How to determine if you have cervicitis

Cervicitis can be comprehensively judged through clinical symptoms, gynecological examination, laboratory testing, etc. Cervicitis is usually caused by pathogenic infection, physical and chemical stimulation, hormonal imbalance, immune abnormalities, iatrogenic injury and other factors. It needs to be confirmed by routine leucorrhea, HPV testing, colposcopy and other examinations.

1. Clinical symptoms

Patients with cervicitis often experience increased leucorrhea that is purulent or bloody, accompanied by a peculiar smell, and contact bleeding may occur after sexual intercourse. Some patients will experience urinary system irritation symptoms such as lower abdominal pain, lumbosacral pain, or frequent urination and urgency. Systemic symptoms such as fever and fatigue may occur in the acute phase, while symptoms in the chronic phase are relatively mild but prone to recurrence.

2. Gynecological examination

Doctors can see that the cervix is ​​congested and edematous through vaginal speculum examination, and the surface may be covered with erosive changes or mucopurulent secretions. A positive cervical tenderness test indicates the presence of an inflammatory reaction, and the texture of the cervix may become hard upon palpation. Attention should be paid to distinguishing it from physiological changes such as cervical columnar epithelial ectopia.

3. Laboratory testing

Routine examination of leucorrhea can reveal a large number of white blood cells and pathogenic microorganisms, and bacterial vaginosis detection kits can help determine the type of infection. High-risk HPV-DNA testing is of great significance in ruling out the risk of cancer, and culture of specific pathogens such as chlamydia and gonococcus can identify the source of infection. If necessary, PCR testing of cervical secretions should be performed.

4. Imaging examination

Colposcopy can magnify the vascular morphology and epithelial structure of the cervical surface, and the acetic acid white test can identify abnormal transformation areas. Cervical biopsy is required for suspected cancer cases, and pathological examination is the gold standard for diagnosis. Ultrasonography can help evaluate involvement of other pelvic organs.

5. Differential diagnosis

It needs to be distinguished from cervical polyps, endometriosis, cervical cancer and other diseases. Tuberculous cervicitis manifests as multiple ulcers, and syphilitic cervicitis manifests as hard chancre. Postmenopausal women who experience cervical inflammation need to be alert to the possibility of tumors, and adolescent patients should pay attention to eliminating foreign body irritants.

It is recommended to keep the vulva clean and dry and avoid using harsh lotions to rinse the vagina. Proper use of condoms during sex can reduce the risk of infection, and regular gynecological examinations can help detect lesions early. If you have abnormal vaginal bleeding or persistent increased secretions, you should seek medical treatment promptly to avoid delaying the condition with self-medication. Pay attention to the balance between work and rest, and properly supplement vitamins and proteins to enhance immunity.