Surprising Benefits of Sex Slideshow Pictures Take the Yeast Infection Quiz What's Causing Your Pelvic Pain Slideshow

Medical Author:

Arasi Thangavelu-Veluswamy, MD, FAAEM

Coauthor:

Suzanne R Trupin, MD

Medical Editor:

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.

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Prevention

Infectious causes of cervicitis are preventable by using common-sense, safe-sex practices.

• Limit your sexual contacts. Know your partner's sexual history. Make condoms a routine part of sex. Spermicides, in addition to the condoms, probably help prevent cervicitis as well.
  
  
• Make sure you are treated immediately for vaginal infections before they spread to your cervix.
  
  
• Have a complete physical exam that includes a Pap test each year, regardless of whether or not you are experiencing any symptoms, especially if you are sexually active.
  
  
• Recommend that your partner be screened for STIs on a regular basis.

Avoid chemical irritants in deodorized tampons, douches, or sprays.