Cervicitis

Signs and Symptoms

People with a cervix may or may not experience symptoms of cervicitis. Some symptoms include:

• Grayish or pale, yellow vaginal discharge
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding (after sex or between menstrual cycles)
• Extreme discomfort during sex
• Extreme discomfort during urination
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Fever (in rare cases) 

People at Higher Risk

Risk factors for cervicitis vary and include:

• Having condomless sex
• Having multiple partners
• Having a history of cervicitis

How to Prevent Cervicitis

Some ways to decrease chances of developing cervicitis:

• Use condoms during sex
• Avoid sexual contact with people with genital sores or abnormal discharge
• Get treated for STIs
• Make sure your partner(s) have been treated for STIs
• Avoid using certain hygiene products (such as douches, vaginal sprays or vaginal wipes)
• Limit sexual partners
• If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, ensure you maintain good control of your blood sugar

Treatment and Recovery

Treatment for cervicitis can vary. A health care provider can prescribe the best medication.

If you have HIV, treating cervicitis is very important. Cervicitis can increase the risk of infecting your partner. It can also increase the chance of getting HIV from an HIV-positive partner.

Do not use douching or yogurt-based therapy for treating cervicitis. These may make symptoms worse.