Cervicitis inflammation of the cervix due to presence of pathogenic microorganisms. It is common in sexually active females

1. Gynaecology
Cervicitis

2. Objectives
• Define cervicitis.
• State causes of cervicitis.
• Describe pathophysiology of
cervicitis.
• State clinical features of cervicitis.

3. • Outline the investigations that
are done for cervicitis.
• Outline the medical management
of cervicitis.
• Outline the health education that
is given to the client.

4. • State complications of cervicitis.

5. Definition
• Cervicitis is inflammation of the
cervix.

6. Causes
Cervicitis is sexually transmitted.
• Chlamydia trachomatis.
• Neisseria gonorrhoea.
• Staphylococcus aureus.

7. Pathophysiology
Infection and inflammation of the
cervix, vagina and vulva tend to
occur when the natural defences
of the acid vaginal secretions
(maintained by sufficient
oestrogen levels) and the

8. Presence of lacto bacillus are
disrupted. The woman’s
resistance may be decreased as a
result of aging, poor nutrition and
use of drugs e.G antibiotcs that
alter the flora or mucosa.

9. Organisms gain entry to the areas
through contaminated hands,
clothing, douche tips and during
intercourse, surgery and child
birth.

10. Clinical manfestations
• Muco purulent discharge.
• Dysuria .
• Post coital spotting.

11. Investigations
• Cervical discharge swab for
culture for chlaymidia and
gonorrhea .

12. Management
Medical treatment.
• Azithromycin p.O single dose
Or
• Doxycycline 100 mg po b.D x 7/7
and ceftriaxone (rocephine) 2g im
stat.

13. Health education
• Partner to be treated .
• encourage barrier method
during intercourse.
• Health educate on the dangers of
having multiple sexual partners.

14. • Health educate on correct
consistant use of condoms either
male or female to prevent
contracting hiv since cervicitis
predisposes one to hiv.

15. • Health educate on personal
hygiene and discourage douching.
• Encourage the woman to have a
pap smear collected and refer for
viac inspection to rule out cancer
of the cervix.

16. Complications
• Pelvic inflammatory disease.
• Ectopic pregnancy.
• Infertility
• Cancer of the cervix.
• Hiv/aids

17. References
• Heirtkemper m. MACLEAN (2000)
MEDICAL – SURGICAL NURSING
6th EDITION
• Brunner and suddarth (1992)
MEDICAL SURGICAL NURSING
12th EDITION.

18. • LLEWELLYN JONES (2005),
FUNDAMENTALS OF OBSTETRICS
AND GYNAECOLOGY 8th EDITION