Everything you need to know about cervical health

The cervix is the lowest part of the uterus, and there are many different conditions that can affect it. From mild inflammation to cervical cancer, some conditions are more common than others. Some are also more serious, and can cause different symptoms, such as abnormal bleeding or vaginal discharge. Unfortunately, cervical health is one aspect of overall health that many women neglect. But by knowing more about it, women can detect any issues at an early stage, and get the best treatment possible.

Symptoms

The symptoms will depend on the underlying condition. Some women won’t have any symptoms at all.

Detection

A problem with the cervix may be detected by the medical professional who is examining you for another reason. For example, when a cervical smear test is taken.

Common symptoms

Common symptoms may include lower abdominal or pelvic pain, vaginal discharge, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and pain during intercourse.

Diagnosis

Most cervical conditions can be diagnosed when a gynecologist examines you. However, it’s sometimes necessary for other tests to be undertaken.

Common tests

Internal swabs are a common test where a small cotton wool swab is rubbed on your cervix to obtain samples. Getting a small sample of tissue from a lump is also a common procedure. The sample is then examined under a microscope.

Other tests

Depending on your symptoms, other tests may also be carried out. They may include blood tests and an ultrasound of your womb and ovaries.

Colposcopy

You may also be asked to undergo a colposcopy, which looks at the cervix in more detail. It’s usually done if your cervical smear test finds any changes to the cells of your cervix.

Causes of problems affecting the cervix

Infections are caused by bacteria and viruses, which then lead to inflammation of the cervix. Inflammation of your cervix is called cervicitis.

Cervicitis

The most common symptom in women with cervicitis is vaginal discharge. Other symptoms can include pain when urinating, lower abdominal pain, and bleeding between periods.

Sexually transmitted infections (STI)

Infections of your cervix are usually caught from STIs. The most common ones that affect the cervix are gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital herpes, trichomonas, and human papillomavirus (HPV).

Bacterial vaginosis (BV)

BV is caused by an overgrowth of normal germs in your vagina. However, it’s not an STI. In some cases, BV clears out without treatment. In other cases, antibiotic medication may be needed.

Other causes of inflammation of the cervix

Apart from STIs, cervicitis can also be caused by a number of other conditions.

Allergies

Women with allergies to condoms and spermicides can experience inflammation of the cervix.

Irritation

Irritation from period pads and tampons can also be an underlying cause of inflammation.

Radiotherapy

Cervicitis can be a side effect of radiotherapy, which is used for some cancer treatments. For cervicitis not caused by infections, there is usually no treatment. It settles once the cause is removed, in this case meaning the end of radiotherapy.

Source: Everything you need to know about cervical health (msn.com)