Cervicitis is most often caused by an infection. However, in a few cases it may be attributed to chemical exposure or a foreign body, such as a pessary (a device inserted into the vagina to support the uterus), cervical cap (a birth control device), or diaphragm.
The condition may also be caused by an allergy to contraceptive spermicides or to latex in condoms. In cases of cervicitis attributed to foreign objects, infection is still frequently the cause, but the presence of the foreign object may make the cervix more susceptible to infection (irritated or raw areas, buildup of discharge, unsanitary insertion methods, etc.).
Cervicitis is very common, affecting more than half of all women at some point during their adult lives. Increased risk is associated with intercourse at an early age, high-risk sexual behavior, multiple sexual partners, and a history of sexually transmitted disease.
Increased risk is also associated with having a partner who has engaged in high-risk sexual behavior or who has had a previous sexually transmitted disease. Gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomonas are commonly seen sexually transmitted infections that can cause cervicitis.
The herpes virus (genital herpes) and human papilloma virus (genital warts) are two other sexually transmitted diseases that can cause cervicitis and abnormal changes in a Pap smear. Organisms, such as staphylococcus and streptococcus, and excessive growth of normal vaginal bacteria (bacterial vaginosis), can also cause cervicitis.