STI awareness: Mucopurulent Cervicitis
MUCOPURULENT cervicitis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) of the cervix caused by chlamydia, gonorrhoea or other STIs and can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) if left untreated.
According to obstetrician-gynaecologist (ObGyn) Dr Ryan Halsall, mucopurulent cervicitis oftentimes results in bleeding during or after sex, unusual vaginal discharge, spotting between periods, lower abdominal pain, or pain during sex.
Dr Halsall said a diagnosis of the infection can be had based on clinical examination of a patient’s genitals and an STI panel done to determine the exact agent.
He added that because it can be caused by other STIs, a health care provider will probably test for chlamydia, gonorrhoea or other infections based on a patient’s sexual history and symptoms.
As with all STIs, protection comes with the use of barrier protection such as a condom, abstaining from sexual activity, or being monogamous with a partner who does not have any STIs.
He warned women to avoid douching because it can actually hide the symptoms of mucopurulent cervicitis, making it harder to diagnose and treat.
With regards to effectively treating mucopurulent cervicitis, Dr Halsall said depending on symptoms and the results of other STI tests, there are several different kinds of antibiotics that may be prescribed.
However, he said after treatment you may be asked to schedule a follow-up to make sure the infection is totally cleared up and there is no risk of getting PID later.
Dr Halsall said the follow-up includes repeating the STI test to ensure resolution.
—Kimberley Hibbert
