydia, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, HPV. Less commonly, specific cervicitis develops with syphilis, tuberculosis.

Symptoms of cervicitis

Symptoms are often absent, manifestations depend on the nature of the course and the type of pathogen. In acute cervicitis, mucous, or purulent discharge appears. Symptoms are more pronounced when combined with colpitis cervicitis. The discharge is accompanied by itching and burning, discomfort during urination. Sometimes painful during intercourse. Rarely there are pulling or aching pains in the lower abdomen, in the lumbosacral region.

Signs of chronic cervicitis are similar, but less pronounced. The aggravation of the process provokes menstruation, hypothermia, change of sexual partner. Sometimes painful sensations over the bosom persist without exacerbation, intensify with intimate relationships. A characteristic symptom of chronic inflammation is contact bleeding. Spotting discharges are noted after sex, a doctor's examination, and a smear.

The causative agents of nonspecific cervicitis give approximately the same symptoms; with specific infections, the clinical picture may vary. The chlamydial process is often asymptomatic, quickly becomes chronic. For gonorrheal cervicitis, vivid symptoms are characteristic: abundant purulent discharge, dysuric disorders. When infected with Trichomonas, greenish discharge and an unpleasant odor appear.

Deterioration of the general condition with cervicitis is not detected. Fever, abdominal pain, signs of intoxication indicate the spread of infection to the uterus and appendages. If cervicitis is detected simultaneously with vaginitis, endometritis, salpingitis, the amount of discharge increases, the pain syndrome increases. Symptoms of cervicitis are often non-specific, which do not allow one to suspect cervical inflammation.

Complications

The danger is a severe protracted course of cervicitis and the lack of timely treatment. Severe chronic inflammation provokes ulceration of the cervix, during healing, scar tissue forms, which deforms the neck, leads to cervical canal stenosis. This becomes a risk factor for infertility. Cervix stenosis causes complications in childbirth, the cervix loses its ability to open, tears form.

Infection from the endocervix often spreads to the endometrium and then ascends to the appendages, inflammation of the pelvic organs occurs, which eventually leads to menstrual irregularities, infertility. Chronic cervicitis without treatment leads to the development of dysplasia. This is a precancerous disease, which is characterized by the appearance of atypical cells. Of particular danger is the combination of inflammation with the detection of HPV of high oncogenic risk.

Diagnostics

Examination of women with cervicitis is carried out by an obstetrician-gynecologist. If gonorrhea is suspected, a dermatovenereologist is involved in the diagnosis and treatment. The absence of symptoms in the acute stage often leads to a late start of treatment due to untimely examination. To confirm the diagnosis, a combination of several diagnostic methods is used:

• Gynecological examination. In the mirrors with an acute type of cervicitis, an inflamed, hyperemic neck is determined. Petechial hemorrhages may appear on the exocervix. Touching with a swab causes bleeding. With endocervicitis, the external pharynx protrudes in the form of a bright red rim. Mucopurulent discharge may be noticeable.
• Vaginal swab. The composition of the microflora is examined - with cervicitis, the number of lactobacilli is reduced, cocci are present, gonococci, intracellularly located trichomonads can be detected. The number of leukocytes is increased, a lot of mucus.
• PAP test. In a cytological smear from exo- and endocervix, signs of dyskeratosis may appear, which disappear after treatment - this distinguishes cervicitis from neoplasia. Epithelial cells have signs of cytoplasmic degeneration, hypertrophied nuclei. If symptoms of dysplasia are identified, a biopsy is necessary.
• Colposcopy. After treatment with acetic acid, cervicitis is manifested by whitening of the epithelium and small red punctures. Treatment with Lugol's solution normally causes the appearance of brown spots; this does not occur with cervicitis. The epithelium looks embossed. Small-speckled staining with iodine may persist.
• Biopsy. For histological examination in patients with chronic cervicitis during colposcopy, a section of the epithelium is taken. Symptoms of acute inflammation are a contraindication for biopsy.
• PCR diagnostics. The DNA of the causative agents of cervicitis is determined. The method is valuable for diagnosis in the absence of severe clinical symptoms and minimal changes in the cervix. With the help of PCR, papillomaviruses are detected, their oncogenic type is specified.

Treatment of cervicitis

The goal of treating pathology is to suppress the inflammatory process with the help of etiotropic antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal therapy. Simultaneously, immunomodulatory drugs can be used. Treatment is carried out by local or systemic means, followed by restoration of the vaginal biocenosis.

