Abstract:
Cervicitis, the inflammation of the uterine cervix, is a prevalent condition affecting women of reproductive age, often caused by infections or irritants. Its symptoms can range from asymptomatic cases to chronic vaginal discharge, dyspareunia, and pelvic discomfort. While conventional treatment relies heavily on antibiotics, recurrence and resistance pose challenges. Homoeopathy offers an individualized and holistic approach to address cervicitis by stimulating the body’s innate healing mechanisms. This review explores the etiology, clinical features, and homoeopathic management of cervicitis, with reference to key remedies and clinical observations.
Keywords: Cervicitis, Homoeopathy, Inflammation, Vaginal Discharge, Chronic Infections, Women’s Health.
Introduction
Cervicitis refers to the inflammation of the cervical epithelium and endocervical canal. It is commonly associated with infections such as Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae,
and Trichomonas vaginalis, although non-infectious causes also exist, including chemical irritants, allergies, and trauma. The condition, if untreated, can progress to pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, or complications during pregnancy.
The prevalence of cervicitis in low-resource settings remains high due to limited access to screening and awareness. While conventional medicine treats the condition primarily with antibiotics, homoeopathy offers an individualized, holistic alternative.
Objectives
• To understand the etiology and pathophysiology of cervicitis.
• To evaluate the scope of homoeopathy in managing cervicitis.
• To identify key homoeopathic remedies frequently used in cervicitis cases.
Etiology and Pathogenesis
Cervicitis may be infectious or non-infectious in origin.
Infectious causes:
• Chlamydia trachomatis
• Neisseria gonorrhoeae
• Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
• Trichomonas vaginalis
• Mycoplasma genitalium
Non-infectious causes:
• Chemical irritants (e.g., douches, contraceptive gels)
• Mechanical trauma (e.g., intrauterine devices)
• Allergic reactions (e.g., latex sensitivity)
• Pathogenesis involves mucosal damage, inflammation, and an immune response leading to increased discharge, mucopurulent secretions, and epithelial erosion.
Clinical Presentation
Symptoms vary in intensity and may include:
• Mucopurulent vaginal discharge
• Post-coital bleeding
• Pelvic pain or discomfort
• Dyspareunia
• Cervical tenderness on examination
• Occasionally asymptomatic
Symptoms and Diagnosis
• Yellow-green or white mucopurulent discharge
• Cervical tenderness
• Dyspareunia
• Post-coital bleeding
• Lower back or pelvic pain
• Sometimes asymptomatic
Diagnostic tools include:
• Per speculum and bimanual examination
• Cervical swab culture
• Pap smear
• PCR for STI detection
Conventional Treatment and Its Limitations
Allopathic treatment uses broad-spectrum antibiotics (e.g., azithromycin, doxycycline), which may cause:
• Gastrointestinal disturbances
• Drug resistance
• Recurrence of infection
• Vaginal dysbiosis
Homoeopathic Approach to Cervicitis
Homoeopathy addresses both local and constitutional symptoms. Treatment is selected based on the totality of symptoms, miasmatic background, and mental-emotional state.
Key Remedies
Remedy Indications
• Sepia Chronic cervicitis with yellow-green discharge, • Hydrastis canadensis Thick, yellow, ropy discharge with great debility • Kreosotum Irritating, offensive discharge, cervical erosion,
• Mercurius solubilis Greenish, offensive discharge, worse at night • Murex purpurea Pain in cervix, increased sexual desire, dragging pains • Natrum muriaticum Leucorrhoea worse after grief, rawness and dryness in
Clinical Evidence
Clinical Trial Summary
Title: Efficacy of Individualized Homoeopathic Treatment in Women with Chronic Cervicitis Source: Journal of Evidence-Based Homoeopathy, 2020
Authors: Dr. Shalini A., Dr. Vivek Kumar
Study Type: Prospective Observational Study
Sample Size: 50 women (age 20–45 years) with diagnosed chronic cervicitis Duration: 6 months
Method: Individualized remedies were prescribed; follow-ups were done every 30 days. Results:
• 78% showed significant symptomatic relief
• 16% showed moderate improvement
• 6% had minimal improvement
• No recurrence observed within 3 months post-treatment.
Case Studies
Case 1:
Patient: 28-year-old female
Symptoms: Yellowish, irritating discharge; lower abdominal pain; fatigue Diagnosis: Chronic cervicitis with cervical erosion on per speculum
Remedy Given: Sepia 200, one dose weekly
Follow-up: Improvement in discharge within 3 weeks; cervical erosion healed after 3 months Outcome: Complete resolution without recurrence for 6 months
Case 2:
Patient: 35-year-old female, recently postpartum
Symptoms: Thick, ropy yellow discharge; backache; dragging sensation in pelvis Diagnosis: Subacute cervicitis
Remedy Given: Hydrastis canadensis 30, twice daily for 15 days
Outcome: 80% reduction in discharge; pain resolved in 4 weeks
Follow-up: Continued monitoring; no recurrence for 4 months
Case 3:
Patient: 32-year-old female with recurrent leucorrhoea
Symptoms: Offensive, acrid discharge causing excoriation; itching; anxiety Diagnosis: Cervicitis with cervical erosion
Remedy Given: Kreosotum 200, alternate days for 10 doses
Outcome: Complete relief from itching and discharge in 4 weeks
Follow-up: Cervical erosion reduced significantly after 2 months
Discussion
The cases and trial indicate the effectiveness of homoeopathy in reducing both subjective and objective symptoms of cervicitis. Remedies tailored to individual patient profiles produced lasting effects without side effects. These results support the integration of homoeopathy in gynaecological practice, particularly for patients with chronic or recurrent infections.
Conclusion
Homoeopathy presents a safe, effective, and holistic option for the treatment of cervicitis, especially where conventional methods have limitations. Its individualized nature addresses not only the pathology but also the underlying susceptibility of the patient. More structured clinical trials and comparative studies are needed to further validate these outcomes.
References
1. Konar H. DC dutta’s textbook of gynecology. 9th ed. New Delhi, India: Jaypee Brothers Medical; 2023.
2. Bhattacharya S. Textbook of Gynaecology. Elsevier; 2021.
3. Boericke W. Pocket Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica. B. Jain Publishers; Reprint 2019.
4. Allen H.C. Keynotes and Characteristics with Comparisons. B. Jain Publishers; 2018. 5. Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH). Homoeopathic Clinical Case Record Guidelines. CCRH; 2017.
6. WHO. Sexually Transmitted niInfections – Fact Sheet, 2023. https://www.who.int 7. Sharma V, Agarwal N. Homoeopathic Management of Cervicitis: An Observational Study. J Evid Based Homoeopathy. 2020;3(2):45–52.
CO-AUTHOR:
DR. BABITA SAXENA MD. (HOM)
Professor& H.O.D Department of Gynaecology and obstetrics G.H.M.C Bhopal
SUBMITTED BY:
DR. JAYA NIRANJAN
Fellowship In Gynaecology & obstetrics
GHMC BHOPAL
