Everything you need to know about cervical health - <p>The cervix is the lowest part of the uterus, and there are many different conditions that can affect it. From mild inflammation to cervical cancer, some conditions are more common than others. Some are also more serious, and can cause different symptoms, such as abnormal bleeding or vaginal discharge. Unfortunately, cervical health is one aspect of overall <a href="https://www.starsinsider.com/health/489131/the-biggest-womens-health-myths" target="_blank">health</a> that many women neglect. But by knowing more about it, women can detect any issues at an early stage, and get the best treatment possible.</p>
<p>Click on to learn more about common conditions and prevention methods in relation to cervical health.</p>

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Symptoms -

The symptoms will depend on the underlying condition. Some women won't have any symptoms at all.

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Detection -

A problem with the cervix may be detected by the medical professional who is examining you for another reason. For example, when a cervical smear test is taken.

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Common symptoms -

Common symptoms may include lower abdominal or pelvic pain, vaginal discharge, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and pain during intercourse.

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Diagnosis -

Most cervical conditions can be diagnosed when a gynecologist examines you. However, it's sometimes necessary for other tests to be undertaken.

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Common tests -

Internal swabs are a common test where a small cotton wool swab is rubbed on your cervix to obtain samples. Getting a small sample of tissue from a lump is also a common procedure. The sample is then examined under a microscope.

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Other tests -

Depending on your symptoms, other tests may also be carried out. They may include blood tests and an ultrasound of your womb and ovaries.

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Colposcopy -

You may also be asked to undergo a colposcopy, which looks at the cervix in more detail. It's usually done if your cervical smear test finds any changes to the cells of your cervix.

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Causes of problems affecting the cervix -

Infections are caused by bacteria and viruses, which then lead to inflammation of the cervix. Inflammation of your cervix is called cervicitis.

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Cervicitis -

The most common symptom in women with cervicitis is vaginal discharge. Other symptoms can include pain when urinating, lower abdominal pain, and bleeding between periods.

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STI -

Infections of your cervix are usually caught from STIs. The most common ones that affect the cervix are gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital herpes, trichomonas, and human papillomavirus (HPV).

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Bacterial vaginosis (BV) -

BV is caused by an overgrowth of normal germs in your vagina. However, it's not an STI. In some cases, BV clears out without treatment. In other cases, antibiotic medication may be needed.

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Other causes of inflammation of the cervix -

Apart from STIs, cervicitis can also be caused by a number of other conditions.

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Allergies -

Women with allergies to condoms and spermicides can experience inflammation of the cervix.

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Irritation -

Irritation from period pads and tampons can also be an underlying cause of inflammation.

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Radiotherapy -

Cervicitis can be a side effect of radiotherapy, which is used for some cancer treatments. For cervicitis not caused by infections, there is usually no treatment. It settles once the cause is removed, in this case meaning the end of radiotherapy.

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Other problems affecting the cervix -

There are also a number of other issues affecting the cervix, such as polyps. A polyp is a small growth on either the surface or the inside of the cervix. They're not cancerous.

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Endometriosis -

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease, in which cells similar to the lining of the uterus, or endometrium, grow outside the uterus. It can cause chronic inflammation of the cervix.

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Cervical ectropion -

Easily treated, cervical ectropion is related to estrogen. It's more common in young women, pregnant women, or those taking combined oral contraceptive pills. It may cause increased vaginal discharge or bleeding.

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Nabothian cysts -

Nabothian cysts are tiny cysts that form on the surface of the cervix. They're fairly common and don't usually cause any symptoms. Treatment is usually not needed.

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Cervical cancer -

Cervical cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix. It can often be found early, and sometimes even be prevented, by having regular screening tests.

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Prevention -

While there's no guaranteed way to prevent cervical cancer, there are ways to lower the chances of any harmful infections. Here's how to keep your cervix healthy.

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Regular screening tests -

To ensure the cervix is healthy, women from the ages of 25 to 65 need to undergo regular screening tests. A doctor can do an HPV and a pap test.

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HPV vaccine -

The HPV vaccine is a safe and the most effective way to protect against the types of HPV that cause cervical cancer. It also protects against genital and throat cancers, and genital warts.

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When to get the HPV vaccine -

Preteens aged 11–12 years, and everyone under the age of 26, can get the HPV vaccine. However, it’s most effective before one becomes intimate and potentially exposed to HPV.

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Using barrier protection methods during intercourse -

The HPV infection spreads through intimacy. Therefore, it's important to practice safe intercourse by using condoms, internal condoms, or dental dams.

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Stop smoking -

Smoking can cause different types of cancer, including cervical cancer. Smoking also weakens your immune system and makes your body less able to fight off infections.

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Diet -

A diet rich in antioxidants, nuts, and legumes carries important components that help protect you from HPV and other cervical issues.

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Avoid higher glycemic index (GI) foods -

A 2020 study, from the National Cancer Center in South Korea, suggested that consumption of low GI foods can play a role in preventing cervical cancer. Higher GI foods to avoid include white bread, potatoes, and white rice.

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Inflammatory foods -

Also, consuming diets high in inflammatory foods, such as saturated fats and sugar, can increase the chance of bacterial vaginosis.

See also: Human papillomavirus—learn more about HPV and how to prevent its effects

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