​​Cervicitis

Cervicitis is an infl​ammation that occurs in the cervix. The cervix is the opening at the lower end of the uterus that opens into the vagina. The inflammation can be due to irritation, infection or injury to the cells in the cervix. The tissues in the cervix may become red, swollen and produce mucus or a pus like discharge. They may also bleed easily when touched.​

Cervicitis may be caused by infections transferred through sexual intercourse or through other ways. Such sexually transmitted diseases include Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Herpes, Trichomoniasis or Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma.

Additional causes of cervicitis may include irritation with the use of tampons, cervical caps, pessaries, diaphragms or allergies to the chemical in douches, spermicides, latex material of condoms, all of which are inserted inside the vagina. Other causes could include bacterial imbalance, hormonal imbalance or radiation therapy, specifically around the pelvic area.​

Once the cervix is infected, there is an increase in the risk of the infection spreading into the uterus and further up the female reproductive tract. This may result in pelvic inflammatory disease and needs to be treated properly to avoid serious consequences such as infertility​

Cervicitis may be present in some cases but there are no obvious signs until much later.  Symptoms of cervicitis include:

  • Vaginal discharge, pale yellow, brown or green coloured, may be pus like, having a foul smell

  • Abnormal bleeding from the vagina between periods or after intercourse

  • Pain during sexual intercourse

  • Frequent or pain during urination​​


If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above consult a doctor.

If you are pregnant and experience any symptoms mentioned above, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Make an appointment with our specialist doctors in the Women's Health Service Line​ at The Aga Khan University Hospital.

It is recommended to have a regular check-up with a family doctor. Many diseases such as cervicitis can be detected at an early stage through routine screening. ​


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Your time with your doctor may be limited, so make sure to prepare for your visit beforehand. H​ere​ are some tips to help get you started. ​
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Following a medical history, your doctor may perform a pelvic examination to check the cervix. If necessary, the doctor may conduct some additional testing:

  • Cervical swab for culture test: to look for sexually transmitted diseases.

  • Urine sample test: for urinalysis, commonly referred to a surine D/R and Urine culture to rule out Urine infection. Your doctor may also request a Special PCR test, know as Xpert CTNG, on urine for certain sexually transmitted infections.​

  • Pap smear: cells taken from the cervix are taken and analysed to detect any signs of cancer.

  • Biopsy: tissue taken from the lining of the uterus to detect any abnormalities.​​

Disclaimer: Kindly consult your physician before getting the above-mentioned tests.​

Depending on the cause of the infection, the doctor may recommend any of the following treatments:

  • Antibiotics

  • Hormonal therapy

  • Antiviral drugs

Your doctor may recommend that you stop having sexual intercourse for some time. It may be necessary for your partner to also be treated as this is a disease that can be transferred through sexual intercourse.​


The Aga Khan University Hospital offers various support services to help with managing or recovering from the disease or condition. These include but are not limited to nutrition, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, specialized clinics and some patient support groups. Your doctor or nurse will advise you accordingly.

The Aga Khan University Hospital offers financial assistance to those who are in need and fulfil the eligibility criteria. For further information, you can contact the Patient Welfare Department. You can find the contact number of the Patient Welfare Department in the 'Important Numbers' section on the website homepage.

The financial counselling staff is available during office hours, at the main PBSD (Patient Business Services Department), to answer your financial queries on treatments' costs and authorize admissions on partial deposit as per hospital policies allow. The financial counsellor in the emergency room is open 24/7. You can find the contact number of the Patient Business Services in the 'Important Numbers' section on the website homepage.​


Your doctor and or nurse will give you specific instructions about the prescribed medication. Please ensure that you take or use the prescribed medicine as advised. It can be dangerous to your health if you self-prescribe. Please inform the doctor or nurse beforehand if you have experienced any adverse reactions to any medications in the past. If you experience any symptoms of drug poisoning, overdose or severe reaction please contact the Pharmacy Service at The Aga Khan University Hospital immediately. You can find the contact number of the Pharmacy Services in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage ​
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The information provided on our website is for educational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or other healthcare professional provider.