Gynecological conditions and HIV / AIDS

October 2005     View PDF     En español

Cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease

Cervicitis in an inflammation of the cervix. Several conditions can lead to cervicitis, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas, bacterial vaginosis and cytomegalovirus (CMV). The treatment for cervicitis depends on its cause. If you have mild cervicitis, you may not notice any symptoms. However, when they do occur, they include a pus-like vaginal discharge with an odor, painful intercourse, spotting or bleeding after intercourse, and abdominal or back pain.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a range of disorders in the upper reproductive tract, including the fallopian tubes, uterus, ovaries and, in advanced stages, the abdominal lining. Common symptoms include chronic, moderate-to-severe pain; tenderness in the abdomen; irregular periods; non-menstrual bleeding; and painful and frequent urinating.

Like other GYN conditions, PID appears to be more common, severe and resistant to treatment in women with HIV, especially those with AIDS. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that HIV-infected women who develop PID be followed closely with early hospitalization and IV therapy with a recommended antibiotic regimen, if possible.