Overview
The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Cervical health includes preventing, detecting, and treating conditions such as HPV infection, cervicitis, precancerous cell changes, and cervical cancer. Many early cervical problems do not cause symptoms, which is why screening is important.
Key Symptoms
Some cervical conditions cause no symptoms at first. When symptoms do happen, they may include bleeding after sex, bleeding between periods, bleeding after menopause, unusual vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, or pain during sex. These symptoms can have many causes, but they should be medically evaluated.
Causes and Risk Factors
Persistent infection with certain types of HPV is the main risk factor for cervical cancer and precancerous changes. Other factors that may affect cervical health include smoking, a weakened immune system, lack of regular screening, and some sexually transmitted infections. Inflammation of the cervix can also happen because of infection, irritation, or changes in the vaginal environment.
Who Is Affected
Anyone with a cervix can develop cervical health problems, including adolescents, adults, and older people. Risk is influenced by age, sexual health history, immune status, vaccination status, and access to screening. People who have gone through menopause can still have cervical conditions and should follow local screening guidance unless a clinician advises otherwise.
Prevention
HPV vaccination is an important way to lower the risk of cervical cancer. Regular cervical screening, such as HPV testing and/or cervical cell testing depending on local guidelines, can detect changes before cancer develops. Not smoking, using barrier protection during sex, and getting treatment for infections when needed may also support cervical health.
Diagnosis and Tests
Healthcare professionals may use cervical screening tests, a pelvic exam, HPV testing, or laboratory tests for infection to assess cervical health. If screening shows abnormal results, further evaluation may include colposcopy, which uses magnification to examine the cervix more closely, and sometimes a biopsy. The exact tests depend on symptoms, age, screening history, and local medical guidelines.
Treatment Categories
Treatment depends on the cause. Infections and inflammation may be managed with treatment directed by a healthcare professional, while abnormal cervical cells may need monitoring or procedures to remove or destroy affected tissue. Cervical cancer care may involve surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or other specialist treatment.
When to Seek Medical Care
Make a medical appointment if you have bleeding after sex, bleeding between periods, bleeding after menopause, unusual discharge, pelvic pain, or pain during sex. Also seek care if you have an abnormal screening result or have missed recommended screening. Early evaluation can help identify infections, inflammation, or cell changes before they become more serious.
When It May Be an Emergency
Seek urgent medical care for very heavy vaginal bleeding, severe pelvic pain, fainting, fever with pelvic pain, or symptoms of severe infection. Emergency care is also important if bleeding happens during pregnancy or if you feel weak, dizzy, or short of breath with bleeding.