At every gynecologist appointment, we hear about the importance of preventive exams in women’s lives. Some of them are uncomfortable and even a little embarrassing, but the truth is that these are extremely important tests and should be done at least once a year and at most every two years, especially in sexually active women, since not all diseases and infections give warnings that something is wrong. And the sooner they are discovered, the faster and more effective the treatment will be.
A cervical infection, for example, doesn’t always give alerts that something is happening. It may not present any signs, pain, or discomfort for the woman, and as time passes the situation can worsen, and the infection can spread to other nearby areas such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. The symptoms that usually indicate a cervical infection are:
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge that may vary in color (brown, yellowish, white, or grayish)
- Spotting, especially during or after sexual intercourse.
- Pain and burning in the vagina, during intercourse and when urinating.
Some women feel pain in the lower abdomen, experiencing a persistent discomfort that feels like severe cramps, and in some cases even delayed periods.
What causes cervical infection?
- Allergy to condoms, spermicides, and diaphragms.
- Having a high number of sexual partners
- Germs contracted during sexual intercourse (HPV1, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia) or even germs that are usually found in the vagina such as Candida albicans2
Many cases are also contracted through poor intimate hygiene and even by injuries caused during normal childbirth or when performing vaginal douching.
How to Treat Cervical Infection?
Once the cause of the cervical infection has been identified, the gynecologist will prescribe the appropriate treatment. In cases of cervical infection caused by germs or microorganisms, treatment is usually done with antibiotics or antifungals and, in some cases, it is also prescribed for the sexual partner, even if they show no symptoms.
For allergic causes, such as to products like condoms, diaphragms, or spermicides, the treatment will be to discontinue the use of these products3. In cases that have worsened due to delayed diagnosis and treatment of cervical infection and have already reached the endometrium, treatment will be through injectable or oral medication. Keep in mind that uterine infection can end up making a woman infertile, and if it occurs during pregnancy, it must be treated properly and as soon as possible so that it is not transmitted to the baby during childbirth.
See also: Urinary Tract Infection During Pregnancy – What Now?
Photo: Hey Paul Studios
