Inflammation of the cervix today is considered one of the most common gynecological diseases. The disease is accompanied by discomfort, pain, uncharacteristic vaginal discharge, and in the absence of therapy, it is fraught with dangerous complications up to the formation of adhesions between the walls of organs in the small pelvis.
Today, many women are looking for any additional information about this pathology. Why does cervical inflammation develop? Symptoms and treatment, diagnosis and risk factors, prevention and possible complications are important information. This information is a must-read.
Inflammation of the cervix: causes of occurrence
The cervix is a kind of transitional link between the upper genital tract and the uterine cavity. Inside the cervix passes the cervical canal, which is lined with a cylindrical epithelium. Its cells secrete a specific secret that protects the uterus from the penetration of various kinds of pathogens. Depending on the locationinflammatory process secrete:
- Endocervicitis - cervical inflammation of the cervix.
- Exocervicitis - inflammation of the vaginal segment of the cervix.
Why does cervical inflammation develop? The reasons lie in the intensive reproduction of pathogens that enter the genital tissues both from the outside and from other organs (along with the flow of lymph and blood). Depending on the nature of the pathogen, cervicitis can be bacterial, fungal (most often inflammation is associated with the activity of fungi of the genus Candida) or viral.
The development of pathology is often associated with the penetration of a specific infection into the body, for example, chlamydia and gonococci. But inflammation can also be non-specific - it develops against the background of activation of staphylococci, streptococci, Escherichia coli and other conditionally pathogenic microorganisms that are present in the tissues of each person.
Are there risk factors?
Inflammation of the cervix, of course, is associated with the activity of pathogenic microorganisms. However, there are risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing the disease.
Their list includes:
- presence of concomitant inflammatory diseases in the pelvic area;
- inflammation of the cervical canal of the cervix often develops against the background of trauma (this may be associated with childbirth, abortion, diagnostic curettage, the use of intrauterine contraceptives);
- frequent change of sexual partners, especially when it comes tois about unprotected contacts;
- hormonal disorders (decrease in estrogen levels leads to thinning of the mucous membranes of the cervix);
- general or local decrease in immune activity;
- prolapse of the vagina and uterus;
- misuse of chemical spermicides, douching with potentially dangerous solutions.
Acute inflammation of the cervix: symptoms
The clinical picture of such a disease largely depends on many factors, including the nature of the pathogen.
- The first symptoms include the appearance of uncharacteristic vaginal discharge, often with an unpleasant odor. When affected by chlamydia, they are abundant, mucous, sometimes with impurities of pus. But trichomonas infection is accompanied by the appearance of yellowish (sometimes with a greenish tinge) foamy, fetid discharge. With inflammation of fungal origin, the formation of cheesy deposits can be observed on the walls of the vagina (they have a characteristic sour smell).
- Possible increase in body temperature (usually up to 37-38 degrees). Intoxication, of course, is accompanied by weakness, drowsiness, body aches, although not every patient has such symptoms.
- Many women complain of pain in the lower abdomen, which is dull, pulling in nature (often the discomfort is localized in the suprapubic region).
- Pain can spread to the lower back and sacrum.
- During intercourse, discomfort may occur, sometimes even pain.
With these symptoms, it is very important to see a specialist. The sooner therapy is started, the lower the likelihood of developing certain complications.
Chronic forms of cervicitis
The clinical picture looks quite different in chronic inflammation of the cervix. Symptoms of this pathology are as follows:
- the presence of constant, albeit meager, unclear, mucous secretions (sometimes small impurities of pus can be seen in them);
- soreness, burning sensation during urination, itching in the urethra;
- pain in the lower abdomen;
- some patients note the appearance of discharge with blood impurities during or after intercourse;
- during examination, the doctor may notice swelling of the mucous membranes of the cervix and upper vagina;
- sometimes the patient's condition worsens, but then a period of relative well-being sets in.
It is worth noting that the chronic form of the disease is dangerous, as it is difficult to treat - pathogenic microorganisms gradually develop resistance to the effects of certain antibacterial (antiviral, antifungal) drugs, so it is very difficult to find an effective medicine.
Types and forms of inflammation. Features of the clinical picture
Of course, such a pathology can take on different forms. There are many classification systems for cervicitis. Depending on the characteristics of the clinical picture, several types are distinguished.
- Purulent cervicitis. With this form of the disease, the inflammatory process affects not only the cylindrical layer of the epithelium, but also deeper tissues. In this case, there is always a risk of problems with fertilization and childbearing.
- Atrophic cervicitis. In this case, the inflammatory process is accompanied by a gradual thinning (atrophy) of the mucous membranes of the cervix. This is often observed in women who have undergone various gynecological procedures, as well as in patients during menopause (associated with a decrease in the amount of estrogen).
- Cystic cervicitis. If the inflammatory process is the result of a combination of several strains of bacteria (for example, Trichomonas, gonococcus, streptococcus), then uncontrolled growth of the cylindrical epithelium of the cervix may be observed. If untreated, such a change in the structure leads to the formation of small cysts.
Depending on the area of the lesion allocate:
- focal inflammation (the pathological process is localized in certain areas of the cervix);
- diffuse form of the disease (inflammation spreads to all cervical tissues).
Laboratory diagnostic methods
Suspicion of the presence of inflammation of the cervix arises from the doctor during the collection of anamnesis and gynecological examination. However, additional tests and procedures are needed to make an accurate diagnosis and determine the causes of the disease.
- Complete blood and urine tests will help confirm the presence of an inflammatoryprocess.
