Mucopurulent
Cervicitis (MPC)

MPC is caused by other STDs such as chlamydia or gonorrhea and can lead to PID if left untreated.

Although MPC sometimes comes with no signs or symptoms, for women it can cause bleeding during or after sex, unusual vaginal discharge, spotting between periods, lower abdominal pain or pain during sex.

Depending on symptoms and the results of other STI tests, there are several different kinds of antibiotics that might be prescribed to treat MPC. Even after treatment, you may be asked to schedule a follow-up to make sure the infection is totally cleared up and there is no risk of getting PID later.

Avoid douching because it can actually hide the symptoms of MPC making it harder to diagnose and treat.

As with all STIs, the most effective protection is to abstain from sexual activity or be mutually monogamous with one long-term partner who does not have MPC or any other STI. Condoms made of latex, polyurethane and/or polyisoproprene and dental dams can help reduce the risk of contracting or spreading the infection.

Getting Tested

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Type of test

There is no specific test for MPC, but a health care provider can diagnose the infection based on symptoms and a visual examination of a patient’s genitals. The provider will look for white blood cells or pus, which may indicate MPC. Because MPC can be caused by other STIs, a health care provider will probably test for chlamydia, gonorrhea or other infections based on a patient’s sexual history and symptoms.

Test Timing

Since no lab test is required, diagnosis will occur during an exam. However, if a health care provider wants to test for other STIs, which is likely, it may be a couple of days to a week for the results.

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