Cervicitis is swelling (inflammation) of the end of the uterus (cervix).

Cervicitis is most often caused by an infection, usually caught during sexual activity. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that can cause cervicitis include:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Herpes virus (genital herpes)
• Human papilloma virus (genital warts)
• Trichomoniasis

However, in a few cases it may be due to:

• A device inserted into the pelvic area such as:
  • Cervical cap
  • Device to support the uterus (pessary)
  • Diaphragm
• An allergy to spermicides used for birth control or to latex in condoms
• Exposure to a chemical

Cervicitis is very common, affecting more than half of all women at some point during their adult life. Risks include:

• High-risk sexual behavior
• History of STDs
• Many sexual partners
• Sex (intercourse) at an early age
• Sexual partner(s) who have engaged in high-risk sexual behavior or have had an STD

Bacteria (such as staphylococcus and streptococcus) and too much growth of normal bacteria in the vagina (bacterial vaginosis), can also cause cervicitis.