1. Determine Cause of Cervicitis
Determining the cause of your cervicitis is the key to successful treatment. If your cervicitis is caused by an allergy to latex, spermicides or another type of chemical, avoidance of that allergen may be all that is needed to clear up the cervicitis. Pain medication or anti-inflammatory medication may be recommended in the interim. If your cervicitis is caused by a sexually transmitted disease (STD) as is most common, however, that disease will need to be treated appropriately. Failing to treat cervicitis in a timely fashion can lead to serious complications, including loss of fertility and the inability to deliver a child vaginally.
2. Treat the Infection Not the Symptoms
There are two types of infections that cause cervicitis--bacterial and viral. The most common bacterial STDs that lead to cervicitis are chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis. These are typically treated with a broad-spectrum antibiotic like doxycycline. An antibiotic douche may also be prescribed. These treatments are also used to treat cervicitis caused by non-sexually transmitted bacteria like staphylococcus and streptococcus.
Sexually transmitted viruses like human papillomavirus (HPV) and herpes simplex virus can also cause cervicitis. Your immune system usually gets rid of HPV, but there is no cure for the herpes virus. Herpes can be managed with antiviral medication such as acyclovir and valacyclovir (sold under the brand name Valtrex). Those who experience chronic cervicitis may be candidates for surgical intervention.
3. Get Your Sexual Partner Treated
While managing your cervicitis, it's important to avoid sexual contact. Additionally, it's important to have your sexual partner(s) tested for sexually transmitted diseases, particularly if one is determined to be the cause of your cervicitis. Most relapse cases of cervicitis are due to reinfection with the same or another STD. Limiting your sexual partners will help prevent reinfection, and practicing safe sex (always wearing a condom) is recommended.