Conservative therapy

In an acute process, treatment is selected depending on the type of pathogen. Local exposure is allowed with candidal infection, nonspecific inflammation. In the presence of symptoms of chlamydial, Trichomonas or viral cervicitis, systemic therapy is necessary. For etiotropic treatment, the following groups of drugs are used:

• With candidiasis. Locally in the form of suppositories or cream, clotrimazole, nystatin vaginal tablets, butoconazole cream can be used. In some cases, treatment is carried out with fluconazole capsules. With manifestations of candidal colpitis and cervicitis, more than 4 times a year, after the suppression of the acute process, anti-relapse therapy is carried out.
• With chlamydial cervicitis. Local treatment is ineffective, systemic antibiotic therapy is prescribed. The drug of choice is azithromycin. Alternative means belong to the groups of tetracyclines, macrolides, quinolones. After completion of the course, control of cure is necessary.
• With Trichomonas. Trichomonas belong to the simplest microorganisms, against them a drug with antiprotozoal action - metronidazole is used. With the resistance of Trichomonas, detected in 2-5% of women, tinidazole is prescribed.
• With gonococcal infection. When determining the symptoms of gonorrheal cervicitis, broad-spectrum antibiotics are used. 3rd generation cephalosporins are recommended in combination with azithromycin. The second line drug is doxycycline. Treatment is carried out for both sexual partners.
• With HPV. A single scheme of antiviral treatment has not been developed. A drug based on inosine pranobex has proven itself well. It is used for long courses simultaneously with immunocorrection using suppositories with interferons.
• With herpes. The main drug that suppresses the activity of the herpes simplex virus is acyclovir. It is used in the acute phase in the presence of clinical symptoms - vesicles with liquid contents on the exocervix. An additional line of drugs is famciclovir.
• With mixed infection. Most often, with exacerbations of chronic cervicitis, a combination of nonspecific microflora and fungi occurs. Combined preparations are prescribed, including antibiotics of different groups and antimycotics.

The subsequent restoration of the microflora is carried out by local preparations, which include lactobacilli. It is possible to improve the results of treatment by eliminating the causes of cervicitis, correcting neuroendocrine shifts. It helps to change lifestyle, dosed physical activity, proper nutrition. Effective treatment with the help of physiotherapy methods: diadynamic currents, magnetotherapy, electrophoresis.

Destructive Methods

Methods of destructive treatment of cervicitis are used only when inflammation is combined with other background processes in the neck area. With symptoms of papillomatosis, polyps, leukoplakia, ectropion, true erosion in nulliparous women, gentle methods are first used. If they are ineffective, an additional examination is carried out and the approach is changed. Treatment is allowed in the following ways:

• Chemical cauterization. It is performed with preparations that are solutions of acetic, nitric, oxalic acid. Medicines are applied to a swab and applied to the hearth. This type of treatment does not lead to the formation of cicatricial changes and is well tolerated.
• Cryodestruction. A solution of liquid nitrogen or carbon is used. A prerequisite for treatment is that the size of the focus should correspond to the diameter of the cooling nozzle, therefore, with diffuse exocervicitis, the technique is not indicated. After exposure to liquid nitrogen, pathological cells are frozen. Tissues do not scar or deform during healing.
• Laser vaporization. Pathological areas on the neck are removed with a laser, which heats up the changed cells and leads to their death. The method of treatment does not cause severe complications, cicatricial deformity of the cervix, can be used in nulliparous patients.
• Radio wave treatment. Produced by the Surgitron apparatus. The procedure is painless, a tender young epithelium is formed in place of the altered tissues. During treatment, healthy cells remain intact, radio waves affect only the pathological epithelium.
• Argon plasma ablation. It is carried out contactlessly using radio waves, enhanced by the action of the inert gas argon. The procedure can be prescribed to women of any age, including those planning a pregnancy. Healing is fast, rough scars are not formed.

Surgery

Surgical treatment of cervicitis is recommended in case of simultaneous diagnosis of dysplasia, cervical polyps or papillomatosis. The indication for surgery is cicatricial deformity of the cervix. Hospitalization in the gynecology department is required. Polyps of the cervix are removed, the bed is cauterized with liquid nitrogen. Other treatments may also be used:

• Loop electrosurgical excision. It is carried out after the relief of acute inflammation of the cervix. With the help of an electric loop, the altered tissue area is removed, the vessels are sealed at the same time, which reduces the risk of bleeding. The resulting tissues are examined histologically.
• Knife conization of the cervix. It is performed with a scalpel. A cone-shaped section of tissue is removed, with its apex directed into the cervical canal. The operation may be complicated by bleeding, is currently rarely used. After manipulation, the obtained tissues are sent for histological analysis.

