How is bacterial cervicitis caused?

Generally, bacterial cervicitis may be caused by frequent sexual intercourse, hormonal fluctuations, spread of bacterial vaginosis, Chlamydia trachomatis infection, Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection, and other factors. If discomfort symptoms occur, timely medical consultation is recommended for standardized treatment under a physician's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Frequent Sexual Intercourse

Frequent sexual activity can repeatedly subject cervical mucosa to mechanical stimulation and friction, decreasing local cervical resistance. This creates opportunities for bacteria normally residing in the vagina to invade the cervix and multiply, causing inflammation. Maintaining an appropriate frequency of sexual activity, avoiding excessive sexual behavior, and emphasizing personal hygiene before and after sexual intercourse for both partners are important preventive measures.

2. Hormonal Fluctuations

During special periods such as menstruation and pregnancy, women experience hormonal changes. For example, when estrogen levels rise, the cervical columnar epithelium extends outward and has relatively weaker resistance to bacteria. This makes it easier for bacteria to colonize the cervix and cause infection, leading to bacterial cervicitis. Women should monitor their hormonal changes and pay particular attention to genital hygiene during these special periods, choosing appropriate sanitary products and maintaining cleanliness and dryness of the external genitalia.

3. Spread of Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis often results from imbalance of the normal vaginal flora, such as from frequent vaginal douching or long-term antibiotic use, which disrupts the vaginal pH balance and microecological environment, allowing harmful bacteria to proliferate. Because the vagina and cervix are closely connected, vaginal bacteria can easily ascend to infect the cervix, causing bacterial cervicitis. This is often accompanied by symptoms such as increased vaginal discharge, fishy odor, and vulvar itching. Medications such as metronidazole suppositories, tinidazole tablets, and clindamycin phosphate gel may be used under medical guidance.

4. Chlamydia trachomatis Infection

Chlamydia trachomatis is primarily transmitted through sexual contact. After infecting the cervix, it grows and multiplies within cervical epithelial cells, causing an inflammatory response in the cervical mucosa. Symptoms may also include frequent urination, urgency, and postcoital bleeding. Azithromycin tablets, doxycycline tablets, minocycline capsules, and other medications may be taken as directed by a physician to relieve symptoms.

5. Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infection

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is most commonly transmitted through sexual contact. This bacterium has a special affinity for cervical columnar epithelium and can rapidly cause acute inflammation of the cervical mucosa after infection, resulting in cervical congestion, edema, and production of large amounts of purulent discharge. Symptoms often include difficulty urinating and a burning sensation at the urethral meatus. It is recommended to use medications such as ceftriaxone sodium, spectinomycin hydrochloride, and cefixime tablets under medical supervision. In severe cases with complications such as cervical adhesions, cervical dilation procedures may be required, using specialized instruments to separate the adhered cervical canal and restore patency to facilitate discharge elimination.

Daily cleansing of the external genitalia with warm water is recommended to ensure cleanliness and dryness. Using condoms not only prevents pregnancy but also reduces the risk of sexually transmitted diseases to a certain extent.