Endocervicitis

Endocervicitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the cervical canal.

Endocervical inflammation develops most often as a result of STDs (gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital herpes), cervical trauma after childbirth, abortions or gynecological operations on the uterus. There are acute and chronic forms of the disease.

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Epidemiology

According to statistics (PubMed, 2012), more than half of all women suffer from endocervicitis at some point in their adult life.

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Causes endocervicitis

The etiological factor in the development of endocervicitis is the penetration of staphylococci, streptococci, E. coli, enterococci, and various viruses into the cervical canal.

Acute endocervicitis is usually caused by STIs such as:

• genital herpes;
• chlamydia;
• trichomoniasis;
• human papillomavirus (HPV);
• gonorrheal infection;

Other factors that provoke the development of the acute form: allergic reactions, including to spermicides or latex in condoms, cervical caps or diaphragms, hypersensitivity to chemicals in tampons.

Chronic endocervicitis most often develops during pregnancy and after childbirth.

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Risk factors

The development of the disease is facilitated by unsutured ruptures of the cervix after childbirth, prolapse of the genitals, irritation of the cervix by chemical and/or mechanical (IUD) agents, chronic inflammatory processes of the uterus, appendages, and vagina.

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Symptoms endocervicitis

Some women with endocervicitis have no symptoms, but sometimes the following symptoms may be present:

• abnormal vaginal bleeding;
• persistent gray or white vaginal discharge;
• vaginal pain;
• pain during intercourse;
• a feeling of unpleasant discomfort in the pelvis;
• pain in the lower back.

Vaginal discharge is an assessment sign of the severity of the disease.

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Complications and consequences

Endocervicitis caused by gonorrhea or chlamydia infection can be complicated by the development of an inflammatory process in the mucous membrane of the uterus and fallopian tubes. As a consequence of these processes, fertility problems may arise in the future.

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Diagnostics endocervicitis

In the diagnosis of endocervicitis, the leading place belongs to colposcopy, as a screening in the examination of women, as well as the determination of microflora, with the possible identification of the pathogen.

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Treatment endocervicitis

Treatment of endocervicitis is based on the etiopathogenetic principle, using local and general procedures. Antibacterial creams and vaginal balls, douching with antiseptics are used. Broad-spectrum antibiotics (metacycline, cefazolin, clarithromycin, ofloxacin) or drugs taking into account the sensitivity of the microflora are prescribed internally, and candidiasis is prevented. In the case of a protracted treatment process and the failure of conservative therapy, diathermoexcision or cryodestruction of the cervix are used, usually simultaneously with the treatment of pseudo-erosion.

Prevention

You can reduce the risk of contracting STIs, and therefore the development of endocervicitis, by using condoms during sexual intercourse.

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