Forecast and prevention

With timely treatment, it is possible to eliminate the symptoms of cervicitis, prevent its transition into a chronic disease, and the appearance of complications. Prevention is the prevention of infection with STIs. It is necessary to refrain from casual sexual contacts, use barrier contraception. Cervical injury can be prevented by not having abortions. If it is necessary to terminate a pregnancy, it is safer to carry out the procedure at an early stage with a medical method.

Cervicitis is a disease accompanied by inflammation of the mucous membrane of the cervix. Rarely seen in adolescent girls and postmenopausal women. In most cases, the disease occurs in women of reproductive age. The cervix is ​​a kind of barrier that protects the internal genital organs (uterus and ovaries) from infection. Therefore, cervicitis is a threat to the entire reproductive system.

Symptoms and signs of cervicitis

Often cervicitis goes unnoticed. It is difficult to determine whether the discharge is vaginal or is formed in the cervical region - only a doctor can do this during an examination at an appointment!

The main symptoms of acute cervicitis (endocervicitis) are:

• foul-smelling, purulent, frothy discharge from their vagina (see other causes of discharge);
• pain in the lower abdomen (see other causes of abdominal pain in women);
• pain during urination and frequent urge to urinate;
• pain during sex and bleeding from the vagina after sex (see other causes of pain during sex);
• dark spotting vaginal discharge between two periods (see other causes of spotting).

Cervicitis is diagnosed during a medical examination of the cervix using mirrors and colposcopy. This inflammatory disease is characterized by hyperemia around the external opening of the cervical canal, abundant mucopurulent discharge, and in some cases an eroded surface. In the chronic stage of cervicitis, the discharge is cloudy-mucous, the so-called pseudo-erosion is often observed.

Causes of cervicitis

• infection during abortion, childbirth, traumatic injuries of the cervix;
• gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, mycoplasmosis, ureaplasmosis, herpes, HPV;
• bacterial imbalance - bacterial vaginosis;
• the use of IUDs and other intrauterine devices;
• hormonal imbalance (decrease in estrogen, increase in progesterone);
• treatment of cancer patients with radiation therapy;
• irrational use of contraceptives;
• very rarely observed in tuberculosis, especially primary, and syphilis. Rarely, cervicitis can be caused by an allergy to spermicides, lactex condoms, or intimate hygiene products.

The inflammatory process, starting from the mucous membrane of the cervical canal, usually moves to deeper tissues.

Risk factors for the development of cervicitis: HPV and herpes infection, early onset of sexual activity, frequent change of sexual partners.

During a gynecological examination in the acute period of the disease, an edematous neck is visible, the mucous membrane is bright red, and a mucopurulent discharge flows from the canal. When the pericervical tissue is involved in the inflammatory process, pains appear in the lower abdomen and in the sacral region. Body temperature may be subfebrile for several days or remain normal. The main cause of the development of cervicitis (endocervicitis) are various sexually transmitted infections. Most often, cervicitis is provoked by gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, chlamydia, ureaplasmosis and mycoplasmosis, human papillomavirus, herpes virus.

Due to the fact that the above infections are rarely limited only to the cervix and, as a rule, spread to other organs, cervicitis is often not a separate disease, but only one of many manifestations of a sexual infection. In particular, simultaneously with cervicitis in a woman, signs of urethritis, colpitis (vaginitis), endometritis, and salpingo-oophoritis can be detected.

Diagnosis of cervicitis

• analysis of the anamnesis, taking into account the transferred operations and childbirth;
• assessment of the current clinical picture;
• examination of the cervical canal and cervix using mirrors and bimanual palpation;
• sampling of biological material for cytological examination;
• a fence for microbiological research, a tank for seeding on the microflora of the vagina, PCR analysis;
• diagnostic colposcopy;
• in addition, a clinical analysis of blood and urine is prescribed, ultrasound of the pelvic organs is suspected of an inflammatory or adhesive process in the small pelvis.

Types of cervicitis

Depending on in which area of ​​the cervix an inflammatory focus has formed, cervicitis is divided into two types:

1. Exocervicitis is a disease in which inflammation occurs in the vaginal region of the cervix. It can be detected during a standard gynecological examination.

