Cervicitis is probably the most common of all gynecological disorders, affecting half of all women at some point in their lives. Any woman, regardless of age, who has ever had even one sexual encounter and who is experiencing abdominal pain or an unusual vaginal discharge may have it.

What is cervicitis?

The cervix is located at the end of uterus,reaching into the vagina.When the exterior tissues of the cervix become inflamed,usually through infection,this is called cervicitis.About half of all women will experience one about or more of cervicitis in their lifetimes.Despite the fact that it is so common, cervicitis does not yield to self-diagnosis, because its symptoms can easily be confused with those of other common ailments, including vaginitis.

Causes of cervicitis

Most commonly, cervicitis is the result of an infection, although it can also be caused by injury or irritation (as a reaction to the chemicals in douches and contraceptives, for example, or a forgotten tampon).

The three most common infectious causes of cervicitis are chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomonas. All three are considered sexually transmitted diseases.

Cervicitis is only one of the many problems that these diseases cause. A number of other organisms, including herpes simplex, streptococcus, staphylococcus, enterococcus, and Gardnerella vaginitis, can also cause cervicitis.