Endometritis (patient information)
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Endometritis |
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Editor-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S.,M.D. [1] Phone:617-632-7753; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Lakshmi Gopalakrishnan, M.B.B.S.
Overview
Endometritis is an inflammation or irritation of the lining of the uterus (the endometrium).
What are the symptoms of Endometritis?
- Abdominal distention or swelling
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Discomfort with bowel movement (constipation may occur)
- Fever (100 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit)
- General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling (malaise)
- Lower abdominal or pelvic pain (uterine pain)
What causes Endometritis?
- Endometritis is caused by infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, tuberculosis, or mixtures of normal vaginal bacteria.
- Endometritis is more likely to occur after miscarriage or childbirth, especially after a long labor or c-section.
- A medical procedure that involves entering the uterus through the cervix will increase the risk of developing endometritis. This includes a D and C, hysteroscopy, and placement of an intrauterine device (IUD).
- Endometritis can occur at the same time as other pelvic infections such as acute salpingitis, acute cervicitis, and many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
When to seek urgent medical care?
- Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of endometritis.
- Call immediately if you have symptoms and have recently had a baby, miscarriage, abortion, IUD placement, or any surgery involving the uterus.
Diagnosis
- The health care provider will perform a physical exam and a pelvic exam. The lower abdomen may be tender. Bowel sounds may be decreased. A pelvic exam may show the uterus and cervix is tender. There may be cervical discharge.
- The following tests may be performed:
- Cultures from the cervix for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and other organisms
- Endometrial biopsy
- ESR (sedimentation rate)
- Laparoscopy
- WBC (white blood count)
- Wet prep (microscopic exam of any discharge)
Treatment options
- Antibiotics are used to treat and prevent complications of endometritis. If you've been prescribed antibiotics following a gynecological procedure, it is very important to finish all the medication and follow up with your health care provider.
- You may need to be admitted to a hospital if you have a complicated case of endometritis, such as those that involve serious symptoms, or which occur after childbirth.
- Other treatments may involve:
- Fluids through a vein (by IV)
- Rest
- Sexual partners may also need to be treated if the condition is caused by a sexually transmitted disease.
Where to find medical care for Endometritis?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Endometritis
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
- Most cases of endometritis go away with antibiotics.
- Untreated endometritis can lead to more serious infection and complications with pelvic organs, reproduction, and general health.
Possible complications
- Infertility
- Pelvic peritonitis (generalized pelvic infection)
- Pelvic or uterine abscess formation
- Septicemia
- Septic shock
Prevention
- Endometritis caused by sexually transmitted infections can be prevented by:
- Early diagnosis and complete treatment of sexually transmitted diseases in yourself and all sexual partners
- Practicing safe sex, such as using condoms
- The risk of endometritis is reduced by the careful, sterile techniques used by appropriate providers when delivering a baby or perfoming an abortion, IUD placement, or other gynecological procedures.