2. Inflammation of the cervical canal is called "endocervicitis". This type of disease is quite difficult to detect during a routine examination. Additional tests and observation of characteristic symptoms are needed.

According to the nature of the course, the disease is divided into: acute and chronic cervicitis. In acute cervicitis, mucous or purulent discharge from the vagina, pain in the lower abdomen are disturbing. The appearance of other symptoms of cervicitis may be associated with concomitant diseases of the urogenital area: endometritis, salpingo-oophoritis, urethritis, adnexitis.

Chronic cervicitis usually develops against the background of inflammatory diseases and untreated primary cervicitis. In chronic cervicitis, hardening and hypertrophy of the cervix occurs, which is facilitated by small cysts that form during the healing process of cervical erosion. The occurrence of chronic cervicitis very often contributes to the defeat of the mucous membrane of the cervix in colpitis, especially long-term and periodically recurring. Allocate atrophic cervicitis, accompanied by atrophy of the mucous membrane of the cervix. Exacerbations can be during the occurrence of adverse factors (weakened immunity, hormonal disorders, infections).

Chronic cervicitis means that the infection that provoked it most likely entered the body a long time ago and is currently developing slowly, gradually destroying the tissues of the cervix.

By prevalence: focal and diffuse.

By etiology: specific (caused by STD pathogens: chlamydia, gonorrhea, tuberculosis, syphilitic; viruses: herpetic, caused by HPV-condylomatous) and non-specific, due to the influence of opportunistic microorganisms. Purulent cervicitis - means that against the background of inflammation in the cervical canal of a woman, pus forms. Purulent cervicitis especially often occurs against the background of gonorrhea. There are also:

• cystic chronic cervicitis with the formation of cysts;
• cervicitis with cervical hypertrophy;
• lymphocytic (lymphocytic infiltration of the walls of the cervix with the formation of follicular centers under the endocervical epithelium - follicular cervicitis, or without their formation. These are benign changes. It occurs mainly in postmenopausal women and is not accompanied by symptoms.

Cervicitis can also occur as a result of damage to the cervix during childbirth and abortion. Sometimes cervicitis is caused by concentrated solutions of potassium permanganate, iodine and other substances injected into the vagina and cervix for medicinal purposes or to terminate a pregnancy.

In the acute form of cervicitis, there is a general swelling and an increase in the cervix. The mucous membrane of the vaginal part of the cervix is ​​bright red. Discharge from the cervix increases and is mucopurulent in nature. The temperature remains normal or subfebrile for several days. Pain in the sacrum, lower abdomen, radiating to the hips and anus, are unstable. Acute phenomena within 1-2 weeks gradually disappear, and cervicitis passes into the chronic phase. Discharge from the cervical canal gradually decreases, becomes less viscous and lighter.

The number of purulent elements also decreases, and the discharge takes on a mucous character.

The microbial flora gradually also becomes scarce. However, a significant decrease and even complete temporary disappearance of secretions and the scarcity of the microbial flora are not a sign of the disappearance of the infection. The latter can nest in the deep tissues of the cervix and exacerbate the process during the next menstruation, after vaginal examination and other manipulations in the vagina and cervix.

Cervicitis associated with cervical rupture during abortion and childbirth usually occurs in a subacute and chronic form. The round shape of the external os is broken: the anterior and posterior lips diverge at the site of the rupture, the mucous membrane of the cervical canal turns outward and an eversion (ectropion) is formed. The non-physiological state of the tissues in the eversion zone leads to increased secretion of the mucous membrane and a chronic inflammatory process in all tissues of the cervix with the formation of dense scar tissue in the eversion zone. Enlarged glands appear with a closed excretory duct and accumulation of discharge gland (ovula Nabothi). In these glands, the infection (virulent microflora) can persist for a long time.

Treatment of cervicitis

Treatment of cervicitis is carried out with the help of antibiotics, antibacterial antiviral and immunomodulatory drugs prescribed for topical use.

• treatment with antiseptic solutions: chlorhexidine, dimexide, silver nitrate, miramistin,
• combined preparations for topical use with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial action,
• hormonal suppositories, creams in the treatment of cervicitis, which is accompanied by atrophy of the cervical mucosa,
• treatment of cervicitis of gonorrheal, tuberculous or syphilitic origin is specific.

