What Is Cervicitis?
7. How Is Cervicitis Diagnosed?
Suspected cervicitis can be diagnosed using a two-part diagnostic method. The first part is a pelvic exam during which the physician feels the areas surrounding the cervix as well as the abdomen to check for sore or tender tissues. As with an annual gynecological exam, the physician inserts a speculum to obtain a view of the cervix and check for any visual abnormalities.
The second diagnostic exam involves using the same type of collection tools that are used during a pap smear to collect a specimen to test for cervicitis. A cotton swab will take a sample of the discharge and cells on the cervix to analyze in the laboratory. In many cases, especially when a patient complains of painful urination, the physician also collects a urine sample to check for a urinary tract infection.
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