Diseases, Conditions & Concerns / Question
Published: November 18, 2009
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Hi, I recently wrote in asking if I should get tested for herpes. Well I went to my appointment today, and after an exam I was told that I have mucopurulent cervicitis, and that it might give me pelvic inflammatory disease which might render me infertile. I'm currently taking three types of medicine for the MPC and what was described as a "super yeast infection". Is it true that MPC can cause infertility? I'd like to have a family someday.
Signed: Can MPC Really Cause Infertility?
Dear Can MPC Really Cause Infertility?,
Cervicitis is a general term for an infection and inflammation of the cervix. The cervix is a ring-like structure located above the vagina and below the uterus. Some types of cervicitis may result in a mucopurulent discharge as one of the findings on examination.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is inflammation of the female upper genital tract. There are many infections that can cause PID – one of which is mucopurulent cervicitis (MPC) travelling up from the vagina and cervix. About 1 million women in the U.S. and 10 percent of women in reproductive years are affected. Risk factors include age less than 35 years old, multiple or new sexual partners, unprotected intercourse, history of STDs, and the presence of certain birth control devices such as IUD where there is prolonged insertion of a device into the vagina.
Symptoms and signs of cervicitis include discharge usually with no pelvic pain or fever. MPC that has developed into PID has tenderness of the belly area or waist area on the side/ back, fever, and discharge. One may also experience tenderness of the cervix upon examination. The most common infections are from organisms called gonorrhea, chlamydia, e. coli, or gardnerella. Cervicitis is often caused by chlamydia or gonorrhea. PID is rarely caused by a single organism.
An isolated episode of cervicitis in a healthy woman with no underlying medical/ surgical history or recurrent infections, for example, is unlikely to lead to infertility. Untreated or chronic/ repetitive PID from spreading cervicitis over time can contribute to the development of infertility from various complications, such as scarring of the tubes that come from the ovaries. Early treatment with a full course of prescribed antibiotics, however, can help prevent or reduce the risk of infertility significantly. As there are many conditions, cervical and even vaginal infections, with varying causes, findings, and complications, it is difficult to determine which best fits your situation without a thorough history and physical visit; it is highly advisable to seek initial testing, treatment, follow-up, and additional counseling specific to your condition from your physician. Remember that any sexual partner(s) may also need to be treated empirically by a physician.
If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-6475 for an appointment or contact your local teen health center or Planned Parenthood. You can also contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
At least 50% of sexually active men and women acquire genital HPV infection at some point in their lives.
