Summary about Disease
Endocervicitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the endocervix, the inner lining of the cervix (the lower, narrow part of the uterus that opens into the vagina). It is often caused by infection, but can also be caused by irritation. While some cases are asymptomatic, others can lead to vaginal discharge and pelvic discomfort.
Symptoms
Abnormal vaginal discharge (often mucopurulent, meaning containing mucus and pus)
Bleeding between periods
Painful urination
Pelvic pain or pressure
Pain during intercourse
Cervical erosion (visible during examination)
Causes
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Common culprits include Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonorrhea), Trichomonas vaginalis (trichomoniasis), and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV).
Bacterial Vaginosis
Irritation from foreign objects: such as diaphragms or cervical caps.
Chemical Irritants: douches or spermicides can cause inflammation.
Medicine Used
The medications used depend on the underlying cause of the endocervicitis:
Bacterial Infections (Chlamydia, Gonorrhea): Antibiotics such as azithromycin, doxycycline, ceftriaxone, or cefixime.
Trichomoniasis: Metronidazole or tinidazole.
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): Antiviral medications such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir (used to manage outbreaks, not cure the infection). It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and prescription of the appropriate medication.
Is Communicable
Yes, if the endocervicitis is caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it is communicable through sexual contact.
Precautions
Practice safe sex: Use condoms consistently and correctly during sexual activity.
Limit the number of sexual partners.
Get regular STI screenings, especially if you are sexually active.
Avoid douching, as it can disrupt the natural vaginal flora and increase the risk of infection.
Avoid using irritating products in the vaginal area (e.g., scented soaps, douches).
If you experience symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.
Notify sexual partners if diagnosed with an STI.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of an outbreak depends on the cause and treatment:
Bacterial/Parasitic Infections: With appropriate antibiotic or antiparasitic treatment, symptoms usually resolve within a week or two.
Herpes: Outbreaks can last from 2 to 4 weeks. Antiviral medications can shorten the duration and severity of outbreaks.
Irritation: Symptoms typically resolve within a few days to a week once the irritant is removed.
How is it diagnosed?
Pelvic Exam: A visual examination of the cervix, vagina, and other pelvic organs.
Pap Smear: A test to screen for cervical cancer and other abnormalities.
STI Testing: Samples are taken from the cervix to test for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Trichomoniasis, and other STIs.
Wet Mount/Vaginal Smear: Microscopic examination of vaginal discharge to identify bacteria, yeast, or parasites.
Colposcopy: If the Pap smear is abnormal, a colposcopy (examination of the cervix with a magnifying instrument) may be performed, and biopsies may be taken.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms varies depending on the cause:
Acute Infection: Symptoms can develop within a few days to weeks after exposure.
Chronic Infection: Symptoms may be mild or absent for a long time and then flare up.
Asymptomatic: Some individuals may have the infection without experiencing any symptoms.
With Treatment: Symptoms should improve within a few days of starting appropriate treatment and typically resolve within 1-2 weeks.
Important Considerations
Endocervicitis can increase the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) if left untreated, which can lead to infertility.
Pregnant women with endocervicitis can transmit infections to their newborns during delivery.
It's essential to treat both the individual with endocervicitis and their sexual partner(s) to prevent reinfection.
Follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider are important to ensure the infection is cleared and to monitor for any complications.