Cervicitis: Diagnosis and Tests
How is cervicitis diagnosed?
If you have any of the above symptoms, or if you have engaged in high-risk sexual practices, you should see your doctor for a full pelvic exam. At this exam, the doctor may perform tests including a Pap smear. In this test, a swab is used to collect cells from the cervix and uterus to look for abnormalities.
The doctor will also take a sample of any vaginal discharge to test for bacteria, such as bacterial vaginosis under a microscope. Tests for the sexually transmitted diseases gonorrhea and chlamydia will also be done.
Your doctor will also perform a full manual pelvic exam, looking for:
- Any redness on the cervix
- Discharge
- Blood on the vagina or cervix
- Inflammation of the vaginal walls
You will lay down on an examination table with your feet in stirrups for these tests.