Ovula Nabothi is opened with a needle and treated with iodine tincture or burned out (diathermocoagulation).

With a long course of the disease and the absence of the effect of conservative treatment (within 6-8 weeks), laser therapy or diathermocoagulation, cryodestruction with liquid nitrogen are used. If concomitant background diseases are detected, they are treated.

The effect of cervicitis on pregnancy

The presence of cervicitis in a pregnant woman increases the risk of intrauterine infection of the fetus (an infection that provoked inflammation of the cervix).

In addition, against the background of cervicitis, the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight of the child, and infectious complications in the mother (for example, endometritis) after childbirth is significantly increased.

Treatment of cervicitis during pregnancy is selected depending on the type of infection that provoked it. Due to the fact that many infections that cause cervicitis are contagious and are transmitted during sexual intercourse, treatment of both sexual partners is mandatory in most cases.

Even if a man does not show any signs of illness, this does not mean that he is not infected. Chlamydia, trichomoniasis and gonorrhea in men can be completely asymptomatic.

Before starting treatment, your doctor may ask you to take a pregnancy test. This is strictly necessary, as some medications that are used in the treatment of cervicitis can adversely affect the development of pregnancy. If it turns out that you are pregnant, the doctor will select a special, safe treatment).

Alternative methods of treatment of cervicitis

Infections that provoke the development of cervicitis cannot be eliminated by medicinal herbs, therefore, the use of alternative methods of treating cervicitis is allowed only with the consent of the doctor and simultaneously or after the main treatment with antibiotics.

Some methods of treatment with folk remedies:

• Herbal treatment with the addition of alcohol tinctures of eucalyptus, calendula. With herpetic cervicitis, decoctions of adonis, mint, thyme, wormwood, juniper fruits, raspberry leaves are used.
• Baths with tea tree oil (for candidal cervicitis)

At the moment, there are no really effective folk methods or recipes for the treatment of cervicitis (endocervicitis)!

If you are planning treatment with folk remedies, pay attention to the following notes:

• A false idea about the effectiveness of many of the described methods of alternative treatment of cervicitis arose due to the fact that, approximately 4-5 weeks after the onset of the disease, even without any treatment, the infection that provoked it can become asymptomatic, but it continues to develop.
• Many folk recipes for the treatment of cervicitis involve the introduction of tampons moistened with infusions of medicinal herbs into the vagina or douching. Such treatment for cervicitis can greatly disrupt the composition of the vaginal microflora and provoke dangerous complications.

Why is cervicitis dangerous? Possible consequences and complications

Against the background of cervicitis, endometritis appears when pathogens enter the cervical canal into the mucous membrane, sometimes affecting muscle tissue. This disease is similar in symptoms, and can also occur without pronounced symptoms.

In the absence of adequate treatment of cervicitis and other manifestations of infection accompanying it, it greatly increases the risk of infertility, ectopic pregnancy, cervical cancer, premature birth and miscarriage.

Timely and correct treatment of inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary organs of a woman and traumatic postpartum injuries prevents the development of cervicitis!

The basic rule for the treatment of cervicitis: do not delay conservative treatment for many months and even years!

In conclusion, it should be said that you should not be afraid of a scheduled examination by a gynecologist, experienced doctors make the examination almost painless. But this will help to determine the presence of cervicitis in time and prescribe competent treatment with the help of effective drugs!

Diseases of the female reproductive system can hardly be considered a rarity. And quite often in modern gynecology there is cervicitis. Treatment of this disease, of course, is possible. The sooner therapy is started, the faster recovery will occur, and the risk of complications will be minimized.

That is why today many women are interested in questions about what this disease is. What are the symptoms of cervicitis? How is it diagnosed? What are the complications of the disease? Are there effective treatments? The answers to these questions will be of interest to many of the fair sex.

What is cervicitis?

Cervical disease is a fairly common problem. Every year, thousands and even tens of thousands of women face similar ailments. And quite often, patients who come for a routine gynecological examination are diagnosed with cervicitis.

This is an inflammatory disease that affects the lining of the cervix (cervical canal). It's no secret that the cervix is ​​a kind of barrier that protects the internal genital organs (uterus, ovaries) from infection. That is why its inflammation poses a threat to the entire reproductive system.

According to statistics, most often cervicitis is diagnosed in women of childbearing age (in about 70% of cases). Much less often, inflammation develops in teenage girls or women during menopause.

