What are the causes and symptoms of cervicitis?
The most common cause of cervicitis is infection, either local or as a result of various sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. Cervicitis can also be caused by birth control devices such as a cervical cap or diaphragm, or chemical exposure. Other risk factors include multiple sexual partners or cervical trauma following birth. In postmenopausal women, cervicitis is sometimes related to a lack of estrogen. Although a woman may not notice any signs of infection, symptoms of cervicitis include the following: • persistent unusual vaginal discharge • abnormal bleeding, either between periods or following sexual intercourse • painful sexual intercourse • vaginal pain • frequent need to urinate • burning or itching in the vaginal area Source: The Gale Group.
