Endocervicitis

Endocervicitis - inflammation of the mucosa of the neck canal.

Endocervical inflammation develops most often due to STDs (gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital herpes) cervical lesions after childbirth, abortions or gynecological operations on the uterus. Distinguish between acute and chronic forms of the disease.

[1], [2], [3], [4],

Epidemiology

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

[5], [6], [7]

Causes of the endocervicitis

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

Acute endocervicitis, as a rule, is caused by STIs, such as:

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

Other factors provoking the development of acute form: allergic reactions, including spermicides or latex condoms, cervical caps or diaphragm, hypersensitivity to chemicals tampons.

Chronic endocervicitis most often develops during pregnancy and after childbirth.

[8], [9],

Risk factors

The appearance of the disease is facilitated by unshielded cervical ruptures after childbirth, genitalia, cervical irritation by chemical and / or mechanical (IUD) agents, chronic inflammatory processes of the uterus, appendages, and vagina.

[10], [11], [12], [13],

Symptoms of the endocervicitis

In some women endocervicitis is asymptomatic, sometimes the following symptoms may be present:

• abnormal bleeding from the vagina;
• persistent gray or white discharge from the vagina;
• vaginal pain;
• pain during intercourse;
• feeling unpleasant discomfort in the small pelvis;
• painful sensations in the lower back.

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

[14], [15]

Complications and consequences

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

[16], [17]

Diagnostics of the endocervicitis

In the diagnosis of endocervicitis, colposcopy, as a screening in the examination of women, as well as determining the microflora, with the possible detection of the pathogen, is the leading place.

[18], [19], [20], [21]

Treatment of the endocervicitis

Treatment of endocervicitis is based on the etiopathogenetic principle, using local and general procedures. Apply antibacterial creams and vaginal globules, syringing antiseptics. Inside prescribe antibiotic a wide range (metacycline, cefazolin, clarithromycin, ofloxacin) or drugs taking into account the sensitivity of microflora, the prevention of candidiasis. With prolonged treatment and the failure of conservative therapy, diathermic excision or cryodestruction of the cervix is used, usually simultaneously with the treatment of pseudo-erosion.

Prevention

Reduce the risk of contracting STIs, and accordingly, the development of endocervicitis can be, using during sexual intercourse condoms.

[22], [23], [24]