What Are the Treatments for Cervicitis?

Cervicitis is inflammation of the cervix which is usually caused by sexually transmitted diseases, intrauterine devices for birth control, a tampon being left in too long, some chemical douches and some viruses such as herpes. Different symptoms are associated with cervicitis but there are a number of ways to treat it.

Medication

• If the cervicitis is caused by a sexually transmitted disease such as Chlamydia, doctors usually prescribe antibiotics such as doxycycline which is taken twice a day for a period of one week. Doxycycline includes medication such as Doryx and Vibramycin. Erythromycin, better known as ERYC, is prescribed by doctors and is usually taken four times a day for one week to treat cervicitis. Ofloxacin, such as Floxin, is taken twice a day for one week. Azithromycin, popularly known by its brand name, Zithromax, is an antibiotic comprised of four capsules that should be taken in one dose. Sometimes, douches that kill bacteria that reside in the vagina and cervix are also prescribed.

Surgery

• For those who are prone to cervicitis and who get often it, doctors perform surgery to destroy the abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix. Cautery, also known as heat cautery, uses a cautery probe to produce a controlled current to burn and destroy damages cells. It is one of the most common treatments and is known to cause mild or moderate pain. The pain, however, is bearable and only lasts during the procedure. Cryosurgery, also known as freezing or cold cautery uses nitrous oxide or carbon dioxide gas to freeze the affected tissue. The nitrous oxide or carbon dioxide is administered using an instrument that looks similar to a gun, rather than a probe. This procedure can cause a sensation of coldness or cramping which is also a bearable pain and goes away fairly quickly.

Laser Treatment

• Laser treatment is one of the more popular ways to treat cervicitis and is usually used when there are large areas of abnormal tissue that need to be treated. This kind of treatment uses an intense beam of light to remove the abnormal tissue. Like cryosurgery, mild but bearable cramping may be felt during the treatment. Unlike cryosurgery, however, a warm sensation will be felt instead of a cold one.
  Before taking any medication, make sure to consult your doctor first. You can also discuss more about the treatments that are available for cervicitis with your doctor before you undergo any of the surgical procedures.