The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus, opening into the vagina. Its
small opening expands during childbirth and lets menstrual blood leave the
body.
You may have no symptoms of a cervix disorder — which is why **routine
pelvic exams and a Pap test** are how most are found.
Four conditions that share a location and nothing else
| Cervical cancer | Cancer beginning in the cells of the cervix |
| Cervicitis | Swelling of the cervix, usually from an infection, but also from skin irritation. Treatment helps avoid complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease |
| Cervical incompetence (insufficiency) | During pregnancy the cervix opens too early, which can cause premature birth or loss of the fetus |
| Cervical polyps and cysts | Fleshy or fluid-filled growths, usually benign, more common during the reproductive years, especially after 20 |
What raises the risk
- A previous cervical procedure or surgery
- A sexually transmitted infection such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea
- **Irritation from a latex condom, or a product such as a spermicide or
douche** - Leaving something in the vagina too long — a diaphragm, tampon or
cervical cap - Not using a condom consistently, or having multiple sex partners
Two of those five are irritation rather than infection, which is the part
people do not expect: cervicitis can be caused by a product bought for
hygiene.
Symptoms, where there are any
- Vaginal bleeding that is not normal for you — such as between periods
- Pain during sex or a pelvic exam
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
In pregnancy, an incompetent cervix may show as **light vaginal bleeding, a
feeling of pelvic pressure, or mild cramps** — or as nothing at all.
Diagnosis and treatment
Even without symptoms, a provider may notice changes during a pelvic exam —
redness or inflammation of the cervix or vaginal walls, **discharge or a
strong odour** — and may perform a Pap test.
Treatment depends on the cause: antibiotics, or simply **stopping a
product that is irritating the skin**. With a history of an incompetent
cervix, medicine or ultrasound monitoring may be used through a pregnancy.
Prevention
Use a condom every time. Correct use of latex condoms greatly reduces, but
does not eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading STIs; polyurethane
condoms for a latex allergy. Plus regular pelvic exams, **STI testing as
needed**, and avoiding personal care products that irritate.
Source: MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Licence: CC0 1.0 (public domain) · Adapted from medlineplus.gov
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