Common Misdiagnoses of Cervicitis

Cervicitis is inflammation of the cervix, the lower end of the uterus that forms the canal connecting the uterus and vagina. Those who suffer cervicitis may experience a yellowish vaginal discharge. Sometimes this discharge smells and in other cases it does not. Blood may be present in the discharge.

About Cervicitis

The symptoms of this condition include:

• Infertility
• Swollen cervix
• Vaginal bleeding after intercourse
• Vaginal bleeding after a Pap smear
• Vaginal bleeding after a pelvic examination

Causes of cervicitis include the following:

• Chemical douches
• Genital herpes
• Gonorrhea
• IUD
• Reiter’s syndrome
• Sexually transmitted diseases(STDs)
• Tampons that are left in too long
• Trichomoniasis

Of all of these genital herpes is the most common cause of cervicitis. Other STDs like gonorrhea and chlamydia may also lead to cervicitis. As cervicitis may be a symptom of a more virulent disease, a proper diagnosis is pivotal to treating not only the inflammation, but the hidden cause as well.

Diagnoses of Cervicitis

Cervicitis is diagnosed through a pelvic examination. The doctor first examines the outer vaginal area to look for any abnormalities. With a speculum, the doctor then looks at the vaginal walls and the cervix looking for evidence of discharge. The doctor then asserts pressure on the abdomen to palpate the uterus, ovaries and pelvic organs. A swab or a brush is used to remove a sample of both cervical and vaginal fluids. These samples are sent to a laboratory where they are tested for infections. The doctor may also send in a urine sample to be tested.

Upon a definitive diagnosis of cervicitis, treatment may be required, especially if the condition is due to an STD. In this case, the doctor will recommend that the patient's partner also be tested for the STD and subsequently treated. Anti-inflammatory medication will be prescribed to treat the inflammation while antibiotics may be prescribed for any bacterial infections. If the condition is due to genital herpes, which is a virus, then antiviral medication will be recommended.

Misdiagnoses of Cervicitis

If the cervicitis or the underlying cause goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, the cervicitis may become aggravated and the underlying condition will go untreated. Untreated STDs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and genital herpes can worsen if not treated properly and timely.

Find a Lawyer

If you suffered harm and pain because your cervicitis went undiagnosed or was misdiagnosed, especially if the underlying cause was an STD that also went untreated, you have a case for medical malpractice. You can recover damages for the medical expenses arising from the malpractice as well as other costs such as lost wages and pain and suffering. Find a lawyer experienced with medical malpractice cases to determine the compensation that may be due to you.