- An analysis is being carried out for hidden infections, which involves a blood test for the presence of certain specific antibodies.
- Cytological examination of samples taken from the cervix is also very informative.
- Bacteriological smear culture is obligatory. This procedure makes it possible to accurately determine the nature of the pathogen, as well as assess its sensitivity to a particular drug.
- In some cases, doctors also prescribe PCR. Such an analysis makes it possible to isolate the DNA of pathogens in mucus taken from the cervix.
Instrumental diagnostics
Gynecological examination is enough to determine the presence of a pathological process. However, additional examinations are mandatory.
- Colposcopy is shown to patients. This procedure involves examining the cervix using a special magnifying device. So the doctor will be able to determine the size of the affected area, determine the nature of the inflammation.
- Ultrasonography of the pelvic organs is mandatory. This is a simple and affordable procedure that makes it possible to assess the nature of the inflammatory process, detect the presence of adhesions, polyps, cystic formations and other concomitant diseases of the reproductive system.
- If cancer is suspected, the doctor may order a biopsy.
Medicated treatments
What should women who have been diagnosed with cervical inflammation do? Treatment largely depends on the form and stage of development of the pathology.
- First you need to eliminate the pathogen. The choice of drugs in this case directly depends on the type of infection. For example, for viral inflammation, Acyclovir is used, for bacterial infections, antibiotics are used (most often, tetracyclines, quinols and macrolides), and for fungal activity, Fluconazole.
- In the future, it is important to restore the normal microflora of the vagina. "Bifikol", "Vagilak" - these suppositories are most often used for inflammation of the cervix.
- Immune system correction shown. Patients are prescribed vitamin complexes, and sometimes immunomodulators.
- When it comes to the treatment of chronic inflammation, it is possible to use suppositories and creams with a hormonal composition.
- Sometimes physiotherapy is additionally recommended, in particular, magnetotherapy, electrophoresis.
When surgery is needed
If we are talking about acute forms of the inflammatory process, then they usually respond well to drug treatment. Nevertheless, some patients are indicated for surgical intervention, especially when it comes to a complex of pathologies: chronic inflammation - erosion of the cervix.
The essence of such therapy is the removal of damaged tissues. Of course, to begin with, the patient undergoes a full course of antibiotic treatment.
There are severaleffective techniques to treat the affected areas of the genital organs. For example, sometimes erosion is cauterized using special chemicals. Medicinal solutions such as Vagotil and Solkovagin are considered effective. Cryotherapy is also popular - during the procedure, tissues are frozen with liquid nitrogen. Electrosurgical treatment is also possible, as well as laser therapy, which involves the evaporation of damaged cells when treated with a laser beam.
Such procedures are considered safe. After them, a long rehabilitation is not required. Nevertheless, patients are prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics (for prevention), immunostimulating drugs (for example, Genferon suppositories).
In the first days after the operation, the appearance of sanious discharge is possible - this is a completely normal physiological process. At the time of rehabilitation, you need to carefully monitor intimate hygiene and refrain from sexual intercourse until complete recovery.
Traditional Medicines
How to treat inflammation of the cervix? This question is asked by many women. Of course, traditional medicine offers some recipes.
- You can prepare the composition for internal use. To do this, mix one part of yarrow grass, alder cones and eucalyptus leaves, two parts of birch buds, tansy flowers, sage grass and juniper berries. Pour two tablespoons of the mixture with a glass of boiling water, boil for five minutes, then insist. You need to drink 70 ml 3-4 times a day. The therapy lasts 1-3 months.
- Decoctions from plants such as chamomile, sage, calendula, St. John's wort are suitable for douching. These herbs have mild anti-inflammatory properties.
The use of any home remedies is possible only with the permission of the attending gynecologist.
Complications due to inflammation
Inflammation of the cervical canal is a dangerous disorder that should not be ignored. To begin with, it is worth noting that the acute stage, in the absence of therapy, quickly turns into a chronic form, and it is already much more difficult to treat it.
In addition, the inflammatory process can spread to other organs, including the tissues of the uterus and its appendages. There are cases when cervicitis leads to lesions of the bladder, inflammation of the abdominal wall.
The list of complications also includes bartholinitis - this pathology is characterized by damage to the Bartholin ducts, which are located on both sides at the entrance to the vagina. In the most severe cases, against the background of a chronic inflammatory process, adhesions form between the organs, which significantly reduces their functionality. For example, obstruction of the fallopian tubes is fraught with infertility.
It is worth noting that the presence of inflammation of the cervix, coupled with infection of the body with the human papillomavirus, increases the risk of developing cancer.
Prevention measures
We have already covered all the questions about why it develops and what constitutes inflammation of the cervix. Treatment of this pathology is a long and sometimes difficult process. It is always easier to protect yourself by following simplerecommendations.
- Don't refuse preventive examinations at the gynecologist. They need to be done twice a year even in the absence of any disturbing symptoms.
- In the absence of a permanent sexual partner, it is extremely important to use condoms, because only this will help protect against sexually transmitted infections.
- If there is still an infectious disease, then it is important to complete the course of therapy on time and to the end.
- If you are not planning a child, it is important to choose the right contraception.
- Prophylactic intake of vitamin complexes, proper nutrition, physical activity, stabbing the body - all this will help strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of non-specific inflammation.
- It is important to regularly do special exercises that strengthen the muscles of the small pelvis - this will help prevent prolapse of the genitals.
- In menopause, you should not give up hormone therapy. Of course, only the attending physician can draw up her scheme.
Following such simple rules, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing such an unpleasant and dangerous pathology as inflammation of the cervix.
