Cervix is a neck or canal that connects the uterus and vagina. It is a lower part of the uterus that lets the sperm in to fertilize the egg. Unfortunately, the cervix is one of the less-discussed parts of the women’s reproductive system. However, there are a lot of diseases and infections that can significantly affect the reproductive and overall health of a woman. 

It is essential to regularly visit a gynecologist for examination and testing. You should understand that many diseases can develop asymptomatically and cause symptoms only on advanced stages. In this article, we gathered four disturbing conditions that can affect your cervix.

1. Cervical polyps

Cervical polyps are tumors that grow in the cervix. They range in size (from sesame seed to grape size) and color (red, grey, or purple). You should also know that cervical polyps are rarely cancerous. However, it is better to treat them or at least monitor your condition. Cervical polyps are quite common in women who have more than one childbirth. 

In many cases, polyps don’t cause severe symptoms. However, some women may experience pain and bloody discharge after sexual intercourse, heavy periods, and spotting between periods. Despite the fact that the underlying cause of cervical polyps is still unknown, various infections and hormonal imbalance can contribute to their development. 

If your gynecologist diagnoses you with cervical polyps, he or she will recommend to remove them. Small polyps could be removed during the regular pelvic examination. Big polyps may require surgery. 

2. Cervicitis

Cervicitis is an inflammation of the cervix. This condition may occur because of infections or allergy (for example, to tampons or condoms). The most common symptoms of cervicitis include:

• Spotting
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Pelvic pressure
• Pain during sex
• Puss (in case of severe cervicitis)

If you have noticed at least some of the symptoms mentioned above, it is essential to visit a doctor as soon as possible. If left untreated, cervicitis may lead to the development of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and even infertility. 

Due to the fact that cervicitis treatment depends on its cause, treatment options may vary. If your condition was caused by infection, antibiotics can help ease your symptoms, In case of an allergic reaction, it is important to avoid irritants. 

3. STIs

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can significantly affect your cervix and cause a lot of complications. Some infections can contribute to the development of cervicitis while others may affect the cervix and the whole reproductive system. The most common STIs that can affect that cervix are gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital herpes, and trichomonas. They can cause bleeding, abnormal discharge, pain during sex, and other unpleasant symptoms. 

Human papillomavirus (HPV) can also affect the woman’s reproductive system and the cervix as well. You should also know that HPV can disappear on its own. However, it is important to regularly monitor your condition since this virus is considered one of the most common causes of caer]vical and other types of female reproductive system cancers. 

4. Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer occurs when cervical cells change and become abnormal. Unfortunately, it is quite hard to recognize cervical cancer on the early stages during a regular pelvic exam. If you have HPV, your doctor may recommend you to perform a cervix biopsy to check cervical cells for cancer. 

The most common treatment options for cervical cancer include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and targeted therapy. During the surgery, your doctor may remove only affected are od the cervix or the whole uterus (hysterectomy) if cancer spreads on it. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are used to kill and prevent the spread of cancerous cells. Targeted therapy eliminates cancerous cells but preserves healthy cells at the same time.