Is cervicitis a disease? Is it contagious?

Cervicitis is not a disease, but it is a gynecological inflammation that needs to be taken seriously and is usually not contagious. When facing cervicitis, it is very important to understand the cause and actively manage it to avoid unnecessary worries and potential health problems.

Cervicitis refers to inflammation of the cervix, which may be caused by a variety of reasons, such as bacterial or viral infection, or mechanical stimulation of the cervix caused by sexual intercourse, childbirth, abortion, etc. It is generally divided into two types: acute and chronic. Acute inflammation is more common after childbirth or during infection, while chronic may be related to continuous stimulation by pathogens. Although it is related to infection, not all types are transmitted through contact, just like a cold and a genetic disease are different concepts.

Cervicitis may cause increased vaginal discharge, yellowing, and odor. Some patients may experience vulvar itching or lower abdominal pain. If it is an acute type, the symptoms are relatively obvious, and some people may have mild bleeding; chronic types are more hidden and easy to be ignored. However, it should be made clear that cervicitis is not the same as cervical cancer. Although long-term infection such as high-risk HPV increases the risk of cancer, most cervicitis does not pose a direct danger.

Prevention and management of cervicitis focus on keeping private parts clean and avoiding unclean sex. Annual physical examinations can help detect potential problems early, especially cervical cytology testing (TCT) and HPV screening. If symptoms persist or you feel obviously uncomfortable, be sure to see a doctor as soon as possible and have a professional doctor evaluate and develop a treatment plan.