Cervicitis / Vaginitis

If you develop pain during sex, abnormal discharge, or irregular periods, see highly trained OB/GYN specialists Elizabeth Ramirez, MD, FACOG, and Huiying Hou, MD, at Jersey Women’s Care Center in Jersey City and Fair Lawn, New Jersey. They screen for and treat the cause of cervicitis/vaginitis (inflammation) to ease unpleasant symptoms and avoid complications. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or booking a visit online today.

What is cervicitis/vaginitis?

Cervicitis and vaginitis are inflammatory conditions affecting the cervix and/or vagina in women.

Cervicitis

Cervicitis is an inflammation of the cervix, which is the lower part of your uterus that opens into the vagina.

Vaginitis

Vaginitis is the inflammation of your vagina, often caused by changes in vaginal bacterial balance, bacterial overgrowth, fungi, or parasites.

What are the symptoms of cervicitis/vaginitis?

The symptoms associated with cervicitis/vaginitis might appear as:

• Bleeding or spotting between periods
• Pain or bleeding during sex 
• Painful or frequent urination  
• Pain during a pelvic exam
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Vaginal itching or pain
• Fishy, foul-smelling vaginal odor
• Thick white, greenish, yellowish, or cottage cheese-like discharge

However, these conditions don’t always cause noticeable symptoms. 

What can cause cervicitis/vaginitis?

The cause of cervicitis or vaginitis can include:

• Chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Unbalanced vaginal bacteria
• Yeast infections
• Other infections 
• Reduced estrogen after menopause
• Some skin disorders
• Allergic reactions to spermicides, latex, or feminine hygiene products
• Hormonal changes
• Menopause
• Sexual activity
• Some medications 
• Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
• Tight-fitted or damp clothing

The cause isn’t always clear. Maintaining good oral hygiene habits, practicing safe sex, and avoiding irritating vaginal products help reduce the risk of cervicitis/vaginitis.

How is cervicitis/vaginitis diagnosed?

To diagnose cervicitis or vaginitis, the Jersey Women’s Care Center team reviews your medical history and symptoms, completes physical and pelvic exams, and may complete urine testing or a cervical and vaginal fluid swab. 

They send the sample to a lab for analysis to determine the cause of unpleasant symptoms and how to best treat your condition. 

How is cervicitis/vaginitis treated?

Your personalized cervicitis/vaginitis treatment plan may consist of:

• Oral medications
• Gels
• Creams
• Suppositories
• Hormone treatments
• Lifestyle changes

You might need to avoid certain laundry detergents, soaps, feminine hygiene products, and similar products that can cause irritation. 

To avoid passing bacterial infections to a partner during sex, avoid intercourse until you’ve completed treatment or as directed by the Jersey Women’s Care Center team. Call the office anytime with questions.

Schedule an evaluation at Jersey Women’s Care Center by phone or online today to diagnose and treat cervicitis/vaginitis.