Cervicitis

Cervicitis is common and often asymptomatic, but if left undiagnosed or untreated can result in pelvic inflammatory disease, which can lead to substantial long-term ill effects such as infertility and chronic pelvic pain.

Implementing screening protocols for high-risk populations may reduce adverse outcomes from cervicitis. Screening for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) should be offered concomitantly.

While Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis are the most commonly isolated organisms, in most cases no organism is identified.

Clinical suspicion is generally sufficient to justify therapy, but of the diagnostic aids, nucleic acid amplification testing remains the most sensitive and specific tool for accurately diagnosing N gonorrhoeae and C trachomatis.

If the presentation suggests cervicitis, and the patient is deemed at high risk for STI, patients are empirically treated with a regimen targeting STIs.

Inflammation of the cervix characterized by a purulent endocervical exudate and/or easily induced endocervical bleeding caused by manipulation with an atraumatic instrument such as a cotton swab.[1]Workowski KA, Bachmann LH, Chan PA, et al. Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2021 Jul 23;70(4):1-187. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8344968 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34292926?tool=bestpractice.com ​​