Cervicitis

Jensen, 2015Lis, 2015Lusk, 2017Lusk, 2016Ong, 2023Workowski, 2021

Cervicitis is characterised by a mucopurulent cervical discharge and contact bleeding (eg postcoital bleeding) from a friable cervix. However, these features are not sensitive or specific for infection. Noninfectious causes of cervicitis include radiation therapy, cancer, trauma, chemical irritants and allergic reactions (eg to latex in condoms).

Before starting antimicrobial therapy, undertake nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) (eg polymerase chain reaction [PCR]) for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Trichomonas vaginalis and, if cervical ulcers are present, herpes simplex virus (HSV). If an organism is identified, treat as for the relevant infection:

• Chlamydia trachomatis infection (see Treatment of asymptomatic Chlamydia trachomatis infection for regimens)
• Mycoplasma genitalium infection (see Treatment of asymptomatic Mycoplasma genitalium infection for regimens)
• Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection (see Treatment of asymptomatic Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection for regimens)
• trichomoniasis
• herpes simplex virus.

For more information, see Australian STI Management guidelines.