Infectious causes are treated with prescription medication (antibiotics or antifungals). Medications may be taken orally (by mouth) or applied in the vagina (cream or lotion).

Hormonal therapy may be initiated, especially in postmenopausal women. Cryosurgery, electrocauterization, and laser therapy are other treatment options that may be considered, if less invasive measures are not successful.

Simple cervicitis typically heals with treatment if the cause is adequately identified and treatment is available for that specific cause.

Chronic (long-term) cervicitis may develop and persist for months to years. Cervicitis may be a causative factor in dyspareunia (pain with intercourse).

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you are a woman, age 20 or older, and have had no prior pelvic examination and Pap smear.

Call for an appointment with the health care provider if you have not obtained a pelvic exam and Pap smear at the recommended intervals. Typical recommendations are:

• every year initially
• for women up to age 35 or 40: every 2 to 3 years after having three negative, consecutive annual Pap smear tests and a single sexual partner or no sexual partner
• every year for women over age 35 or 40
• every year for women who have had multiple sexual partners
• every year for women who are taking oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
• every 6 months for women who have a history of HPV (genital warts)
• every year for women who were prenatally exposed to DES
• the frequency recommended by your health care provider after an abnormal Pap smear