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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staff
Your doctor will likely perform a physical examination, including:
- A pelvic exam. This exam may reveal redness of the cervix and evidence of discharge. During the exam, your doctor checks your external genitalia to make sure they look normal. To see the inner walls of your vagina and cervix, your doctor inserts an instrument called a speculum into your vagina to hold the vaginal walls apart. After removing the speculum, your doctor inserts two gloved fingers inside your vagina. While simultaneously pressing down on your abdomen, he or she palpates your uterus, ovaries and other pelvic organs.
- A specimen collection. In a process similar to a Pap test, your doctor uses a small cotton swab or a brush to gently remove a sample of cervical and vaginal fluid. The procedure generally takes only a few minutes. Your doctor sends the sample to a laboratory to test for infections. Lab tests also may be performed on a urine sample.
References
- 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.
