Endocervicitis (Cervical Canal Inflammation) Treatment

Inflammation of the cervical canal often develops without pronounced symptoms, so a woman may not suspect the disease for a long time. Because of this, endocervicitis is often detected only during a gynecological examination or an examination for another reason. Without timely treatment, the inflammatory process may turn into a chronic form and cause the development of complications.

At the Oxford Medical clinic, it is possible to undergo a comprehensive examination and receive an individual treatment plan. Do not postpone care for women's health — make an appointment for a consultation with a gynecologist in order to start therapy in a timely manner and prevent the development of complications.

Endocervicitis is inflammation of the mucous membrane of the cervical canal of the cervix. Normally, it performs a protective function and is a natural barrier between the vagina and the uterine cavity. When the mucosa becomes inflamed, this protection weakens, and the infection can spread to other parts of the reproductive system.

According to MSD Manual Professional Edition, endocervicitis can have an acute or chronic course. With prolonged inflammation, the mucous membrane of the cervix becomes more vulnerable to repeated infections and irritation, and its cells can gradually change. Such changes require a doctor's observation, since prolonged chronic inflammation can be one of the factors in the development of precancerous changes of the cervix.

Endocervicitis can develop for various reasons, but most often it is caused by infections. Also, inflammation in the cervical canal can develop after injury to the mucous membrane, hormonal changes or against the background of other inflammatory diseases of the female reproductive system.

Possible causes of endocervicitis include:

• sexually transmitted infections, in particular chlamydia in women, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis;
• opportunistic bacteria that begin to actively multiply when the vaginal microflora is disturbed;
• injury to the cervix after childbirth, abortions, intrauterine manipulations or rough sexual contact;
• prolonged irritation of the mucous membrane of the cervical canal, which can occur due to hormonal changes or concomitant inflammatory diseases.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cervicitis is often associated with chlamydial or gonococcal infection, but in some female patients the exact cause of the inflammation cannot be established. That is why, if endocervicitis is suspected, it is important not to start treatment on one's own, but to undergo an examination by a gynecologist.

Doctors of Oxford Medical explain: if chronic endocervicitis develops, symptoms may be less pronounced or periodically disappear, however this does not mean that the inflammatory process has stopped. That is why even with minor complaints it is important to consult a gynecologist and undergo an examination.

Since the symptoms of endocervicitis may be similar to the manifestations of other gynecological diseases, a comprehensive examination is necessary to establish an accurate diagnosis. It helps determine the cause of inflammation, assess the condition of the cervix and select effective treatment tactics.

The examination may include:

• a gynecological examination;
• colposcopy for a detailed assessment of the condition of the cervix;
• smears for microflora, cytological and bacteriological examination;
• examination for STIs in women by the PCR method.

During diagnosis, the doctor also determines the character and extent of the inflammatory process in order to distinguish endocervicitis from other forms of cervicitis and diseases with similar symptoms.

Doctors of Oxford Medical recommend not postponing the examination when unusual vaginal discharge, bleeding after sexual contact or pain appears. The earlier the cause of inflammation is established, the more effective the treatment usually is and the lower — the risk of developing complications.

The tactics of treatment depend on the cause and stage of the disease. That is why, with inflammation in the cervical canal, treatment is always selected individually.

Treatment may include:

• drug therapy in accordance with the identified cause of inflammation;
• local medications to reduce inflammation and restore the mucous membrane — according to indications.

If the cause of endocervicitis is a sexually transmitted infection, the doctor may recommend simultaneous examination and treatment of the sexual partner. This is important for preventing repeated infection.

Doctors of Oxford Medical emphasize that self-treatment may be ineffective and lead to chronicization of the inflammatory process. Properly selected therapy helps eliminate inflammation, reduce the risk of developing complications and repeated occurrence of the disease.

Without timely treatment, the inflammatory process can spread beyond the cervical canal. Since the cervix performs a protective function, its inflammation facilitates the penetration of infection to other organs of the reproductive system. The risk of complications increases with a prolonged course of the disease or if treatment was incomplete.

Possible consequences of endocervicitis are:

• transition of the disease into a chronic form, due to which symptoms may become less pronounced, but inflammation continues to progress;
• spread of infection to the uterus with the development of endometritis, as well as to the fallopian tubes and ovaries;
• formation of adhesions in the small pelvis, which may be accompanied by chronic pelvic pain;
• decreased fertility, difficulties with conception and an increased risk of complications during pregnancy.

Doctors of Oxford Medical recommend not postponing treatment even in the case of moderately pronounced symptoms. Timely therapy helps eliminate inflammation before it spreads to other organs and preserve reproductive health.

Prevention is aimed primarily at reducing the risk of infection and timely treatment of gynecological diseases. Following simple recommendations helps maintain the health of the cervix and reduce the likelihood of developing the inflammatory process.

For prevention, it is recommended:

• to use barrier methods of contraception to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections;
• to avoid uncontrolled use of vaginal suppositories, antiseptics and douching without a doctor's prescription;
• to undergo preventive examinations by a gynecologist at least once a year.

Following these recommendations helps reduce the risk of developing endocervicitis and its repeated occurrence, as well as maintain reproductive health.

The cost of treatment of endocervicitis depends on the cause of the disease, the scope of the necessary diagnostics and the individually selected therapy regimen. The final treatment plan is determined by the doctor after the examination and receiving the results of the examination.

You can familiarize yourself with the cost of a gynecologist's consultation here. To make an appointment, leave a request through the online appointment form or contact the clinic's contact center.

The information is for informational purposes and does not replace a doctor's consultation.

Sources:

• MSD Manual Professional Edition
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• US National Library of Medicine