What condition is indicated by cervical motion tenderness?

Cervical motion tenderness is a clinical sign that indicates inflammation or irritation of the pelvic organs, often associated with conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). When a healthcare provider assesses for cervical motion tenderness, they typically use a bimanual examination technique, and the presence of pain during this maneuver can suggest underlying inflammation or infection, particularly involving the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries.

In the case of pelvic inflammatory disease, which frequently results from sexually transmitted infections, the inflammation can cause discomfort that is exacerbated by the movement of the cervix. This symptom, therefore, serves as a key indicator in diagnosing PID.

Other conditions listed do not typically present with cervical motion tenderness. A cervical fracture usually involves significant trauma and associated clinical findings, menstrual cramps are related to uterine contractions rather than tenderness during examination, and a normal pelvic exam would not indicate any tenderness at all. Thus, the presence of cervical motion tenderness strongly points to pelvic inflammatory disease as the correct condition.