The main causes of occurrence

Today, many women are interested in questions about why cervicitis develops. Treatment after all depends on the source of the disease. Inflammation in this case develops under the influence of infection, which can be both specific and nonspecific.

Quite often, cervicitis develops when sexually transmitted bacteria enter the mucous membrane. Trichomonas, chlamydia, gonococci, mycoplasmas can act as the causative agent.

On the other hand, nonspecific inflammation caused by increased activity of staphylococci, streptococci, Escherichia coli and other habitual "inhabitants" of the human body is diagnosed no less often. A similar phenomenon is usually considered the result of a sharp local or general decrease in immune protection.

Are there risk groups?

It is worth noting that in some women gynecological diseases, in particular cervicitis, are diagnosed much more often, which is associated with the influence of certain factors of the internal or external environment.

For example, susceptibility to various kinds of infections increases with certain injuries of the cervix. First of all, such a disease occurs as a complication after childbirth, abortion, diagnostic curettage, etc. Risk factors include the use of certain methods of contraception. In particular, it is possible to damage the mucous membrane when installing or removing an intrauterine device, as well as with frequent use of chemical contraceptives or douching with acids.

On the other hand, cervicitis in most cases develops against the background of other diseases. For example, inflammation of the mucous membrane of the cervix is ​​often diagnosed in women with ecropion, prolapse of the pelvic organs, as well as vulvitis, bartholinitis and vaginitis.

Risk factors include hormonal imbalance, which often leads to a gradual thinning of the mucous membrane, making it more susceptible to the effects of pathogenic microorganisms. And, of course, do not forget about the state of the immune system, since the weakening of the body's defenses contributes to the activation of conditionally pathogenic microflora.

The improper use of tampons, non-observance of personal hygiene rules, etc. also negatively affects the state of the reproductive system.

What are the symptoms of the disease?

Quite often, the first stages of the disease proceed unnoticed by a woman. In rare cases, the disease is manifested by uncharacteristic discharge, especially if the patient has purulent cervicitis. Allocations have a different character depending on the pathogen, for example, they can be green, gray, yellow or whitish. It is very difficult to determine on your own whether they are vaginal or are formed in the cervical region - this can only be done by a doctor during an examination.

Some forms of the disease (mainly acute purulent cervicitis) are accompanied by quite noticeable pain in the lower abdomen. Sometimes patients complain of a burning sensation in the vagina, as well as the presence of itching in the vulva. There are other signs of cervicitis. In some women, pain appears directly during intercourse or after it is completed and is accompanied by bloody discharge.

It is worth considering the fact that the inflammatory process in the cervical canal is often associated with other diseases of the genitourinary system. For example, with cervicitis complicated by cystitis, there is also frequent painful urination. An extensive inflammatory process may be accompanied by fever and symptoms of general intoxication - weakness, dizziness, drowsiness and chills.

Chronic cervicitis: symptoms

Since the initial stages of the development of the disease often go unnoticed, the chronic form of inflammation can hardly be considered a rarity. The clinical picture in this case is blurred - the symptoms remain the same as in acute cervicitis, but less intense.

For example, patients continue to have cloudy discharge, but they are not too abundant, so they rarely cause concern. From time to time there are itching and burning in the vulva. Often there are dull pains in the lower abdomen.

Treatment of chronic cervicitis is a long process. However, therapy is necessary, as the ever-progressing inflammation weakens the body and leads to a host of complications, including infertility.

Basic diagnostic methods

Since the symptoms of the disease are most often not too pronounced, cervicitis is discovered by chance during a routine gynecological examination or consultation about other diseases. The first step in the diagnosis is a standard examination procedure using mirrors. After that, as a rule, a colposcopy is performed - using a special mechanism equipped with binocular optics, the doctor carefully examines the cervix. During the procedure, the gynecologist may notice significant changes. For example, such an examination allows you to notice redness and hyperemia of tissues, swelling of the cervical mucosa, accumulation of purulent masses, and the formation of characteristic vascular loops. In addition, the doctor will determine the nature of the inflammatory process - it can be diffuse or focal.

Naturally, in the future, additional laboratory tests are prescribed. For example, microscopic examination of a smear can provide useful information. In the acute form of the disease, the samples show an increased number of leukocytes, as well as altered squamous cells, a cylindrical epithelium with markedly hypertrophied nuclei. Chronic cervicitis is accompanied by other signs - during microscopic examination, one can notice the presence of cylindrical epithelial cells of various sizes, sometimes with traces of destruction.

