What term describes inflammation of the cervix?

• A. Dysmenorrhea
• B. Cervicitis
• C. Endometriosis
• D. Uterine fibroids

Answer: (B)

Inflammation of the cervix is cervicitis. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that projects into the vagina, and when it becomes inflamed, it can swell and discharge may occur. This condition is often due to infection or irritation and is described by the term cervicitis to reflect the location and inflammation. Other terms describe different problems: dysmenorrhea means painful menstruation, endometriosis involves endometrial tissue outside the uterus causing pelvic pain, and uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths within the uterus that cause heavy bleeding or pressure rather than cervical inflammation.