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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffCervicitis is most often discovered incidentally during a routine pelvic exam and Pap test and often doesn't require treatment. If, however, you experience unusual vaginal symptoms that lead you to schedule an appointment, you'll most likely see a gynecologist, family doctor or other health care provider.
Because appointments can be brief, and because there's often a lot of ground to cover, it's a good idea to be well prepared for your appointment. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and what to expect from your doctor.
What you can do
So that your doctor can observe and evaluate any vaginal discharge you have, avoid using tampons and don't douche before your appointment.
Also make a list of all medications or supplements you're taking or any allergies you have. Write down questions to ask your doctor. Some basic questions include:
- Can I do anything to prevent cervicitis?
- What signs and symptoms should I watch out for?
- Do I need to take medicine?
- Does my partner also need to be tested or treated?
- Are there any special instructions for taking the medicine?
- Are there any over-the-counter products that will treat my condition?
- What can I do if my symptoms return after treatment?
In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment if you don't understand something.
Questions your doctor may ask
Be prepared to answer questions your doctor may have, such as:
- What vaginal symptoms are you experiencing?
- Do you notice a strong vaginal odor?
- Are you experiencing any urinary problems, such as pain during urination?
- How long have you had your symptoms?
- Are you sexually active?
- Are you experiencing any pain or bleeding during intercourse?
- Do you have abdominal pain?
- Do you douche or use any feminine hygiene products?
- Are you pregnant?
- Have you tried any over-the-counter products to treat your symptoms?
- What medications or vitamin supplements do you regularly take?
- McCormack WM. Vulvovaginitis and cervicitis. In: Mandell GL, et al. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's: Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2005. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/161833431-5/0/1259/794.html?tocnode=51379230&fromURL=794.html. Accessed Sept. 23, 2009.
- Marrazzo J. Cervicitis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 23, 2009.
- Eckert LO, et al. Infections of the lower genital tract: Vulva, vagina, cervix, toxic shock syndrome, HIV infections. In: Katz VL, et al. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/161833431-5/0/1524/147.html?tocnode=53759472&fromURL=147.html. Accessed Sept. 23, 2009
- Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines 2006: Diseases characterized by urethritis and cervicitis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/2006/urethritis-and-cervicitis.htm. Accessed Sept. 25, 2009.
- Marrazzo J. Cervicitis. In: Klausner JD, et al. Current Diagnosis & Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2007. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=3025026. Accessed Sept. 25, 2009.
