Inflammation of the cervix

Inflammation of the outer cervix (Portio vaginalis uteri), i.e. the connection between the cervix (cervix uteri) and the vagina, is not really an inflammation at all. It is rather a migration of the uterine tissue (cylindrical epithelium) towards the vagina (squamous epithelium). If the uterine tissue can now be detected in the vagina, this is called ectopy. However, this tissue shift is usually not a pathological change, but a completely normal, frequently occurring condition. At the transition area (transformation zone) of these two tissue types, which in sexually mature and pregnant women is located on the surface of the cervix (surface of the portio), pathological changes can always occur, such as infections (e.g. by human papilloma viruses (HPV)), growths (polyps, cysts), cancer or inflammation.

Symptoms

Complaints of inflammation of the cervix or tissue displacement can include bleeding. These can occur during or after sexual intercourse or can be noticeable by altered menstrual bleeding (irregular, heavier, longer). Likewise, an inflammation of the cervix (portio ectopy) can also become apparent through an increased discharge (fluorine).

Lower abdominal pain and contact pain (so-called portio ectopy) are also typical of inflammation of the cervix. Pain may also occur when urinating. This is usually a stinging, burning pain.

In addition, local itching often occurs. A typical symptom of inflammation of the cervix is contact bleeding, e.g. during sexual intercourse or during gynaecological examinations. But spontaneous bleeding independent of menstruation is also possible.

As a rule, this is light bleeding, so-called spotting. In the case of heavy bleeding, other causes such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis or uterine tumours should be considered. In addition to bleeding, an inflammation of the cervix can cause a foul-smelling yellowish discharge. Additionally, women with an inflammation of the cervix usually suffer from pain. Spotting can not only be caused by inflammation of the cervix, but also by various other causes.

Causes

A tissue change or tissue displacement is usually of hormonal origin. The tissue (squamous epithelium) of the outer cervix (Portio vaginalis uteri) can be replaced by the uterine tissue due to hormonal influences. Inflammation of the cervix is caused by ascending bacteria from the vagina.

The bacteria can be transmitted either through sexual contact or lack of hygiene. These include bacteria such as Chlamydia, mycoplasma, gonococcus or E. coli. Furthermore, viruses such as HPV or genital herpes can cause an inflammation of the cervix.

Depending on the underlying cause, the symptoms can vary somewhat. An infection with gonococci often causes a green-yellowish discharge. The other bacteria tend to cause a yellowish discharge (fluorine). Since an inflammation of the cervix is often caused by sexually transmitted pathogens, we also recommend our page on: Sexually transmitted diseases