How to Prevent Cervicitis

Are you suffering from cervicitis? If so, you are not alone because many women have this condition at some point in their lives. Cervicitis is described as inflammation of the cervix, which is the lower and narrow end of the uterus. Cervicitis is caused by an infection (sexually transmitted disease or vaginal infection), or injury or irritation to the cervix itself. If left untreated, cervicitis can lead to other serious health complications. That is why it is very important to avoid getting this infection. Fortunately, there are a few ways that you can prevent cervicitis.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Latex Condoms
• Annual Physical Examination
• STD tests

1. Visit your doctor as soon as you notice any unusual symptoms, such as a vaginal discharge or pain in the lower abdominal area. These symptoms may indicate that you have a sexually transmitted disease or vaginal infection. Therefore, you should get tested and treated as soon as possible, in order to prevent the disease or infection from spreading to your cervix.
2. Abstain from having sexual intercourse. The best way to prevent getting an STD is to avoid having sexual intercourse until you are in a committed relationship. If you abstain from having sexual intercourse, then you cannot get infected with an STD. And as a result, this greatly reduces your chances of developing cervicitis (since the main cause for cervicitis is having an STD, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea).
3. Verify your partner’s sexual history and STD status. Ask your partner if he’s been tested for all sexually transmitted diseases and confirm whether or not he has ever been infected and treated for an STD. Consider asking your partner to go with you to get tested for STDs. This a good way to verify both you and your partner’s health status.
4. Use condoms when engaging in sexual intercourse. Be sure to use a latex condom each time that you have sex. This helps to protect you from catching an STD. When used properly, condoms are highly effective at preventing the spread of sexually transmitted diseases from one person to another.
5. Wash and clean yourself daily. It is important to keep your vaginal area clean, so be sure to shower and clean yourself everyday with soap and water. This helps to keep unwanted bacteria and foreign substances out of the vaginal area, which helps to prevent infection from occurring.
6. Go to your doctor for an annual check-up. In order to further prevent cervicitis, you should visit your doctor at least once a year, for a regular physical examination.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid using scented tampons, douches or sprays, because products with fragrances can irritate the vaginal area, as well as the cervix.