Cervicitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammatory changes in the lower part of the uterus (cervix) opening to the vaginal canal. It is very common for an affected woman to not to notice any symptom. Usually if present, the most common presenting symptom is vaginal bleeding in between two menstrual scheduled bleeding.
There are different causes of cervicitis; the most common one being due to sexually transmitted diseases, however non infectious causes like allergic reactions are also seen. Having unprotected sex and multiple sexual partners are the most common underlying cause of cervicitis.
Cervicitis due to sexually transmitted disease are treated by antibiotics, antiamoebic agents, etc. If sexually transmitted diseases are found to be the underlying cause, then the partner of the woman should also be offered treatment.
Symptoms
In most of the cases cervicitis as such does not produce any symptoms; the diagnosis is usually made after Pap smear test or cervical biopsy. However, if present symptoms include grey to yellow colored vaginal discharge often with a foul odor, increased frequency of painful urination with, painful intercourse, occasional bleeding from the vagina especially in between two episodes of normal menstrual bleeding, after intercourse or even after menstruation.
Hence anyone suffering from vaginal bleeding other than normal menstrual bleeding, chronic vaginal discharge etc, should consult the doctor without delay.
Untreated cervicitis may lead to certain types of complications; cervicitis occurring due to sexually transmitted infections namely, Chlamydia or gonorrhea may spread to the inner lining of the uterine cavity (the endometrium) and other pelvic organs like the fallopian tubes resulting in pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID). Pelvic inflammatory disease is characterized by high fever, excessive vaginal discharge, pain in the pelvic area; in short symptoms similar to cervicitis apart from high fever. Now, without treatment pelvic inflammatory disease may progress to difficulty to conceive either due to formation of adhesive tissues or due to blockage of the fallopian tubes.
Causes
The cervix is the narrow tubular portion of the lower part of the uterus. There are two different types of cells which line the inner part of the cervix; these are flat cells (squamous cells) and gland like cells secreting mucous. The cervix is the barrier between the infectious microorganisms (bacteria and virus) and the uterus; hence cervicitis may lead to the spread of infection to the uterus.
There are several causes of cervicitis; these are
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) namely Chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, trichomoniasis etc; although there is evidence that infection by human papilloma virus lead to cervicitis.
Allergy especially to the spermicidal jelly or latex used in condoms
Overgrowth of normal vaginal bacteria (bacteria vaginosis) may sometimes lead to cervicitis
Common risk factors include having multiple sex partners at one point of time, having unprotected sex, starting sex life from an early age, past history of suffering from sexually transmitted diseases, having a single partner with high risk sexual behavior like having multiple partners or suffering from sexually transmitted diseases etc.  
Treatment
Only the cases of cervicitis caused by an underlying sexually transmitted disease require treatment and both the partners should be treated. Antibiotic drugs for bacterial infections and antiviral drugs for viral infections are prescribed; although infection by herpes virus tends to become chronic and may spread to the partner at any point of time.Sexual intercourse must be avoided until the treatment is completed.