Bacteriological seeding of samples is necessary. Such a procedure makes it possible to accurately determine the type of infection, as well as the sensitivity of bacteria to a particular antibiotic.

In the future, PCR studies can be carried out, which are indispensable for determining certain types of infection. In particular, the causative agents of mycoplasmosis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, as well as some viruses (herpes, papillomatosis) can only be detected in this way.

Additionally, blood and urine tests are prescribed, as well as an ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs, especially if there is a suspicion of inflammation of the uterine appendages, adhesions and other complications.

Are complications possible?

Of course, such a disease in the absence of timely treatment can lead to a lot of complications. For example, often the acute form of the disease develops into chronic cervical cervicitis, which is much more difficult to treat.

According to statistics, in about 10% of cases, the infection spreads higher, affecting other organs of the reproductive system and small pelvis, including the uterus, ovaries, bladder, peritoneum, etc.

In some cases, cervicitis leads to the development of adhesions in the abdominal cavity and small pelvis, which, in turn, can cause infertility. Studies have also shown that inflammation of the tissues of the cervical canal increases the risk of malignant tissue transformation in patients infected with the oncogenic papillomavirus type.

Cervicitis: treatment with conservative methods

It is immediately worth noting that the therapy in this case is selected individually, as it depends on the causes of the development of the disease, as well as on the type of pathogen and the state of health of the patient. For example, treatment of cervicitis with antibiotics is appropriate only if pathogenic bacteria act as the causative agent. In this case, the choice of drug depends on the type of bacteria. Chlamydial cervicitis is treated with macrolides and tetracycline antibiotics. If fungal microorganisms are the cause of inflammation, then therapy includes antifungal agents, for example, Flucostat, Diflucan.

In acute stages, the use of local preparations (ointments, douching solutions, etc.) is not recommended, as this can provoke the spread of infection to the internal genital organs. But as the main symptoms disappear, doctors prescribe various antibacterial and antiseptic drugs. For example, patients are treated with a vaginal and cervix solution of silver nitrate or Dimexide. Do not forget that antibiotics affect not only pathogenic, but also beneficial microflora. To restore it, you need to take drugs containing live strains of beneficial bacteria.

Viral cervicitis requires a completely different therapy. How to treat this form of the disease? Patients are prescribed antiviral and immunomodulatory drugs. But therapy in this case lasts much longer.

If the cause of the infection is a hormonal imbalance, women are prescribed hormonal medications that can stop the process of further atrophy of the mucous membranes.

In cases where the cause of the inflammatory process is a specific infection, both sexual partners must undergo treatment, since the likelihood of re-infection is high. Gynecological diseases can be extremely dangerous. Therefore, in this case, you should not ignore the recommendations of a doctor or self-medicate.

Cervicitis: surgical treatment

Not always drug therapy can solve the problem. For example, conservative treatment of chronic cervicitis is often simply ineffective. The indication for surgical intervention is the presence of erosions on the tissues of the cervix.

The appropriate procedure is selected individually. So what kind of therapy does chronic cervicitis require? How to treat such a disease? In most cases, patients are freezing the affected areas with liquid nitrogen. Laser surgery methods are considered quite effective. Sometimes, to eliminate areas of erosion and chronic inflammation, electrosurgical treatment is used using a special Surgitron device.

This is how cervicitis is treated today. Patient reviews indicate that the rehabilitation period passes quickly and is not accompanied by so much discomfort. By the way, after surgery, women are prescribed anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory drugs that help prevent the development of complications.

Basic preventive measures

Unfortunately, cervicitis in women is a fairly common phenomenon. And since the disease often becomes chronic and entails a lot of complications, gynecologists recommend that every woman follow some preventive measures.

Naturally, first of all, you should try to prevent the ingress and development of infection in the tissues of the genital organs. That is why you should not have a promiscuous sex life and be sure to protect yourself with condoms when in contact with an unverified person. Since the infection can be non-specific, it is imperative to strengthen the immune system. Women during menopause, if necessary, are prescribed hormone therapy, which also prevents a number of complications.

Do not forget about the timely treatment of various infectious diseases of the genitourinary system. It is necessary to regularly undergo scheduled gynecological examinations (twice a year), because the sooner the disease is detected, the easier the treatment will be. Kegel exercises, which prevent prolapse of the pelvic organs, will have a positive effect on health.