Cervicovaginal

Cervicovaginal refers to the anatomical region that includes the cervix and vagina, its mucosal surfaces, secretions, and associated structures. The cervix forms the lower part of the uterus and connects with the vaginal canal; the transformation zone where squamous and columnar epithelia meet is a key site in this region. The cervicovaginal area is often the focus of routine gynecologic care and infectious disease assessment.

Physiology: Secretions from endocervical glands and vaginal epithelium contribute to cervicovaginal mucus. Hormonal fluctuations across the menstrual cycle, along with pregnancy and age, influence volume, viscosity, and pH. The normal vaginal flora, dominated by Lactobacillus species in many individuals, helps maintain acidity and deter pathogens; disruptions can lead to cervicovaginal infections or dysbiosis.

Clinical relevance: The term is used for specimens and tests collected from this region, including cervicovaginal swabs and smear-based cytology (cervicovaginal cytology, commonly part of Pap tests) and cervicovaginal fluid analysis. Conditions associated with cervicovaginal health include infections such as bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, and trichomoniasis, as well as sexually transmitted infections detected by nucleic acid amplification tests on cervicovaginal samples.

Diagnostics and research: Measurements may include pH, microscopy, culture, and molecular assays to identify pathogens or characterize the microbiome. Understanding cervicovaginal health is important in obstetrics, gynecology, and infectious disease due to implications for pregnancy outcomes, preterm birth risk, and reproductive tract infections.